The Curtain Club

Monday to Sunday

Live piano music from Wednesday to Saturday from 9 p.m. to 1 a.m.

For inquiries from 20 persons

Behind the elegant drapes alongside the sumptuous lobby of The Ritz-Carlton, Berlin, you will discover The Curtain Club, a wonderfully uncommon Berlin bar. Inside, mahogany woods, leather chairs and marble-topped tables wrap guests in old-school luxury. Cocktail lovers will rejoice over expressive flavors and fine ingredients served amid a genteel ambiance that includes a crackling fireplace and glass-topped baby grand piano.

Berlin Cocktail Guide

Antlered Bunny

Aunt Benny – the cosy café on a corner of Traveplatz – transformed their dinky office into the intimate Antlered Bunny a couple of years ago, and since then its been at the forefront of Friedrichshain’s craft cocktail scene. Bar manager Damian Guichard takes his place behind the tiny bar surrounded by an outrageous selection of gins and whiskies on the back wall, and homemade bitters and syrups on the bar. Try his excellent Eastern Dawn which blends gin, sake (from Friedrichshain’s Sake Kontor, no less), sweet vermouth, maraschino cherry juice, Peychaud’s Bitters and a quick dash of absinthe. Since there’s only enough seating for 15 thirsty souls at the bar (no standing allowed), it’s best to get there early.

• Oder Strasse 7, Friedrichshain, Facebook, open Tue-Fri 6pm – 2am Sat-Sun 12pm-2am.

Becketts Kopf

It’s unmarked save for an eerily glowing photograph of Samuel Beckett in the window, so you’ll need to ring a doorbell to gain access to this Prenzlauer Berg bar. Inside are two elegant, dimly lit rooms (one reserved for smokers) with low tables and chesterfield sofas. The comprehensive drinks list – ensconced between the pages of a Beckett tome – is divided into sections such as fresh and funky, and herbal and floral, and always features seasonal specials. The ice is hand-cut, and staff are happy to tailor-make drinks for the undecided. Absinthe fans may wish to sample the bar’s take on the classic Monkey’s Gland, made with English marmalade.

• Pappelallee 64, Prenzlauer Berg, 0162 237 9418, becketts-kopf.de. Open Tues-Sun from 8pm

Bryk Bar’s mission is simple: to bring back aperitifs. To do this they’ve created an menu of wine and vermouth based drinks which can be paired with interesting nibbles, like their popcorn with dill. The leather armchairs and vintage wooden furniture create a sophisticated ambiance, and the staff can knock up a mean cocktail too. While there are a couple of well-known classics on their cocktail menu, most of the drinks – and their memorable titles – are the bar’s own creative inventions; try the Oily Bondage For Beginners and you’ll realise that whisky and Guinness syrup were made for each other.

• Ryke Strasse 18, Prenzlauer Berg, 030 3810 0165, bryk-bar.com, open Tue-Sun from 7pm

Buck and Breck

The newest and most low-key of Berlin’s cocktail spots, this tiny black room, named after former American president James Buchanan and his vice-president, John Breckinridge, occupies a prime location in Mitte. It’s disguised as an art gallery from the outside – the sole window is usually blocked out with crates or quirky decor – and the dark interior has enough room for just 14 people, seated around a large, square bar (no standing allowed). Owners Gonçalo de Sousa Monteiro and Holger Groll churn out exquisite drinks such as the eponymous house special: a tasty, muscular mix of cognac, bitters, absinthe and champagne, from a small but perfectly formed menu that’s heavy on the arcane and historical. Reservations recommended.

• Brunnenstrasse 177, Mitte, no telephone, buckandbreck.com. Open daily from 8pm

Green Door

Tucked away in bohemian Schöneberg, the chosen stomping ground for everyone from Christopher Isherwood to David Bowie over the years, Green Door is a veteran “locals” spot that takes its drinking seriously. Owner and playwright Fritz Müller-Scherz opened the bar 15 years ago to promote what he calls “the power of positive drinking”. Hiding behind the rudimentary green sign and nondescript curtains lurks a kitsch interior that’s all gingham wallpaper, 70s framed photos and a dog mascot that rests on the bar. The cocktail list is impressively long, features specials every month and includes the bar’s eponymous signature drink, a mix of champagne, lemon, sugar, and mint.

• Winterfeldtstrasse 50, Schöneberg, 030 215 2515, greendoor.de. Open Sun-Thurs 6pm-3am, Fri-Sat 6pm-4am (happy hour 6pm-9pm)

Newton Bar

With its characteristic red-leather seats and imposing 18ft photographs of stiletto-heeled nudes, this classic cocktail bar bows deeply to renowned fashion photographer Helmut Newton. The upmarket atmosphere is emphasised by heavy oak tables and a lavish, colourful bar that serves up a wealth of distinguished drinks: superbly mixed classics like Manhattans and Martinis as well as “city specials” such as the Metropolis Berlin, which features Jägermeister, and the Shanghai, which has lychee and plum. There are also direct views on to the Gendarmenmarkt through large picture windows. Expect to mingle with businessmen, fashionistas and well-heeled tourists. An upstairs cigar lounge is available for private tête-à-têtes.

• Charlottenstrasse 57, Mitte, 030 202 9540, newton-bar.de. Open Sun-Thurs 10am-3am, Fri-Sat 10am-4am

Reingold’s 1930s speakeasy theme is supported by a cast of bartenders with slicked-back hair, braces and cigarette lighters at the ready. Frequented by office workers, hipsters and local barflies, the long, narrow room has amber-painted walls, a giant mural of Thomas Mann’s children Klaus and Erika, and some German bar snacks for peckish punters. The soundtrack switches between swing and Motown and the staff are well-schooled in classics, as well as seasonal drinks: the One in a Million is a fruity-herby blend of aged Indian rum, fresh lime, rosemary, pineapple juice and vanilla liqueur, and the Chocolate Agavioni tweaks the classic Negroni cocktail by blending 100% agave tequila blanco with campari, sweet vermouth and chocolate liqueur.

• Novalisstrasse 11, Mitte, 030 2838 7676, reingold.de. Open Tues-Sat 7pm-4am

Schwarze Traube

Another knock-to-enter, speakeasy-style venue, Schwarze Traube is one of the comfiest cocktail bars in town. There’s dark wallpapers and birdcages and a purposeful lack of menu; simply tell the staff what kinds of spirits and flavours you’re in the mood for and they’ll suggest you a winner. If you’re lucky to have owner (and 2013’s World Class Bartender of The Year) Atalay Aktas behind the bar, ask for his signature drink; his My Destiny (rosemary and thyme infused Kettel One Vodka, fresh lime juice, agave syrup and ground black pepper) is an example of the bar’s holistic cocktail style.

• Wrangel Strasse 24, Kreuzberg, 030 2313 5569, Facebook, open daily from 7pm

Stagger Lee

Ring the doorbell to enter into this quirky bar, which aims to transport guests back to a time of gold diggin’ gun slingers. With a faux bear skin on the wall, saloon doors, a huge antique till and blues and jitterbug tinkling from the sound system, Stagger Lee is in reality more ‘upmarket saloon’ than rough and ready cowboy hangout. Drinks take on an inevitable Deep South theme, with an emphasis on Bourbons and Ryes, but there’s also the odd Tiki cocktail thrown in to the menu for good measure. Our drink of choice is their Bucket of Blood: tequila and zesty tomato juice are given the usual Bloody Mary garnishings, but the real treat is that crispy rasher of bacon that’s dipped in the glass.

• Nollendorf Strasse 27, Schöneberg, 030 2903 6158 , staggerlee.com, open daily from 7pm

Rum Trader

This tiny bar has a big history. With roots that allegedly stretch back to the prohibition era, it consists of just one table, several bar stools and a small bar that hosts around twenty patrons at a time. The entire ensemble is commandeered by the smartly attired, bespectacled Herr Scholl (and an occasional assistant), whose flawless drinks are served in vintage glasses and made with old school paraphernalia like strainers, muddlers and scoops. The menu is heavy on gin as well as, of course, rum, stretching from heavenly Hemingways to spectacular Rum Sours.

• Fasanenstrasse 40, 10719 Berlin, 030 8811 428. Open 7pm-1am Mon-Fri; 9.30am-2am Sat-Sun.

With its raw interior and laid-back atmosphere, Twinpigs has quickly established itself as a heavyweight amongst in Neukölln nightlife spots. But the venue prides itself high above its peers when it comes to the quality of drinks, which is justified once you’ve sampled the goods. Ranging from the traditional to the inventive, every ingredient is painstakingly matched to ensure a perfect mix each time…even their gin and tonics are spruced up with homemade tonic. Those wanting something a little more hoppy can ask for the menu of craft beers, which including brews from the local Heidenpeters and Rollberger breweries.

• Boddin Strasse 57a, Neukölln, Facebook, open Tue-Sat 7pm-3am

Victoria Bar

Before Potsdamer Strasse turned into a hip hangout, the Victoria Bar was first to bring a dash of class to the area. Its award-winning interior features a classic wooden bar and walls decorated with satirical artworks by the likes of Sarah Lucas, Marcel Dzama and Martin Kippenberger. Popular with a refined yet unpretentious clientele, the Victoria offers expertly mixed drinks: try the Prince Charles, a heady mix of cognac VS, apricot brandy, angostura and champagne, or the psychedelic Sun Ra, which blends tequila, mezcal, Old Pascas 73°, dry orange, almond syrup, and fresh lemon and lime to aptly psychedelic effect. Cocktail classes are available at the venue’s School of Drunkenness.

• Potsdamer Strasse 102, Tiegarten, 030 2575 9977, victoriabar.de. Open Sun-Thurs 6.30pm-3am, Fri-Sat 6.30pm-4am (happy hour 6.30pm-9.30pm)

Despite being a briefcase-lob from the US Embassy, this quiet, one-room bar is far from a haunt for diplomats. Owner Günter Windhorst has crafted a place that’s loose-limbed and intimate, egged on by his own jazz and Latin collection (vinyl only), and paintings of jazz musicians on the wall. There’s an emphasis on American-style drinks within the 52-page menu but innovative touches balance out the classics (try the lemongrass Gimlet – an exotic adaptation of the gin and lime juice classic. It’s a great place for a pre- or post-theatre tipple – or just settle in at the bar and watch the staff apply their craft with impressive diligence.

• Dorotheenstrasse 65, Mitte, 030 2045 0070, no website. Open daily from 6pm (9pm Sat-Sun)

Würgeengel

Würgeengel means “Exterminating Angel” after the Luis Buñuel film – and is much easier to pronounce after a few drinks. One of the city’s more relaxed cocktail bars, it matches a winsome, old-school interior (leather booths, candles on wooden tables, a glass-latticed ceiling) with a drinks menu that has great cocktails and a fine selection of whiskies and wines from Veuve Cliquot and Dom Pérignon to great rieslings from Rheinhessen and deep red riojas that go with the tasty, well-priced tapas (large mixed plate €10.50, tapas-for-two for €16). There’s good Italian food at the Gorgonzola Club next door, and the atmosphere retains a pleasant neighbourhood feel.

• Dresdener Strasse 122, Kreuzberg, 030 615 5560, wuergeengel.de. Open daily from 7pm

10 Great Cocktail Bars In Berlin, Germany

Since the fall of the Berlin Wall back in 1989, Germany’s unified capital city has changed in so many ways. One sign of Berlin’s cosmopolitan resurgence: an astonishingly vibrant cocktail scene. All across this booming city of 3.5 million, the thirsty traveler will find vast spirits selections and meticulous cocktails. While Berlin has experienced an excessive proliferation of speakeasy-style bars with doorbells and hidden storefronts, a long-tired trend in the U.S. and elsewhere, the versions here thankfully lack the same high level of pretension, not to mention the excessive prices often found in cocktail meccas like London. Quirky Berliner humor and prototypical German precision ensure many superb bars where you can have a quality cocktail for less than $15 U.S. Here are ten of our favorites:

At the Curtain Club, bartenders offer various twists on the classic Blue Blazer flaming cocktail. (Photo: Virginia Miller)

Fragrances and the Curtain Club at the Ritz-Carlton Berlin , Tiergarten

In the main lobby of the Ritz-Carlton, the Curtain Club is a completely different experience, but no less wonderful. Where Fragrances is reverent and removed, Curtain Club’s long bar, dark woods and fat armchairs buzz with locals and travelers enjoying live music around the grand piano. Heissen and his talented team of international bartenders keep the vibe playful with an only-in-Berlin sense of humor and the most engaging presentation of a classic Blue Blazer cocktail anywhere set to music (the lights go down and each bartender has a unique song and interpretation of the flaming 1800s drink). As at Fragrances, Heissen’s cocktails are as intriguing as they are balanced, inspired by unique aromatics and essential oils he collects at the bar. Case in point: Vetiver Garden lets the grassy, stone notes of mezcal shine, illuminated by Fukuyu yuzu sake, lemon, vetiver essential oil and egg white. Curtain Club is also the only bar in town to house every variety of the rare Stählemühle schnapps, produced by the distiller of famed Monkey 47 Gin, from coriander to Japanese mint. The Ritz-Carlton Berlin, Potsdamer Platz 3, 10785 Berlin

Famed for its appearance in Quentin Tarantino’s Inglourious Basterds, the old mansion that houses the three-room, oak-paneled Lebensstern is a spirits’ lover’s heaven and easily one of the best bars in the world (located upstairs from Cafe Einstein). Glowing cabinets, surrounded by cushy armchairs and couches, are packed with insane rarities, including more than 600 kinds of rum, around 500 whiskies and 200 gins, from China to the Middle East — a stockpile that rivals the unreal spirits collections commonly found in Tokyo. There are tasting flights in numerous spirits categories, from rhum agricole to German gins, with many bottles decades old. Classic cocktails dominate, set to indoor smoking and live jazz. Entered after ringing a doorbell on massive front steps and being escorted upstairs, the elegant space appeals to drink aficionados and history buffs alike. An evening here feels like being blissfully lost in another world and time. Kurfürstenstraße 58,10785 Berlin, +49-30-263 91 922

Le Croco Bleu feels like a 1930s supper club set in a faux tropical island getaway. (Photo: Virginia Miller.)

Le Croco Bleu, Prenzlauer Berg

There are a handful of Berlin bars that feel like a time warp, and Le Croco Bleu is one of them, opened by Paris Bar and Rum Trader barman Gregor Scholl. Trying to find the bar, which is hidden in the former Bötzow Brewery just off busy Prenzlauer Allee, feels like walking into some abandoned, futuristic world. But once you step inside, you enter a wonderland of piping and brickwork — one that feels like a 1930s supper club set in a faux tropical island getaway, complete with greenery and a large stuffed crocodile, with crooners serenading you from the speakers. Servers in black ties and white coats bring cocktails on trays (generally ranging from €9 to €18), including dreamy creations like a Yuzu Mai Tai, combining Bacardi 8 year and Appleton V/X rums with yuzu, dry orange curaçao and lemon, topped with a yuzu-almond espuma (foam). It’s sheer magic, a place to dress up and linger. Prenzlauer Allee 242, 10405 Berlin, +49 151 582 478 04

Berlin’s oldest cocktail bar, Rum Trader, is virtually unchanged since opening in 1976 but feels more like stepping into Berlin’s glory days in the 1930s, complete with big band jazz softly playing in the closet-sized space. There is a buzzer on the door, but it is best to call ahead as the smoke-filled space can barely fit two dozen patrons. This bar, run by the eccentric Gregor Scholl (also of Le Croco Bleu), is for the dedicated cocktail aficionado, those willing to give respect to the experience, one that ultimately is rife with romance, a place where time stops. As you sip a classic agricole rhum Ti Punch, or a neat pour of 20-year Dictador rum, you realize this is a slice of history, a one-of-a-kind bar that epitomizes jazz age Berlin. Fasanenstraße 40, 10719 Berlin, +49 30 8811428

Redwood Bar in Berlin is operated by two California ex-pats. (Photo: Virginia Miller.)

Californians and produce-driven cocktail fans will feel right at home at Redwood Bar, thanks to its West Coast proprietors (owner Kevin Brown is from Sacramento, bar manager Shawn Beck from San Francisco). But so will anyone craving a laid-back bar, a barrel-aged cocktail (a rarity in Berlin) or well-made classics, listed on a flavor spectrum, like “dry” (El Presidente, Vesper, Boulevardier, Calvados Cocktail) or “sweet” (Negroni, Hanky Panky, Manhattan, Vieux Carre). In keeping with its California roots, the bar itself is a striking redwood tree slab, and the staff head to a nearby farmers’ market daily for fresh produce, utilized in the cocktail of the day and featured drinks. Go the fresh route with the likes of a Maypole, mixing gin, lemon, strawberry, basil and chili tincture, or go boozy-bracing with a Constantinople, combining rye whiskey, coffee, cardamom and old-fashioned bitters. Bergstraße 25, 10115 Berlin, +49 30 70248813

Think Old West saloon in a dim, seductive, old-timey space, and you’ll start to picture the allure of Stagger Lee, named after the oft-covered folk song. There is a doorbell, but you can see right into the bar, so it doesn’t feel exclusive so much as laid-back. The wood-lined cocktail parlor is marked by saloon doors, antique lamps and a piano. American whiskies and tunes set the tone, while bartenders are equally adept with the other dominant spirit on the menu: tequila. Sipping a Margot, a refreshing combination of Aperol, sweet vermouth, soda and Sudtiroler Wacholderschnaps, you might just wish this were your neighborhood bar. Nollendorfstraße 27, 10777 Berlin, +49 30 29036158

Becketts Kopf, Prenzlauer Berg

Hidden speakeasy Becketts Kopf (translating to Beckett’s Head) has been one of Berlin’s revered bars for more than a decade, drawing many a bartender to move to the city to work here, as evidenced by the international staff. It’s best to call ahead to see if there is seating in the two-room space (no standing around allowed, with one room for smokers). To enter, press the buzzer next to an illuminated photograph of Irish novelist Samuel Beckett, the bar’s namesake. Menus hide inside Beckett’s books, but the accommodating staff can easily go off-menu, pulling from the venue’s highly curated spirits selection. After talking German schnapps, the staff served me a Forrest cocktail, mixing Old Bardstown bourbon infused with rosemary and one of a couple rare bottles of the aforementioned Stählemühle schnaps, a schnapps aromatic with pine and leaves. Pappelallee 64, 10437 Berlin, +49 162 2379418

There is no menu at Schwarze Traube; bartenders custom-make each drink to your preferences. (Photo: Virginia Miller.)

Schwarze Traube, Kreuzberg

Though some bemoan the hipper-than-thou staff and exclusivity of speakeasy-esque Schwarze Traube — and the experience does require some patience and time to wait for custom drinks — here, drinks are unique and tasty. Bartenders seem to keep to themselves until approaching you to discuss your preferences to create a custom cocktail. One of a few intriguing drinks customized for me was made with a local German gin, Ferdinand’s Saar Quince, mixed with Campari, cardamom, lime, muscat grapes and Ferdinand’s Rubinette Apple Lemon Thyme Bitters, with fresh nutmeg grated on top. Wrangelstraße 24, 10997 Berlin, +49 30 23135569

Buck and Breck (named after the former U.S. president James Buchanan and his vice president, John Breckinridge) is yet another speakeasy-style spot with an art gallery front. B & B only seats 14 people around one large bar that takes up the whole room. But unlike many of the classic cocktail–heavy speakeasy bars around Berlin , this one is set to a hip-hop soundtrack, with bartenders in T-shirts and baseball caps and patrons smoking around the bar. It’s a seductive setting and an easy place to make friends over well-crafted but not fussy cocktails. Reservations recommended. Brunnenstraße 177, 10119 Berlin, +49 176 32315507

Though Bar Amano cocktail prices run high (€13 to €15), and the somewhat stuffy hotel bar space isn’t exactly uplifting (especially if you’d rather skip the clubby weekend DJ atmosphere), the rooftop bar and views are inspiring, allowing guests to gaze out over the Berlin skyline. The artful menu is like a history of America via cocktails, and not everything works, but creative combinations can sing, expressing the culinary side of cocktails. Case in point: El Conejo Muerto, a bright, savory blend of Marca Negra Espadin Mezcal, carrot curry syrup, house celery bitters, lime and orange peel. Auguststraße 43, 10119 Berlin, +49 30 8094150

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Cocktails With A View in Berlin

From Charlottenburg to Kreuzberg, nearly every Berlin Kiez (neighborhood) boasts a worthwhile vista, as well as primo locales for enjoying the sights. After a long day of touring the town, kick back at one of these rooftop bars that offer some of the best scenery in town.

Starting out in the West, Monkey Bar earns its name from its position atop the 25hours Hotel, where visitors can peek into the adjacent zoo and its simian denizens, with the whole of the Tiergarten spreading out beyond. Order some of the signature hummus from neighboring restaurant Neni, a dish that pairs well with the Crazy Goat, an eccentric blend of whisky, port rosé, cacao liqueur, bitters, and egg white. Nonalcoholic drink options are just as inventive as their potent counterparts.

With its location smack dab in the center of Berlin, the neighborhood of Mitte boasts perhaps the highest number of lofty perches for combined tippling and sightseeing. The Rooftop Terrace of the Hotel de Rome sits just above the neighboring facades of historical buildings, bringing guests eyeball level with the statues, while at night the dome of the Berlin Cathedral glows just a stone’s throw away. Summer finds a calendar of themed events (Bossa Nova BBQ, Havana Night), or come on a weeknight, when sparser crowds provide for a more serene sunset viewing.

Just a short walk away, the Roof bar at Hotel Amano imparts a beach-like atmosphere, with its cushioned banquettes and canvas umbrellas. In the shadow of the iconic TV Tower, a lively crowd gathers to the beat of DJs while enjoying a range of high-end cocktails and more casual refreshments, including top-shelf spirits and several champagne vintages worthy of celebratory occasions.

But perhaps the most popular destination for beverages and bird’s-eye views await at Klunkerkranich, perched five stories up on the Neukölln Arcaden. Despite the bar’s location in an obscure corner of the mall’s parking structure, revelers pack the place wall to wall most nights, both for one of the city’s best views and the offbeat atmosphere that has come to epitomize Berlin. An eclectic entertainment calendar, regular food events, and a supremely chill atmosphere reflect the neighborhood’s bohemian vibe, which is underscored by the community gardening project. Grab a cold one and park yourself on a bench to enjoy a panorama of red-roofed buildings that stretches as far as the eye can see.

The New York Times

September 21, 2016

THURSDAY PUZZLE — I’ve always said that if there are two things that go together particularly well, it’s puns and European travel. [You have, in fact, never said that. — Ed.] [You don’t believe me? Check out this sketch from Monty Python. — D. A.]

[Video: The Funniest Joke In The World - Monty Python's Flying Circus Watch on YouTube.]

Jeffrey Wechsler returns with a theme that also combines these two things in a very funny way and with considerably fewer Nazis.

Today’s Theme

The name of the game today is knowing how to count in different languages. Mr. Wechsler has taken five common, two-word phrases and turned the first word of each phrase into a sound-alike French, Spanish or German number.

I thought these were funny, and while it took me some time to get the hang of the theme, I appreciated how close Mr. Wechsler got in the first word/number sound-alike substitutions. The only one that wasn’t quite spot on for me was HUIT FIELDS (for WHEAT FIELDS), because I put a bit more aspiration into my pronunciation of HUIT than perhaps others do, but I would not do that with the word WHEAT. [Don’t tell Deb, but I sneaked this in here: — Ed.]

There is the repetition of the number three in the theme, but they’re different languages and they’re funny so, on balance, I was willing to give it a pass. Finally, I noticed a few “escaped” foreign numbers in Mr. Wechsler’s grid, but he explains those below.

Here is the theme set (or SEPT), with the original phrases:

17A: SEPT (7 in French) PIECES = SET PIECES

23A: DREI (3 in German) MARTINIS = DRY MARTINIS

37A: SECHS (6 in German) THERAPISTS = SEX THERAPISTS

46A: TRES (3 in Spanish) ELEMENTS = TRACE ELEMENTS

57A: HUIT (8 in French) FIELDS = WHEAT FIELDS

Tricky Clues

• 1A: I love this quote about James JOYCE (“I guess the man’s a genius, but what a dirty mind he has, hasn’t he?”). His wife, Nora JOYCE’s opinion about her husband continues in this interview from “James Joyce: Interviews and Recollections,” by E. H. Mikhail.

• 10A: I watched “Batman” religiously as a child, but OLGA, the “Queen of the Cossacks,” was a new one on me. She was portrayed in the 1960s television series by Anne Baxter.

• 62A: Trick question! “Who has won more Olympic medals than Michael Phelps?” is a great way to clue NO ONE.

• 1D: In this clue, the “‘No way’ man” is JOSÉ, as in “No way, José!”

• 2D: Hands up if you confidently dropped SONG into this slot. I quickly figured out that it was wrong, because I was pretty sure that the answer to 20A was ESS (“It’s twisted”). The answer is the ODES of Solomon.

• 8D: In the clue “Sole end?” we’re looking for what’s at the end of the sole of the foot, and, at least on mine, the answer is TOE.

• 13D: D.A.D.T. stands for “Don’t ASK, Don’t Tell,” the policy on military service by LGBTQ people instituted in 1994 and lasting until 2011.

• 45D: Beer STEINS are “Porter supporters?”, Porters being a type of dark beer.

Constructor’s Notes

The seed entry for this puzzle theme was DREI MARTINIS. I simply noticed the homophonic relationship of the word DRY to the German DREI, and took it from there. I’m glad that I could find enough foreign language numbers that really are extremely close (and occasionally, just about perfect) homophones to English words. For example, the French HUIT provides the initial H sound that most dictionaries indicate should be voiced for words starting with WH. (In my Webster’s, the primary pronunciation of “wheat” starts with a HW sound, and the secondary pronunciation starts with just the W sound.)

I’m anticipating some commentary on the inclusion of the foreign language numbers DIECI (at 6-Down) and EIN (at 36-Across) in the grid. There seems to exist a certain notion of grid purity, suggesting that words relating to the theme (or even letter combinations) should be purged entirely from the fill. Otherwise, a degree of “inelegance” intrudes. I can understand that to some extent, but I don’t see it as compelling in all cases. In fact, I mentioned to Will that I could probably get rid of DIECI if necessary. But this was apparently not a problem, and I’m happy to be on the same side with Will on this. As for “EIN Heldenleben,” the translation is “A Hero’s Life”, so one can argue that this EIN is not a number, but an indefinite article.

And finally, I was delighted that my clue for 1-Across was accepted! I hope solvers find the puzzle enjoyable.

Facebook Live

Have you joined us yet to solve the Thursday Crosswords on The New York Times’s Facebook page? Why not? You could have been having this level of fun with tens of thousands of your nearest and dearest internet friends:

[Video: The New York Times Crossword by Jeffrey Wechsler, September 22, 2016 Watch on YouTube.]

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Fragrances

The bar Fragrances will be closed until mid-January 2018. The "House of Fragrances" trolley with 18 aromatic fragrances will be available at The Curtain Club for all our guests who do not want to miss these special cocktails.

For inquiries from 20 persons

Embrace an adventure for the senses at an innovative Berlin bar, where perfumes and cocktails harmoniously combine to offer unrivaled sensory experiences. Inhale the fragrances of Giorgio Armani, Bulgari, Guerlain and other world-famous perfumes while imbibing artfully crafted cocktails in a stylish setting designed to enchant the spirit.

German Cocktails Made With Beer and Wine

Have a German-Style Cocktail Hour With an Authentic Drink

Part of the fun of traveling is tasting the authentic food and drinks -- even if you're not a certified foodie. Whether you're in a casual place or are out for an upscale experience, having a German cocktail is part of the adventure.

If you're making a German meal of roast and potatoes at home, do it up right by starting off with a German mixed drink.

On this list you'll find the most common mixed drinks served in Germany.

Get familiar with them so when you are in a restaurant it will be easier to order -- although getting the pronunciation right is up to you.

These German-style mixed drinks cut down on alcohol content and still quench that thirst. Cocktails made with hard liquor were not popular until recently in Germany and follow the American style. So you can order a Manhattan, Cosmo or whatever is your favorite, but if you are looking for an authentic German cocktail, check out one from this list and pretend you are in your own real-life cabaret, channeling Liza Minnelli.

Goldfisch Bar

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Recommended Reviews for Goldfisch Bar

English (8)

German (68)

Meghan F.

Berlin, Germany

87 friends

86 reviews

13 photos

My favorite place to go for a classy cocktail in Friedrichshain. The place is relatively small with one bar and multiple areas with white couches perfect for groups. The bartenders are friendly, tolerate of English speakers with poor German, and sometimes even give you bar snacks! They allow smoking inside but the bar is well ventilated and not hazy. The drink prices are a little higher than average for the area, but the quality is also much better, so it's worth the money. The location is very convenient and because it isn't located right on Boxhagener Platz it is less crowded than other nearby bars, although you might have to stand for a bit until a couch opens up. Godlfisch is a great place for a top shelf drink with friends and some good conversation.

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Liza B.

Berlin, Germany

115 friends

87 reviews

249 photos

Elite ’17

Classy Friedrichshain bar with dim lights, nice music, cool people.

2 people voted for this review

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Orren B.

Berlin, Germany

6 friends

59 reviews

1 photo

3 check-ins

best bars in the Simon-Dach-Str area, cool bartenders, great

service, GREAT cocktails and mixed but not boring crowd.

Down points: Smoking friendly (I'm a non-smoker,

quite used to the fact that it is normal to smoke almost everywhere in Berlin,

but after few hours there is a busy night I really had a headache and sore

eyes) and the draft beer (Lübzer, not really the best brand

3 people voted for this review

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Qype User Joeyjo…

Berlin, Germany

1 friend

16 reviews

1 photo

Found this hole on Grunberger Str. and when I walked in was welcomed by the bartender and expansive white lounge! I only had a few beers but I think that I'll be seen again here in the not so distant future!

Qype User robing…

Berlin, Germany

8 friends

20 reviews

Best cocktails in Friedrichshain. It's a bit pricey but totally worth the money.

Qype User CUPCAK…

Berlin, Germany

82 friends

90 reviews

77 photos

honestly, this is the best place in the neighborhood if you are looking for a strong, top-shelf drink! the bar is small, low lit with hip music. They have a superb selection of top-shelf liquors. i was so pleased that they had over 6 different types of gin to choose from two G&T's later and i was lit! woo hoo!! go early or you'll be drinking standing up!

Qype User Aljoko…

Berlin, Germany

7 friends

11 reviews

1 photo

Great Cocktails. Pricey but quality has its price. C'est la Vie TRy dis place its gooooood.

Flavor G.

Berlin, Germany

2 friends

190 reviews

3 photos

if you want a cocktail in friedrichshain, this is your place. you'll pay for it, but hey, it's a cocktail bar. they do cocktails.

1 person voted for this review

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Top 5 cocktail bars in Berlin

What better way to top off a day’s sightseeing and exploring in Berlin than with a perfectly mixed cocktail? With a plethora of bars on almost every street corner it can be hard to know where to start and how to find a good cocktail can be overwhelming. So whether you like a simple G&T, the best Margeurita in town or a new and surprising concoction you’ve never heard of before, below are some of Berlin’s best offerings when it comes to a luxury cocktail experience.

Located in the downtown Mitte area, the Amano Hotel won the Hotel Bar of the Year award and rightly so. The bar team under Philipp Bischof serve creative drinks, with excellent service in a modern but very laid back atmosphere. The lounge feel makes for a relaxed and very enjoyable experience. In the summer they set up a bar on the rooftop as well with absolutely stunning views out over the city skyscape.

Up in Prenzlauerberg this bar is an absolute Berlin institution. No sign on the door, simply a photo of the man himself (Samuel Beckett), lit up in the (curtained) window. The menu (created by Oliver Ebert) is inserted into old copies of Beckett plays and the interior is dimly lit with red leather couches reminiscent of a 1920s speakeasy. The menu is extensive and in no way dull, offering a wide selection of different spirit based drinks and a nice selection of snacks and cheese platters to accompany them for the late night nibbles. Do be aware they allow smoking (including cigars) in the front section so not for the smoke sensitive. You will need reservations for Thurs-Sat evenings.

A new and welcome addition to the Berlin cocktail scene, this intimate little bar only has 15 seats, so if you’re planning on going after 10pm or Thur-Sat evenings, be sure to book ahead. Groups of more than 4 people will not be allowed entrance. A comfortably wide bar and stools is the only seating. This is great because you have a fabulous view of one of the best bar teams in town. Watching a cocktail being mixed here is a poem of precision and professionalism. No vodka or cream cocktails on the menu – be warned, but the mixes listed are unusual and remarkable in their nuance of taste and flavour. Enjoy a rather unique and very ‘Berlin’ experience.

Two locals from Kreuzberg decided to open a little bar and took cocktails in the area to a whole new level. Schwarze Traube is one of the hottest new openings this year. Owners Atalay Aktas and Yalcin Celik do not provide menus with lists of drinks but instead speak to each customer about their preferences, make suggestions, and then create something which is destined to please the taste buds of the most discerning cocktail connoisseur. With three small rooms the atmosphere is one of being invited to a private party in someone’s living room. Be warned – this is a bar for smokers.

Quirky, modern, eclectic and with a semi retro feel the Green Door is one of Berlin’s best kept cocktail secrets. Owner Fritz Mueller-Scherz is a writer, actor, journalist, musician and the artistic flair shows through clearly in the bar he set up in Schöneberg. Once you buzz the bell to be allowed in you will be greeted by tartan and psychedelic wallpaper, creative lighting and kitsch decoration. The drinks here are mixed strong by very competent bar staff and there’s no bar snacks provided so be warned and eat before you go to avoid a tipsy exit.

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Berlin Sour

Display recipe in:

How to make:

SHAKE all ingredients with ice and fine strain into chilled glass.

Lemon slice & cherry on stick (sail)

The sweet powerful flavours of kummel and maraschino liqueurs are tamed and harnessed in this sour.

Created in 2009 by Thorsten Pannek at Hilton, Frankfurt, Germany.

Buy ingredients

Previous Cocktail

SHAKE all ingredients with ice and fine strain into chilled glass.

Next Cocktail

SHAKE all ingredients with ice and fine strain into chilled glass.

Cocktail shakers & how to shake a cocktail

Shaking not only mixes a drink, it also chills, dilutes and aerates it. Along with stirring shaking is the most common technique employed to mix cocktails.

How to strain a cocktail

When straining a shaken drink, a Hawthorn strainer tends to be used, but when straining a stirred drink it is traditional to use a Julep strainer. Both designs of strainer allow.

Liqueurs & cordials

Liqueurs and alcoholic cordials are sweetened alcoholic drinks made by mixing or redistilling spirits with flavourings and colourings. Within the EEC a ‘liqueur’ must have an.

Kümmel liqueur

Kümmel is a sweet clear digestive liqueur is distilled from grain or potatoes and flavoured with caraway seeds, cumin, fennel, orris and other herbs. Kümmel is said to have been.

Punch - Expert tips on how to make and serve

Consisting of a spirit or spirits (mostly rum), citrus, sugar, water and spice, punch was enjoyed by Charles Dickens, America’s founding fathers, pirates

1980s Cocktails

There’s no glossing over it, the 1980s were grim for cocktail culture. Bar owners opted for mechanical solutions to a bartending skills deficit. Rather

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