Bar Tausend on Berlin's Schiffbauerdamm runs an unmarked door under the train tracks at Friedrichstrasse station; the bar runs late, the cantina kitchen runs Asian-fusion plates.
Food program: Tausend Cantina restaurant attached
Tip: Unmarked door under the train tracks, the entrance is a side gate. The bar from 20:30 runs cocktails until 04:00.
Address: Schiffbauerdamm 11, 10117 Berlin
Lebensstern on Berlin's Kurfuerstenstrasse in Schoeneberg runs the city's most stocked rum bar with 1,500 bottles and 800 absinthes; the room sits above the cafe Einstein Stammhaus.
Signature drink: Hemingway Daiquiri
Food: Cheese boards
Tip: Walk-ups welcome but the room books fast on weekends; the rum tasting tray is the order.
Bar Bonvivant on Berlin's Goltzstrasse in Schoeneberg runs the city's reference vermouth bar with 50 bottles on the back wall; the cocktail list runs aperitif-led and Italian-classic.
Signature drink: House vermouth on the rocks
Food: Tapas and charcuterie
Tip: The walk-up bar takes early-evening crowds; the back booth seats four and books online a week ahead.
Schwarze Traube on Berlin's Wildenbruchstrasse in Neukoelln runs the city's most-cited bespoke-cocktail bar; the menu is one question (what do you fancy) answered by the bartender.
Signature drink: Bartender's choice cocktail
Food: None
Tip: No menu. Tell the bartender a spirit and a taste profile. Reservations by email; small room, 18 covers.
Lemon Leaf at Berlin's NH Collection hotel runs an Asian-spirit cocktail program with shochu, baiju and Japanese whisky; the room runs late and walks up easily.
Signature drink: Asian-spirit cocktails
Food: Snacks
Tip: Hotel bar, walk-ups welcome. The Japanese whisky flight is the order for a quiet weekday.
Fragrances at the Ritz-Carlton on Berlin's Luetzowufer runs a perfume-themed cocktail bar; each drink pairs with a specific fragrance shown on the bar's display wall.
Signature drink: Cocktails inspired by perfumes
Food: Snacks
Tip: Hotel bar with a strict dress code (smart-casual minimum). The perfume tasting flight is the order.
Windhorst on Berlin's Dorotheenstrasse near the Bundestag has run since 1991 with the same bartenders; the martini and the journalist regulars define the room.
Signature drink: Vodka martini
Food: None
Tip: Smoke-friendly room (rare in Berlin). The Vodka Martini is the canonical order; cash and card accepted.
