Low Octane - High Satisfaction

I also found some fabulous alcohol-free aperitifs at a chic and trendy bar in Munich, Germany last week.

Cortiina Bar is sleek and elegant, without a hint of the “You-better-be-famous-or-you’re-not-getting-in” attitude associated with similar places in LA or NYC. The place looks like a contemporary living room or boutique hotel lobby (which it is). Lighting is soft and flattering. Seats can be moved around to accommodate all group sizes. And a charming garden sits beyond the French doors.

The cocktail menu offers all the usual suspects, with Mai Tai, Gimlet, Caipirinha and Long Island Ice Tea headlining the list. According to the 26-year-old son of friends who took us to the bar after a traditional oom-pa-pa dinner at Augustinerkeller (the beer hall/restaurant of the Augustiner brewing company), patrons come to Cortiina Bar specifically for the sophisticated cocktails.

(In other words, if you’re looking for a brew-ski, head down the street to the famed and raucous Hofbrauhaus.)

But it was Cortiina Bar’s non-alcoholic quaffs that I found most fascinating and delicious.

The Body Shop is a mix of fresh lime juice, simple syrup and ginger ale assembled in a tub glass with a few ice cubes. A large and lovely spray of rosemary and a few sage leaves are crammed into the glass, making it look like a magic garden. It’s fragrant and refreshing and a perfect nightcap.

The Bar’s Virgin Mule is a beautiful still-life of cucumber slice, three fresh kumquats, two lime wedges, a bit of brown sugar and a dribble of Rose’s Lime Juice…all muddled together with crushed ice and topped with a splash of ginger ale.  Again, light and bright, with plenty of things to move around and sniff and squeeze if you’re into playing with your food.

The Rising Sun relies on fresh ginger for its kick. Bar Manager Benjamin Shane says they use a “thumb-sized” piece of ginger, squeeze the juice out with a garlic press, then blend it with apple juice and cranberry juice. This is not the apple-cran drink you’ll find in a sippy cup. This is high-style, glamorous and delicious.