Rum Trader

Subtitled the ‘Institute for Advanced Drinking’, this tiny bar is a Berlin classic, largely thanks to its eccentric owner, Gregor Scholl, who is ever present, smartly dressed in bow tie and waistcoat. There is no menu: Scholl will ask which spirit you like, and whether you want something süss oder sauer (sweet or sour). A short while later he’ll come back with one of the best cocktails you’ll ever taste (until the next one). Don’t waste his time or talent asking for a caipirinha. You have to ring the bell for access, and it’s worth calling ahead to check there’s space.