A Walk Through Cologne’s Past & A Cocktail for the Present
I was scrolling through my photos the other day when I stumbled upon a picture of my friend and me, walking up Lindenstraße during the lockdown. The streets of Cologne, usually buzzing with life, had an eerie quietness to them, as if someone had hit pause on the world. But in those strange times, we found a small, defiant joy: a damn good Gin & Tonic To Go in hand, wandering through the ghost town of our beloved city.
Crossing Aachener Straße, we entered what was once the heart of Cologne’s nightlife. The iconic Herr Pimock, where tables were always full, and the retro-cool Hallmackenreuther, with its legendary Sunday brunches, had their shutters down. Brüsseler Platz, normally pulsing with students, live music, and the sound of beer bottles clinking, was hauntingly silent.
Heading down Maastrichter Straße, we passed Arty Farty, once a creative haven where art, music, and good drinks collided. A place where nights stretched long, and ideas felt endless. Now, just another victim of those strange times. The only sign of nightlife left was Little Link, where the bartenders had adapted, slinging cocktails through a tiny takeaway window. It felt like a post-apocalyptic speakeasy, a reminder that even in the strangest times, Cologne refused to lose its spirit.
And yet, despite the uncertainty, despite the world feeling like a sci-fi film on pause, there were still good moments—like our ritual of mixing Pink Gin & Tonics, stepping outside, and pretending it was midnight when it was barely 6 PM.
The Aromatherapy of a Perfect Pink Gin & Tonic
A great Gin & Tonic is about more than just taste—it’s about aroma, the way the scents awaken your senses before the first sip even touches your lips. This one is a sensory journey:
Bombay Sapphire gin—clean, crisp, and perfect as a neutral base that lets the aromatics shine.
Lime wedge—bright, zesty, cutting through the sweetness.
Fresh thyme—earthy and herbal, releasing its oils as it rests on the ice.
Red peppercorns—a surprising warmth that lingers in the background, subtly spicing things up.
Fresh Cranberries—slightly crushed to release their tart, fruity essence, staining the drink a soft pink.
Fever Tree Wild Berry Tonic—bubbly, light, and perfectly balanced.
Sparkly Soda Water—Refreshing and hydrating.
This Pink Gin & Tonic isn’t just a cocktail—it’s an escape in a glass.
The Pink Gin & Tonic Recipe
Ingredients
- 1 part part Bombay Sapphire gin or any clean, clear gin
- 2 parts parts Fever Tree wild berry tonic water
- ⅓ part part soda water
- ½ tsp coarsely crushed red peppercorns
- 1 sprig of fresh thyme
- 5-6 fresh cranberries slightly crushed
- 1 wedge of lime
- Ice cubes
Instructions
- Prepare the glass: Fill a large glass with plenty of ice cubes.
- Build the flavors: Add the gin, followed by the wild berry tonic and a splash of cold soda water.
- Aromatics & Garnishes: Lightly crush the red peppercorns and cranberries, then drop them in. Toss in a sprig of thyme, gently rubbing it between your fingers first to release its oils.
- Final touch: Squeeze in the wedge of lime and let it rest in the drink.
- Stir & enjoy: Give everything a gentle stir, then take a deep breath—inhale the aromatics, and sip your way into a different moment in time.
A Toast to Then & Now
There’s something about a cocktail that makes you feel present. Maybe it’s the way the botanicals hit your nose, the first sip tingles on your tongue, or the way the ice clinks against the glass—reminding you that this is a moment to savor.
This Pink Gin & Tonic is more than a drink. It’s a memory, a ritual, a reminder that even in difficult times, we find ways to make life delicious.
And that’s exactly why I decided to revive this drink, to turn it into a proper recipe, and save it for generations to come on packtsan.de. Because the best flavors, much like the best stories, deserve to be remembered.
So here’s to the past, the present, and the small joys that keep us moving forward. Cheers.