Little Link + Köln, Germany
My trip to Köln, Germany was a short weekend with a few big sights and a lot of rain. But, as always, I was sure to do a little research and find a cocktail bar that could make my boozy dreams come true. I heard about Little Link and just knew that I needed to find this gem and post-up at the bar to try a few of their concoctions. I was not disappointed.
Little Link is a little joint. I think their bathroom might be larger than the actual bar. I’m kidding… but only slightly. When you enter this den of alcohol, the servers will seat you. By seat you, I mean they will find a place that makes the most sense for you and your group in order to maximize the space at hand. Hopefully, this is a seat. But in our party’s case, it was jamming three of us along a wall where a steady stream of patrons and servers slide past us for most of the evening. That may sound kind of unfortunate, but as the night wore on we were upgraded to a nice place at the bar. But, even the standing room only of the crowded Saturday night was worth it when the menu and our orders arrived.
Sparkling Negroni
The menu is impeccably designed and the drinks are made with care and thought. I ordered a few cocktails and was over the moon each time my drink arrived. They were all well balanced and tasty. And, most importantly, like any great cocktail should - they gave you a nice buzz.
After looking in their bourbon options, I realized I had already had all of them, so I decided to go with a first. I have my first carbonated Negroni when I ordered their Sparkling Negroni. It is a classic cocktail in that it is Gin, Little Link’s Wermut-Blend, and some Campari. But then they go and pump in that CO2. I was pleasantly surprised when my very classic cocktail was served with joyous bubbles floating to the top. They danced the sour taste of Campari across my tongue and gave me that party of champagne, but with the heft of a cocktail. The evening was starting out right.
Crystal Old Fashion
My second cocktail was ordered because I wanted to stay on the gin train, but also because the menu clearly stated that my next cocktail would have a “magic ice cube.” By that time the bar was so busy I didn’t have a chance to ask anyone what that meant. So, I figured I would roll the dice and have a little fun. I ordered their Crystal Old Fashion. If you are wondering, a “magic ice cube” is a big blue tinged ice ball floating in a clear glass of Gin, Lemon Sugar, and Little Link Bitters. The cocktail was very delicious and also ridiculously fun due to the slowly changing color of the drink because of the “magic ice cube.” Yes, it was a bit of theater and I can’t say I would order that one again as I tend toward more classic drinks, but I can say that I was highly entertained.
If you are in Köln and are looking for a classy bar with a multitude of cocktail options to entertain your pallet, be sure to find Little Link and order up a few. It is far too loud and dark later in the evening to remotely attempt to read in this place, but this bar is well stocked, creative, and full of little cups of fun.
Rubber ducky bottle stoppers?
Yes, Please!
