Curfew + Copenhagen, Denmark
A February trip to Copenhagen would generally promise cold and snow, but this trip was all sun and warm weather. A lovely surprise that kept me walking about outside in the day, but looking for the perfect place to catch a drink and rest my feet in the evening. Enter Curfew.
This beauty is centrally located but a bit off the main road. Just a word to the wise, the Danes don’t go out during the week so much, so expect a quiet bar during the week. But, if you are hitting this place during the weekend be sure to make a reservation because there just won’t be room.
Curfew is owned and operated by the impressive Portuguese bartender, Humberto Marques. This dude knows his business and has created an expansive menu for just about any taste profile. And, if you aren’t feeling the menu options he, or one of his talented staff, can give you a hand. I was lucky enough to have both Humberto and one of his talent barman mix up a cocktail for me.
My first drink was recommended as one of Curfew’s popular, yet refreshing drinks. It was called First Aid and I thought it just might revive me after a day of sightseeing in Copenhagen. This drink was a mix up of Tanqueray Gin, aloe vera honey, lime citrus, and dry port wine. This was indeed refreshing and quite citrusy. In some ways, it felt like a health drink you would get at the spa. So, I guess it was a healthy choice?
My second drink was quite the shift taste wise, a bit more in my lane as it was a twist on a classic. I was treated to a Truffle Honey Old-Fashioned that was interesting, yet still very spirit forward. This libation was a solid balance of Four Roses Small Batch Bourbon, truffle honey, walnut bitters, and a spray of Absinthe. Honestly, I wasn’t exactly sure what to expect, but it was a full, nutty taste with the right balance of sweet and spirits. I cannot recommend this drink enough if you are a fan of smooth drinks with a strong lean into the base spirit.
Curfew does not disappoint with their wide array of cocktails, but this bar takes it up another level because not only are the drinks killer, but the experience gets just as much attention. The interior speaks to the dedication to the Speakeasy feel but really gets into it with well-curated collections of antique bar tools, glassware, and classic cocktail books. The walls are adorned with vintage movie stills and advertisements. The bar stools are a striking red iron that contrasts nicely with the heavy wood bar and Portuguese tiling. Basically, this place helps you relax in style while taking excellent care of your pallet.
If you are in Copenhagen, Curfew is worth a stop (or a few stops). Humberto is a creative wizard who clearly is very passionate about his work and his team takes excellent care of their clients. Stop and sample the mad skills behind the bar at Curfew.
“Life has become a bitter drink to me, and yet it must be taken in drops, counted one by one.”
