Orania Berlin - Interview with bar manager Laura Driftmann

In the creative heart of Kreuzberg at Oranienplatz it stands: the Orania Berlin .  It is a hotel that is characterized by relaxed luxury and casual elegance. It is equipped with a excellent restaurant , where you can enjoy the signature dish, the XBerg-Duck. Meanwhile, guests can listen to concerts by great artists. One person who cannot be missed: the bar manager Laura Driftmann. Laura has something to offer for all tastes. Be it fine wines, local beers or sophisticated drinks. We asked Laura how she got behind the bar, what the Orania.Bar and how their non-alcoholic drinks arise. 

Laori: What has your life been like so far? What have you done so far?
Laura: That was not planned at all. When I went to school, I never knew that I would work at the bar. I had always worked in the catering industry, whether at parties or in an ice cream parlor. Then I did my A-levels and started to study hotel management because I always wanted to do something with people. I always wanted to go to Berlin and then started my apprenticeship at the ADLON in 2011. During my apprenticeship, I developed the passion and interest and that led to the decision to say that I would do this now.

Laori: The bar scene is rather male-dominated. Have you ever noticed that while working?
Laura: Of course you notice it! I've worked a lot with men, but more and more women are coming. There are a lot of female bartenders in Berlin in particular. I prefer working with women because they have a different way of working, but in the end it's the mix that counts!

Laori: Tell us about the concept. What makes it special?
Laura: The great thing about the concept Orania is that everything is open. The bar, the restaurant and the reception have no walls. This area is super open and you can see everything from all sides. It feels like a huge living room: you can eat something first or have an aperitif at the bar. Listen to the music or sit by the fireplace and look out at what is happening outside the door or just sit at the bar and enjoy everything that is going on. 

Laori: What role do non-alcoholic drinks with you? 
Laura: A very big one now! Two years ago I would not have presented it like that. I had a different opinion then. For me it was juice and syrup mixed together. Non-alcoholic spirits have not been around for very long either. There is no longer any difference between alcoholic and non-alcoholic cocktails Both in the creation of the drinks and in terms of quality. It's also really fun to sell it because there are now products that are easy to mix, have a story and are fun to work with. 

Laori: How are non-alcoholic drinks with you? What inspires you? 
Laura: Generally from food or eating out and cooking. Also from travelling, when I see or read something somewhere and then I just try out what I like. I just try to recreate it or go in that direction. I like it simple, but still well-rounded, complex and delicious. I don't like to go too far, so that it becomes too complicated. Because if it's full, it comes back to haunt you. 

Laori: If I came to your bar and I was drinking alcohol-free, which 3 drinks would you recommend?
Laura:

1st LA`CRØRI : Laori Juniper No 1 , Crodino, lemon, soda water
2nd Verjus Spritz : Verjus, fresh lemon, some honey and soda water
3. Seedlip Sour : Seedlip, lemon, agave syrup, egg white

Laori: You deal with alcohol a lot in your job. How do you manage to have a healthy relationship with alcohol? 
Laura: Separate your professional and private life! Work is work and you can toast at the end of the day. Just draw a small line. 

Laori: What are the big Benefits of Non-Alcoholic Drinks from your point of view?
Laura: If I'm driving, have an appointment the next day or am taking medication, then I don't have to think about "Can I do this now?". I can just drink as much as I want without thinking about it and still have complete freedom and a wide range of tastes. I can enjoy and consume something complex just like someone who drinks something alcoholic.

Laori: Does non-alcoholic have a chance of becoming the new vegan? 
Laura: Well, I definitely think that non-alcoholic drinks are becoming more and more popular - or alternatively low-ABV drinks - because lots of people work, have appointments and therefore weigh things up. The demand is there, but I can't really imagine whether non-alcoholic drinks will replace alcoholic drinks. I think it's good if it's on the same level. Then you have the choice! The aim is that it has the same rating and that it elicits the same reaction from the bartender if you order with or without alcohol. It's important that they are treated equally, without people rolling their eyes or making stupid comments, and that you can freely choose one or the other.

Are you thirsty? 

Then try our Laori Lemon - the non-alcoholic cocktail with bitter lemon. It is quick to mix and impresses with its citrus freshness. You can find the recipe  here .

Cover image: Dennis Dorwarth