Today´s international tourists are always searching for new and unique experiences. From “tea time” inspired by works of art to cultural personalized experiences, the tourism industry remains at the forefront to meet the demands and whims of discerning travelers.

To that end, the Ritz-Carlton Hotel in Berlin, Germany, conceived an idea designed to seduce and pamper its guests. Dubbed Fragrances, this concept has evolved into a highly innovative bar, ideal for lovers of exotic libations and appetizers and guests with adventurous palates.

Fragrances has been designed to please and delight. According to the Ritz Carlton’s press material, this is the first bar dedicated to the art of mixology combined with the world of perfume and aromas.

Iconic perfumes by renowned firms such as Giorgio Armani, L’Artisan Parfumeur, Annick Goutal, Yves Saint Laurent and Guerlain have inspired barman and concept creator Arnd Heissen. “In Fragrances we want our guests not only to enjoy their drinks, we want them to feel their aromas,” explains Heissen. “The choice of drinks depends on the senses of every guest. It is an experience that requires curiosity and courage, but at the same time it can be incredibly inspiring.”

Arnd Heissen.

To realize his mission and offer a complete experience that meets all expectations, Heissen conducted extensive tests to perfectly emulate the aroma of each perfume and ensure that the taste of the drink reflects it.

The presentation of each cocktail is equally creative and captivating because it incorporates a number of striking ornaments ranging from containers shaped like birdcages to long bamboo branches. The result is both surprising and beautiful, but the innovation does not end there. The bar also has a “visual menu” that lists 15 cocktails according to their ingredients and a flask of the perfume that inspires them.

Fragrances has put special effort into preparing snacks to complement each of its eccentric cocktails. For example, the Macaron Enorme, with vanilla and raspberry, is ideal to accompany the Signorina cocktail, a drink inspired by the Salvatore Ferragamo namesake fragrance.

Also, on weekends the hotel offers a perfumery workshop in collaboration with the German House Frau Tonis Parfum, where participants learn to combine champagne, canapés and exotic fruits, and also to prepare some of Heissen´s libations. ■