FABELEI Cocktailbar - Interview with Anastasia Schöck-Bochénski

Once upon a time, there was Anastasia, a musicologist by training, who, together with her husband Filip, realized her dream of opening an exceptionally great bar. A bar where the art of bartending is paramount. Since the end of 2018, the bar has been operating in the... FABLE In Berlin-Schöneberg, fabulous drinks are served in a cozy living room atmosphere. The fairytale cocktail creations tell stories from around the world. Behind the delicious and creative recipes is Filip, a bartender by trade. All ingredients, such as syrups, foams, and cordials, are made in-house. Perfect bar snacks are also available, sure to delight any connoisseur. Anastasia takes care of everything in the... FABLE The aim is to ensure that guests feel comfortable amidst the plants and inviting furniture. The concept also caters to fans of alcohol-free drinks.

In the interview, Anastasia doesn't tell us fairy tales, but rather about the idea of FABLE as a high-quality and family-run bar with a special twist, and explains to us which non-alcoholic cocktails guarantee a happy ending.

Laori: What does the FABLE out of?
Anastasia: With the FABLE We wanted to establish the first non-smoking cocktail bar in Berlin Schöneberg. It worked wonderfully and even inspired some neighbors to rethink their own concepts. On the other hand, we're also bringing the concept of the "aperitif," familiar from southern countries, to Berlin. The light cocktails, perfect for starting the evening, taste especially good on our beautiful, sunny terrace.

“I don’t want any juice blends.”

Laori: What role do they play non-alcoholic drinks in your bar?
Anastasia: The fact that we're a non-smoking bar, and situated in such a sunny spot, means we attract a diverse clientele. We're a neighborhood hotspot. Our bartenders, Filip and Florian, reflect this, creating a menu that includes both non-alcoholic and lightly alcoholic cocktails. They're currently testing new cocktails, which will be available to enjoy on our terrace this summer.

Laori: How are they created non-alcoholic drinks What about you? What inspires you?
Anastasia: Alcohol-free and alcoholic cocktails alike are always based on a single ingredient upon which to build. Perhaps there's also a story behind it, an experience that one tries to capture in the taste. It's no coincidence that we named our bar "FABLE“ called.

Note: A fable is an imaginative, invented story.

Laori: Which non-alcoholic drink do you recommend?Anastasia: When I want to enjoy a non-alcoholic cocktail, it's important to me that it can compete with an alcoholic creation in terms of both appearance and taste. I don't want juice mixes! From our last physical menu, I particularly liked the Noa Cranberry Gimlet with Laori No. 1, cranberry and homemade lime cordial. Our also works wonderfully as a typical aperitif. Veroni, which we make with verjus, non-alcoholic bitters, and tonic water. Instead of an Americano or Negroni… yummy.

Laori: What are the major advantages of non-alcoholic drinks From your point of view?
Anastasia: For the enjoyment of non-alcoholic cocktails in the FABLE The rule is: You remain clear-headed, but can still participate in a convivial and enjoyable social life without any loss of taste or visual appeal. The evening is guaranteed to have a happy ending.

Laori: Does alcohol-free have a chance of becoming the new vegan?
Anastasia: I've definitely noticed for some time now that the market for non-alcoholic spirits is opening up. What seemed impossible a few years ago is now a reality: non-alcoholic spirits are displayed right next to the regular spirits in stores and are being met with curiosity from consumers.

Laori: Do you have any tips on how to mix? non-alcoholic drinks Can you do it at home?
Anastasia: The most important thing: Use high-quality and fresh ingredients. Then the story will definitely have a happy ending.

Feeling thirsty?

You Are you in the mood for non-alcoholic cocktails Got it? Then try our Laori Lemon! This non-alcoholic drink is easy to mix and impresses with its citrus notes. You can find the recipe here. here.

Photos: FABELEI Cocktail Bar