The Oldest Yet One of the Most Modern Spirit Brands in the Capital. We had the chance to take a look behind the scenes of Berlin’s cult distillery, Mampe Berlin, enjoyed exciting conversations with CEO Florian, and got to taste some of their most fascinating creations. Mampe will also be a partner at the upcoming HipHop Ball Berlin. But first things first.
Almost 200 Years of Berlin Drinking Culture
Mampe’s story begins in the 19th century. Originally founded in 1831 in Stargard, the brand expanded to Berlin in 1852. Through the era of emperors, the roaring twenties, wars, division, and reunification – Mampe has always been part of Berlin. Sometimes luxurious, sometimes down-to-earth, sometimes nearly gone – but never completely disappeared. Today, Mampe represents a unique blend of tradition, Berlin wit, and modern bar culture, even at a Michelin-star level.
The distillery itself is now located right in the heart of Berlin-Kreuzberg, in the Bergmannkiez district. It sits in the South Building of the Monopol Weißbier Brewery, built in the 1880s – full of Berlin charm, a touch of roughness, rich history, and a modern soul.
Tasting Between History and Innovation
Of course, during our visit, we couldn’t miss sampling some of Mampe’s signature liqueurs and drinks. Three of them stood out in particular:
Mampe Berlin Halb&Halb
An absolute classic, originating from a cholera medicine invented in 1831 by pharmacist Carl Mampe. Today, Halb&Halb is at home in Berlin’s world-famous corner pubs. The name says it all: herbs meet orange, bitter meets sweet – perfectly balanced.
Mampe Berlin Popcorn
Proof of how Mampe blends tradition with modern flavors. The popcorn liqueur smells like a freshly opened cinema hall – sweet, creamy, with a hint of caramel. Perfect for creative cocktails, unique shots, or even as a dessert pairing.
Flieger Cocktail
A real Berlin specialty: a herbal liqueur with notes of orange, vermouth, and exotic spices. Originally designed as a stomach bitter for pilots, it became the world’s first pre-mixed drink in the 1920s, flew for decades aboard Lufthansa and Air Berlin, and remains a legend of German aviation and bar culture.
Mampe & HipHop Ball Berlin
It’s even more exciting that Mampe will partner with HipHop Ball Berlin. This event brings together Berlin’s street culture, music, dance, fashion, and lifestyle – a perfect match for Mampe’s long-standing ethos: authentic, unique, and always with a wink.
For the HipHop Ball, there will be a special Signature Drink, perfectly tailored to the vibe of the evening. A spirit combining Mampe, beats, and Berlin HipHop with the city’s history! Stay tuned.
Mampe – More Than Just a Drink
What makes Mampe special isn’t just the taste. It’s the attitude, the Berlin history, the love of craftsmanship, and the courage to rethink old traditions. In a time when many things feel arbitrary, Mampe remains boldly individual. That’s why it fits perfectly with events like the HipHop Ball, where authenticity is celebrated.
By the way, you can visit the distillery yourself. Tours, tastings, and workshops offer exciting insights into production and the brand’s eventful history. And did you know? Mampe has been producing alcohol-free drinks since 1921 – inspired by Prohibition in the USA, one of Mampe’s key markets at the time. This was the birth of Mampe Null Null, probably the world’s oldest alcohol-free gin. Mampe celebrates the freedom and creativity that Berlin embodies.
So, cheers – maybe soon with the very first HipHop Ball Signature Drink.
