Toddy Tapper is a cocktail bar I first read about in Hidden Cologne, an English-language city guide published by Stadtrevue. As Hidden Cologne recommends small gems, I, of course, had to try Toddy Tapper.

Toddy Tapper was opened by Sri Lankan-born Indika Silva. In Sri Lanka – as well as in India and Southeast Asia – they ferment the juice of the coconut flower to make a drink called toddy, hence the name of the bar. When toddy is distilled, it is then called arrack, which you will find in many of Toddy Tapper’s cocktails. They also use exotic spices, which makes their cocktails quite extraordinary. 

Toddy Tapper’s staff is friendly, gives good advice and there is a real feel of hospitality: when you sit down, you get salty snacks, and you also get a glass of water with your cocktail. Toddy Tapper’s interior is warm, with an elegant wooden bar. Outside, there is also a small terrasse. Toddy Tapper is located in the Agnesviertel, not so far from the lively jazz club King Georg.