#75 | Herz, Basel, Switzerland
Last Visit: Spring 2026
For a city of its size, Basel has its own unique history and quite a lot of bars, restaurants and cafes to discover that are worth recognizing beyond the German speaking countries. Zürich has featured in Robin's travels and the corresponding articles that I highly recommend, so now I want to take a look at Switzerland's 'Rhine Land'. After all, the river that connects Cologne and Düsseldorf and with that some of our favorite places runs all the way down to Basel.
'Herz' simply means 'heart'. A beautiful as much as straightforward name that, in my opinion, sums up the importance of this bar for the city. It is doing the most exciting things with spirits, it has the recommendations from all other places that I went to, and it feels authentic in a way that maybe some of the more 'glamorous' locations don't.
Copyright: Herz
Herz is not in any way an insider suggestion. It has received recognition from the World's 50 (Discovery) as well as Mixology magazine and all that in a city of only about 180.000 residents. After the founders of Herz pioneered and modernized cocktails in Basel as part of Werk8 (which still exists under different leadership), Herz was opened in 2022, right next to the existing 'Stadtbrennerei', a local producer for all kinds of spirits. When sitting at the bar you can even look at the stills through the courtyard.
This not only anchors the entire bar to local ingredients and brands, it also elevates it above the, now ubiquitous, Rotovap bars in terms of how creative they can get with homemade alcohol. In some articles it is referenced that ingredients are not only local, but in some cases also foraged and while I did not see that in the menu, I can certainly believe it. The menu itself doesn't dress up what can be kept simple, Aperitivo for the warmer months, especially key in a city where wine has always been historically important. There is a lot of choice and even seemingly standard drinks have some local unique twist to them. Since my visit they seem to have expanded the menu even further, counting roughly 25 drinks plus another 4 signature non-alcoholics. A variety you won't find in most modern bar concepts. The culinary spirits and funkier notes are subtle, so that even people new to cocktails can find something for themselves with the excellent laid-back service doing the rest. I did not try the food but there is a selection that goes beyond the usual popcorn and chips.
Briny Drip
| Stadtbrennerei Weizenbrand
| Sauerkraut Cordial
| Dry Vermouth
| Calvados
| Laurel Cordial
| Mustard Caviar
With a list of ingredients like that, how can I resist, a drink like the crystal clear, mythical water straight from the Rhine (where an imaginary French boat has just sunk). Ultra fresh and tangy, interesting umami notes but not savory, in a way that really calls back to the French side of the Basel region. Bold and ambitious with just the perfect amount of garnish. It gets a little too sweet once it warms up, but had I stayed longer they would have swapped my glass for a new cold one without issue.
PB&J
| Peanut Butter distillate
| Rasberry spirit
| Lime Cordial
| Salt
The description can be misleading, this is a strong cocktail, clear and clean. It was recommended as one of the most spirit forward and intense. This is like the concept of the Empirical Spirits bottlings par excellence, very high concept and molecular, without the need for Empirical actually in it. Notes of dry nuts and dried raspberries, the little dash of lime cordial is simply there to bring out the flavors, all presented with super clear, quality ice. I for sure respect the bravery to put a drink with that kind of intensity on a spring/summer menu.
The bar itself is located on the other side of the Rhine, so not in the traditional 'old town'. Most bars in Basel are very close together in a physical sense, and it shows in the community they have. There is even a 'Basel Bar Guide', with full pages given to each bar and signature drinks, all beautifully designed. There are capital cities 3 times the size that don't take their bar culture that seriously. Herz is a must-visit, great lighting, tasteful Japanese art, an elegant back bar that doesn't need many bottles (why would it, most is produced at the distillery on the other side of the building), easy service that welcomes both the young crowds of the area and the pharma execs passing through.
Cheers,
/jf
Excerpts from the current menu (click for original size):
