By Marco Biagioli and Erica Melargo

At the heart of Rothenburg, Germany, lies Mucho Amor, a bar that’s as much about community as it is about craftsmanship. It’s here, surrounded by a rich history and diverse flavours, that Simon Kistenfeger, a seasoned bartender, nutritionist, and world traveler, invites us into his world of unique drinks, inspired by his global adventures and love for local ingredients.

With his motto “Life is a journey, not a destination,” Simon doesn’t just craft cocktails—he creates experiences. His passion for exploring cultures through food and drink is evident in every bottle and spice jar on the shelves of Mucho Amor. Whether it’s a twist on a classic cocktail or an entirely new creation, Simon’s drinks tell a story.

A Journey Across Flavours

The setting couldn’t be more fitting. Rothenburg, a city rich in medieval charm and cultural history, provides the perfect backdrop for Simon’s craft. Raised in this picturesque town, Simon reflects on his childhood fondly. “I grew up here, with friends and nature around me. We had everything to explore—the towers, the medieval streets, and a spirit of adventure that’s still alive today,” he shares. His local roots have influenced his approach to cocktail-making, blending the traditional with the modern in every drink.

Simon’s global perspective is just as important to his craft as his hometown roots. He’s traveled extensively, drawn to the spice markets of Mexico, the vineyards of South America, and the bustling bars of Asia. This international exposure shapes his approach to mixology, where ingredients from all over the world meet in one glass.

Crafting a Christmas Cocktail

For this festive season, Simon has a special drink in mind—a Christmas-inspired cocktail that combines aged tequila, homemade apricot jam, and traditional holiday spices. But before we dive into the recipe, Simon shares a bit of history that makes this city—and this drink—special.

The Story of the 30-Year War and the Wine Rescuing Mayor

Rothenburg’s rich history plays a part in Simon’s love for drinks, especially wine. He tells us a fascinating tale from the 30-Year War, when the mayor of Rothenburg famously saved the city by drinking over three liters of wine in one sitting—without taking a breath! A feat of both strength and valor, it’s a tradition the town celebrates annually, a testament to Rothenburg’s spirited heritage.

“I had to become a bartender after hearing this story,” Simon jokes, referencing the mayor’s legendary wine-drinking skills. And so, in the same spirit of celebration, Simon crafted a cocktail inspired by the season and the city’s cultural legacy.

The Christmas Cookie Cocktail

The cocktail begins with aged tequila, a spirit that has aged in barrels, taking on rich, spiced notes. Simon explains that this adds the depth of flavour needed for a winter-inspired drink. “The barrel imparts some spice,” he says. “I wanted to bring in Christmas spices, so I thought, why not recreate a holiday cookie flavour, something nostalgic?”

The drink is meant to taste like a German Lebkuchen, a traditional spiced Christmas cookie often made with cinnamon, cloves, nutmeg, and allspice. To capture the essence of these spices, Simon uses a homemade Christmas syrup made from fresh grape juice and a medley of aromatic spices like cinnamon, nutmeg, and cloves.

What makes this drink unique is the apricot jam from Simon’s mother’s garden—Hilde’s Best Apricot, as he fondly calls it. This sweet, tangy ingredient ties the cocktail together, evoking the warmth and sweetness of Christmas cookies.

The Process: Mixing, Shaking, and Sipping

As Simon walks us through the process, we gather around the bar, eager to create this festive masterpiece. He begins by adding aged tequila to the shaker, followed by Amaretto di Saronno, a rich liqueur made from apricot kernels. The sweetness of the Amaretto balances the sharpness of the tequila, creating a layered base.

Next, Simon adds fresh lemon juice to the mix, cutting through the sweetness with a bit of acidity—perfect for a balanced drink. Then, the Christmas syrup is poured in, followed by a spoonful of apricot jam, giving the drink its signature sweetness and fruity complexity.

“Balance is key,” Simon notes. “You need sweetness, acidity, and spice, all working together to create a drink that feels like home.”

Finally, the cocktail is shaken vigorously to combine the flavours and chill the ingredients. The ice dilutes slightly during the shake, mellowing the intensity of the alcohol, while keeping the flavours intact. Once mixed, the drink is strained into a chilled glass, ready for a festive garnish.

A Sip of Tradition

After preparing the drink, we toast. The first sip is rich, warming, and full of spice—a perfect drink to curl up with during the cold winter months. The blend of tequila, apricot, and Christmas spices evokes the spirit of the season, while Simon’s personal touch brings a sense of adventure to each glass.

Simon doesn’t just make cocktails—he crafts stories and memories. Whether it’s a custom drink inspired by his travels or a nod to the history of Rothenburg, every creation feels personal. “The beauty of a great cocktail,” Simon says, “is that it’s more than just alcohol. It’s about appreciating the ingredients and the effort that goes into it.”

As a bartender, Simon believes in the art of appreciating a drink—not just for the sake of drinking but for understanding the care and craftsmanship behind it. It’s this passion that makes every visit to Mucho Amor more than just a trip to a bar; it’s an experience, a chance to appreciate life, and to toast to new beginnings with a drink that’s made just for you.

Mucho Amor in Rothenburg isn’t just a bar; it’s a place where culture, history, and creativity come together, one sip at a time.

The Perfect Cocktail for Christmas:

Simon’s Christmas Cookie Cocktail inspired by the flavours of a traditional German Lebkuchen cookie is a warm, spiced drink that combines tequila, Amaretto, apricot jam, and holiday spices for a drink that’s both nostalgic and exciting. It’s a perfect drink for celebrating the season, whether you’re at home or in the heart of Rothenburg.

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