The Black Angel’s bar in Prague has long been built on a powerful story. The Gothic cellars of the U Černého anděla building, now part of the U Prince Hotel, are not merely a backdrop — they form the very foundation of the venue’s identity, which is celebrating its fifteenth anniversary this year. It is precisely this anniversary that has inspired a new cocktail menu, reviving the legend of Alois Krch.
Fictional or real? In the context of Black Angel’s, it doesn’t really matter. The figure of a young man who, at the beginning of the 20th century, dreamed over travelogues, set off into the world, and transformed his experiences into cocktail recipes forms the backbone of the entire concept. The new menu builds on this story — this time focusing not on its beginnings, but on the relationships that shaped Krch.
Cocktails as chapters
The current menu, under the guidance of bar manager Pavel Šíma, is organised into fifteen chapters that take guests through the next part of Krch’s travels. Each drink is an interpretation of a specific moment, encounter, or place.
Scarface Mary references a meeting with Al Capone. This variation on the Bloody Mary combines Absolut Elyx with Pedro Ximénez sherry, tomato liqueur, wasabi, honey, and balsamic vinegar. The result is a fuller, more structured version of the classic with a slightly sweet finish.
Tea Ceremony evokes the atmosphere of a meeting with Charlie Chaplin and Paulette Goddard. Ki No Bi Gin, yuzu, hojicha tea, and umeshu plum wine form a delicate, aromatic whole, served in a tea set for two — as a shared experience.
New Orleans is represented by The Big Easy, inspired by an encounter with Louis Armstrong. The combination of Hennessy V.S., rye whisky, Dubonnet, and Amaro Averna delivers a richer, spirit-forward profile with a distinct bittersweet note.
The European influence is represented by La Serenissima — a lighter, fresher cocktail featuring G.H. Mumm champagne, vetiver liqueur, grapefruit, green tea, and mint. At the opposite end of the spectrum is Chléb: an unexpected combination of Czech Goldcock whisky, Italicus liqueur, and a fermented bread base, which pushes the boundaries of what a cocktail can be.
The power of non-alcoholic cocktails
The new menu features a total of 32 signature cocktails, with the non-alcoholic section also given significant prominence. Six fully non-alcoholic drinks are complemented by a further seven cocktails that can be prepared in a zero-proof version.
For example, the Espresso NO!Martini is based on Undone No. 7 Italian Bitter Aperitif, while Charm of Dawn features Crodino, grapefruit soda, and rhubarb. The result is a menu that reflects the current shift in the bar scene — an emphasis on a fully fledged experience regardless of alcohol content.
Even after fifteen years, Black Angel’s confirms that storytelling in a cocktail bar need not be merely decorative. If it is strong enough, it can become the backbone of the entire menu.
Source: Black Angel’s bar
