In the rapidly evolving landscape of Israeli nightlife, “kosher” is no longer synonymous with “standard.” A new wave of bars is blending religious observance with high-concept mixology, proving that the most interesting flavors often come from the most creative constraints. From the mystical alleyways of Jerusalem to the sun-drenched porches of Pardes Hanna, two bars—Sambation and Drinkeria—are redefining what it means to grab a drink in the Holy Land.
Sambation: A Portal Into Jerusalem Legend
In the heart of Jerusalem, where ancient stones meet a burgeoning modern spirit, lies Sambation—a bar that feels less like a local watering hole and more like a portal into a forgotten legend. Named after the mythical river of Jewish folklore, Sambation has quickly become a point of pilgrimage for cocktail lovers and appreciators of fine mixology.
The vision belongs to Kfir Bahar, whose background in high-end mixology at many of Israel’s best known cocktail bars is rooted in a refusal to treat Jerusalem as a gimmick. For Kfir, the city is a pantry. His menu isn’t just a list of ingredients; it’s a “bible” of cocktails where every drink acts as a chapter in Jewish history.
The Jethro: A wild, creamy fusion of gin, olive oil, honey, yogurt, and za’atar. It is tangy, boozy, and unlike anything else you are likely to have ever tasted.
The Tzipi Primo: Described by Kfir as “the juices of a classic Israeli salad” spiked with vodka and honey. It’s a savory, polarizing masterpiece.
Bamba Nougat: A “mudslide” for the Israeli soul, featuring rum infused with nougat, homemade peanut butter ice cream, and a pinch of sea salt.
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Tarshisha #2: Tequila, cherry tomato jam, shifka (Israeli pickled peppers) lemon and mustard seeds make up this smoky, spicy, and sour fusion of flavors that tantalizes the tongue.
Beyond the permanent menu, Sambation fosters a global community through its “Passport Events.” Patrons receive a physical passport to be stamped during monthly takeovers—ranging from an IKEA-themed Scandinavian night with DIY cocktails to a Mexican fiesta featuring avocado ice cream and mezcal. By aging drinks in oak barrels and hosting cocktail classes, Sambation isn’t just serving drinks; it’s putting Jerusalem firmly on the global mixology map.
Sambation also hosts live musicians and as well as cocktail classes to learn more about unique techniques and is constantly innovating so that you can come back over and over and never get bored.
Drinkeria: High-End Craft, “Savta” Soul
If Sambation is a dark, mystical library, then Drinkeria is the sun-drenched porch you never want to leave. Located in the artistic enclave of Pardes Hanna, Drinkeria was born when founders Eden and Noam grew tired of “high-concept” bars with dim lighting and pretentious dress codes.
Noam Hass, a 14-year veteran and award-winning mixologist, wanted to strip away the ego. His inspiration? His Ashkenazi grandmother, for whom the microwave was the pinnacle of culinary tech. The result is a bar that feels like a 1970s Israeli kitchen, complete with vintage glassware plucked from a china cabinet.
Don’t let the “come as you are” attitude fool you; the science here is top-tier. Drinkeria functions as a “fun playground” where they distill their own Arak, Vodka, Gin, and citrus liqueurs.
- Ultimate Lemonade: A gin-based nostalgia trip to the roadside stands of an Israeli childhood.
- Lechem and Dvash (Bread and Honey): A sophisticated blend of housemade brown butter liquor and honey.
- The Rosetta: A personal favorite, combining house-blended rum with rose water, lime, and more of that rich brown butter.
The food menu leans hard into Noam’s roots, serving elevated Ashkenazi soul food: Mamaliga (Romanian polenta), cured herring on toast, and a “mind-melting” chocolate cake. On Fridays, the bar transforms with live outdoor music and a brunch menu that pairs hard espresso shots with Yerushalmi Kugel.
The Verdict
Whether you are looking for the smoky, spicy fusion of Sambation’s Tarshisha #2 (tequila and pickled peppers) or wanting to feel like a “cousin visiting for dinner” at Drinkeria, one thing is clear: the Israeli kosher bar scene has officially come of age. These aren’t just places to drink; they are places to remember who we are, one glass at a time.
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