After the clapping comes the clinking

"As brutally local as possible," is how barmaid Miriam describes the philosophy of Bistro Karl:a der:die Grosse. The bistro and bar are open almost all the time, although it's often not easy to get a seat, especially in the evening. The fact that the tap never stands still is also due to the numerous panel discussions, theme evenings and concerts in the Debattierhaus, which make Karl:a a permanent fixture in the city's cultural landscape. As well as sticks and wine, the Isotta Spritz, a local Spritz that uses a bitter liqueur from Winterthur instead of Aperol, is particularly popular. If that's too summery for you at the moment, we recommend the homemade mulled wine. Or -

Miriam's tip: absinthe with a Pernod spoon, sugar cubes and kindling.

The Neumarkt Theatre is all about diverse performances and people - or as bar manager Sem puts it: "From Migros bags to Gucci, everything is here." This colourful diversity is also reflected in the well-stocked bar, which becomes a meeting point for the audience and actors before and after the theatre performance. Special drinks are always created to match the performances. However, theatre-goers currently prefer to sip Amaretto Sour, which is probably also down to Sem's mixing skills. "I make sensational Amaretto sours," she remarks with a laugh. However, her personal highlight is another drink.

Sem's tip: New York sour (whiskey sour with a little red wine)

Anybody can frontrow. Sometimes it's worth exploring the rows behind it. The Sogar Theatre in Kreis 5 is one such case. The small literary theatre is almost a little shy in an inner courtyard on Josefstrasse. But it's not just the programme of the Kulturhaus that is impressive - the cosy bar alone is worth a visit. Various teas and Pinot Noir are currently very popular, as barmaid Caro reveals. You can also enjoy a mini panettone - all year round.

Caro's tip: Be sure to come to the premieres, when soup is traditionally served after the performance.

Big, bigger, shipbuilding. There is hardly any other bar in the city that can be surrounded by as many people as the former industrial hall. Bar manager Tobi has also fallen in love with the ambience - barely three weeks after he and his crew took over the bar. "The huge room with the incredibly high ceiling, the lights ... the atmosphere and the crowd are super cool!" It's all about the mix - and not just the drinks. At the bar, visitors to the Moods jazz club meet theatre-goers and restaurant guests from Les Halles. In addition to wine and beer, Amaretto sours, espresso martinis and negronis are the most popular drinks.

Tobi's tip: Rum Old Fashioned with Plantea Rum, a special banana-flavoured rum.

Why wander into the distance ...? Because Millers at Mühle Tiefenbrunnen is definitely worth the journey towards the city limits. "We have the most beautiful theatre bar anywhere," enthuses bar manager Adrian. "Once you've sat down here, you'll never want to leave. If you don't have a favourite, you come in here and think: 'there's my favourite'". At home - that's where people prefer to drink Prosecco or draught beer after the evening and the programme. And sometimes skinny bitches or the odd dark and stormy at the drag shows. The non-alcoholic Negroni Senza and the popcorn, which is freshly made every evening, are also specialities. "Our USP", as Adrian emphasises.

Adrian's tip: Boulevardier - a Negroni variant with bitters, vermouth and bourbon.