Behind the Cocktail – NA Maple & Smoke at Upstairs at The Kimbery Hotel
Smoked cocktails always make a comeback this time of year—that toasty aroma just works with cooler weather and holiday vibes.
But with more people exploring the sober-curious movement, it’s the perfect moment to highlight one smoky non-alcoholic cocktail that delivers without the ABV in celebration of Dry January.
Take the Maple & Smoke at Upstairs at The Kimberly. It leans into those cozy fall notes with maple, toffee, warm spices from Fluère Spiced Cane, and a hint of aromatic bitters. Finished with orange and smoked cherry wood, its a gently sweet, zero-proof twist on a smoked Old Fashioned—proof that non-alc drinks can be just as layered as the real thing.
“The Maple & Smoke was created as a modern, sensory zero-proof alternative for guests who appreciate the ritual and depth of classic cocktails—especially smoked drinks. Guests are increasingly looking for spirit-free options that don’t feel like compromises, and the Maple & Smoke answers that: it’s layered, aromatic, and theatrically presented—delivering all the ceremony and complexity of a smoked Old Fashioned, without the alcohol. The interplay of maple and smoke evokes the cozy warmth of fall and winter while the presentation engages multiple senses—aroma, taste, and sight—making it a showpiece cocktail like our current Old Fashioned.” Romir Kolici, F&B Director, The Kimberly Hotel, New York City
Photo by The Kimberly Hotel
Maple & Smoke
by Upstairs at The Kimberly Hotel — Midtown East, Manhattan, NYC
Ingredients
2 oz. Fluère Spiced Cane
¼ oz. Pure Maple Syrup
2 dashes Non-Alcoholic Aromatic Bitters
Orange Peel
Maraschino Cherry (for garnish)
Cherry Wood Smoke
Preparation
Combine Fluère Spiced Cane, maple syrup, and bitters in a mixing glass with ice.
Stir gently until chilled and slightly diluted.
Strain into a rocks glass over a large ice cube.
Express an orange peel over the glass to release its oils, then garnish with a maraschino cherry.
Finish by trapping cherry wood smoke under a cloche or dome for a few seconds before serving—allowing the smoke to gently infuse the drink with an aromatic depth.
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