DRINK CULTURE

Loews Hotels & Co . in April announced the debut of the Free Spirited by Loews Hotels program for guests who choose to imbibe less or not at all . The brand-wide offering of handcrafted low- and no-ABV beverage options will showcase on-site mixology talent using locally sourced ingredients and unique flavor combinations , the company says .

Beverage selections will differ at each property , reflecting the availability of local suppliers , popular flavors in the region and the creativity of the mixologists . For example , guests at the Loews Coronado Bay Resort can enjoy the low-ABV Coronado Cobbler , made with Amontillado sherry , lemon juice , agave , Liquid Alchemist peach syrup , dash of Angostura bitters and a mint sprig . The Loews

Miami Beach Hotel has the Okiru Martini , with Soto sake , Aplos Arise non-alcoholic spirit , lemon juice , cucumber , and honey water .

No-ABV options include the Boulevard of Broken Dreams at the Loews Philadelphia Hotel , a barrel-aged Boulevardier made with Lyre ’ s whiskey , Aperitif Rosso and Italian Orange . The Pineapple-Matcha-Jito at Live ! by Loews - St . Louis incorporates a housemade pineapple and tarragon shrub with lime juice , honey syrup , matcha powder and club soda .

The hospitality brand , which operates 25 hotels and resorts across the U . S . and Canada , will integrate the Free Spirited by Loews Hotels program into catering and event planning . The offering will also be infused into tentpole , brand-wide programming throughout the year , such as the brand ’ s annual Summerfest immersive experiences .

More hotel chains now offer no- / low-alcohol drinks . For instance , Hyatt Hotels Corp . launched its Zero Proof , Zero Judgment beverage program in 2021 . Hilton ’ s contemporary lifestyle brand Tempo by Hilton late last year unveiled a menu of hand-crafted “ Spirited ” and “ Free-Spirited ” cocktails .

Post-Covid consumers seek creative and high-quality cocktails when they go out , which means unique flavors , textures and presentations that make a drink much more than just a beverage . We ’ re highlighting some of the standout drink experiences we ’ re seeing this year .

First up is the Shanghai Bar and Lounge at Hutong New York restaurant , which serves up some of the city ’ s most inventive cocktails . It ’ s currently offering guests a unique way to indulge in the essence of the Year of the Dragon with The Dynasty of the Dragon . The large-format cocktail , which serves about four people , combines Shui Jing Fang baiju , gin , vermouth and Chinese honey cordial , enhanced with a mixture of spices and citrus .

What ’ s more , the beverage is presented in a tea set shaped like a dragon , alongside homemade matcha , coconut and ginger ice creams , which complement the strength of the cocktail . Priced at $ 188 , The Dynasty of the Dragon will be available at The Shanghai Bar all this year . www . cheersonline . com Summer 2024 • Cheers 5