Bar
Unclaimed profileKiesling
Detroit, MI · $$
Inebrious
Beverage Program Score
The editorial take
Kiesling, a bar with a historic setting, has earned national recognition for its cocktails, including Tales of the Cocktail Top 30 nominations in 2023 and 2024. Bar manager Allison Everitt was a PUNCH Best New Bartender nominee. The menu balances originals like the Beesting with classics, supported by a compact wine list, affordable beers, and a serious non-alcoholic program.
- What should I order?
- Start with the Beesting, a bourbon-based original with China China and honey. The Diego showcases corn tea-infused rye with Nixta. For a classic, the Kiesling Dirty Martini is offered. Non-alcoholic options include the Phony Negroni and Frozen Painkiller.
- Who will enjoy this place?
- Cocktail enthusiasts seeking a nationally recognized program will find much to appreciate. Those interested in creative non-alcoholic options or a well-curated, affordable wine list will also be satisfied. The bar's recognition and community praise make it a destination for discerning drinkers.
- When should I go?
- Evenings are likely the time to experience the full cocktail program. The bar's cozy, historic ambiance suits an after-work unwind or a late-night drink. The patio, though small, is a charming option when weather permits.
- What should I expect to spend?
- Cocktails range from $12 to $18, with non-alcoholic options from $5 to $14. Beers are $4–$10, and all wines are $40 per bottle.
- What makes the beverage program distinctive?
- Kiesling's cocktail program has earned national acclaim, including Tales of the Cocktail Top 30 nods and a PUNCH nomination for its bar manager. The bar also hosts a Co-Lab program featuring guest teams from around the world, adding a distinctive collaborative element.
Beverage categories
We only score what a venue sets out to do. Categories a venue doesn't attempt are left unscored rather than penalized.
Cocktails
Award-nominated program with creative originals and classics, recognized by Tales of the Cocktail and PUNCH.
Menu strengths
- — Tales of the Cocktail Top 30 Cocktail Bars nominee in 2023 and 2024
- — Bar manager Allison Everitt nominated for PUNCH Best New Bartender 2024
Standout selections
- — Beesting: Wild Turkey 101 Bourbon, China China, lemon, honey syrup ($15)
- — The Diego: corn tea infused Wild Turkey 101 Rye, Nixta, street corn syrup, lime ($18)
Pricing: Cocktails $12–$18; non-alcoholic options $5–$14
Wine
A small, curated list of Italian and Spanish wines, all priced uniformly. Offers a light Barbera, a crisp white, a rosato, and a Cava, providing simple, approachable options.
Menu strengths
- — Curated selection of Italian and Spanish wines; Uniform pricing at $40 per bottle
Standout selections
- — Barbera del Monferrato – light, juicy everyday Italian red
- — Arte Latino Cava Brut – toasty with persistent bubbles
Pricing: All listed wines $40 per bottle
Beer
A varied beer list including classic lagers (Miller High Life, Tecate, Narragansett), rotating craft options, cider, and seltzer.
Menu strengths
- — Variety of styles: lager, IPA, stout, cider, seltzer
Standout selections
- — Parallyzer IPA (Austin Brothers) – hazy double IPA with citra, mosaic, simcoe, el dorado ($8)
- — Crack of Noon Stout (Transient Artisan Ales) – oatmeal cream stout with coffee ($9)
Pricing: Beers $4–$10
Nonalcoholic
A robust non-alcoholic program with creative zero-proof cocktails, N/A beer, and crafted sodas. Includes options like Phony Negroni and Amaro Falso, plus a frozen N/A Painkiller.
Menu strengths
- — Diverse non-alcoholic menu including cocktails, sodas, and beer
Standout selections
- — Phony Negroni – juniper, citrus, floral notes with bitterness mirroring the classic ($14)
- — Amaro Falso – an impressive amaro highball dupe with herbal, spice, and bitter notes ($14)
- — Frozen Painkiller – pineapple, orange, coconut cream, N/A ($8)
Pricing: Non-alcoholic drinks $5–$14
Spirits
Spirits program is evidenced through cocktail recipes featuring a wide range of spirits, including bourbon, rye, tequila, mezcal, gin, vodka, rum, and amari, indicating a well-stocked bar.
Menu strengths
- — Extensive use of diverse spirits in cocktail recipes
Standout selections
- — Beesting uses Wild Turkey 101 Bourbon
- — The Diego uses corn tea infused Wild Turkey 101 Rye
How it sits with the food
While food is not the focus, the wine list's Italian and Spanish selections—such as the light Barbera and crisp Cava—are approachable for pairing with bar snacks or light fare. Cocktails like the Beesting with honey and lemon could complement savory bites.
Inebrious does not score kitchens, food or the restaurant overall. We review the beverage program only.
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