Years ago, Sarah Jessica Parker’s iconic character, the columnist Carrie Bradshaw, popularized the cocktail Cosmopolitan through the well-loved TV show Sex and The City. Not only did the Cosmopolitan become sensational, Sex and The City also became a cultural peg of sorts, with groups of women across the globe flocking to bars and restaurants for a night out in town.
With the Filipino palate becoming more sophisticated, it is but inevitable that Metro Manila’s bars would follow suit. These days, with the onset of speakeasy bars, dining out has become chicer. Bartenders, to illustrate, are now more versatile with their alcoholic creations, with four from the best bars representing their establishments for Diageo’s The World Class Bartender of the Year 2014, where one will get the chance to compete for the tilt’s global edition next month. MB Lifestyle went barhopping to get into the spirit(s).
The Curator may count as one of Metro Manila’s speakeasy bars, where drinking discreetly is advised (don’t get wasted, please).
(Images by Pia Puno)
The Curator
This place has established itself as one of Makati City’s well-kept secrets. Sort of, since word of mouth is making this place rather Googleable. Anyway, to get through this bar, one has to pass through the Cyrano Wine Bar. The place is dimly lit, save for the bartender’s area. Joma Rivera, the bar’s young principal bartender, showcased the Win or Go Home and the Beckinsale. With a touch of Filipino flair, the Win or Go Home is a cocktail with a whiff of sampaguita and calamansi, kicked off by a serving of Tanqueray No. 10. Meanwhile, the Beckinsale is rather strong, a martini-like drink with floral notes and shots of Tanqueray No. 10.
It may be small, but Niner Ichi Nana is a foodie’s haven, with alcoholic drinks served alongside gourmet food.
Niner Ichi Nana
Owned by food blogger and celebrity chef Erwan Heussaff, Niner Ichi Nana is a small, casual bar that caters to corporate yuppies who want to relax after a day’s worth of work in Bonifacio Global City. The bar’s head bartender, Ed Yonzon, whipped up Drop of Life and Eurasian. A cocktail of guyabano, calamansi, and Ketel One vodka, Drop of Life has a throat-scorching effect, thanks to a dash of nutmeg. It goes well with Duck Fat Fries (but don’t forget Niner Ichi Nana’s foie gras nuggets, too, while you’re there). Eurasian, on the other hand, has Johnnie Walker Gold Label mixed with chili and cucumber, with the aim of melding the cultures of Europe and Asia.
At the Raffles Long Bar in Makati, peanuts are served generously, so many that you can even play with them to pass some idle time away. Here, cocktails are served on a long, wooden table, although guests have the option to lounge at the cushioned sofas, too.
Long Bar, Raffles Makati
Taking its cue from the iconic Long Bar in Raffles Singapore, the Long Bar at Raffles Makati is the first of its kind in the country. An exact replica of the original bar in Singapore, down to the smallest details, it even sticks to the tradition of throwing peanuts on the floor.
Representing the local Long Bar is bartender Rian Asiddao, who concocted two signature drinks: Makati Luxury Sling and Charles in Manila. The former is made of of Tanqueray No. 10, Grand Marnier, Benedictine, and fresh lemon, with refreshing hints of grapefruit, orange, lime, and chamomile. The latter, dubbed as Rian’s original, is inspired by Gin Pomelo and named after Charles Tanqueray. Enjoy the drinks with a great big serving of pork rinds (chicharon).
Le Bar is one of the masterpieces of Sofitel Philippine Plaza. Tip: The bartenders are nice enough to show you how they mix their cocktails. Watch and learn.
Le Bar, Sofitel Philippine Plaza
This bar has a homey ambiance with a three-in-one concept of a bistro, patisserie, and library. Syrian Ebdane created two enchanting cocktails: the Afternoon Tea Ni Ritual and yes, Carrie Bradshaw’s favorite, the Cosmopolitan. The Afternoon Tea Ni Ritual is a blend of afternoon tea and martini, with elements of citrus and herbs, with Tanqueray No. 10. Syrian’s rendition of a Cosmopolitan contains Ciroc vodka, triple sec, and cranberry, giving off the impression of a powerful berry taste. These drinks go well with foie gras. Pinkies up!