MANILA, Philippines – Summertime often brings back memories of beloved local treats—conjuring images of carefree days spent sipping cold drinks through plastic straws and cups sold at a neighborhood stand. Four of the Philippines’ top bartenders delved into their deepest and fondest memories to create whimsy Filipino-themed cocktails for the recent launch of Diageo Reserve World Class 2016 – feeding into the nostalgia with spiked spins on classic Manila favorites that are just as strong as they are sweet.
On its fourth year in the Philippines, the 2016 Diageo Reserve World Class competition ushers in Manila’s Golden Age of Cocktails. Hinged on Filipino classics, past winners Kenneth Bandivas (2015), Yoma Rivera (2014), and AK Roxas (2013), along with Diageo Reserve Brand Ambassador Rian Asiddao, looked to some of their favorite local treats to create masterfully curated cocktails that showed off the ingenuity and artisanship of our local bartending superstars.
Fiesta / “The Manila Signature Cocktail”
By 2015 Bartender of the Year Kenneth Bandivas
- 45ml Johnnie Walker Gold Label Reserve
- 15ml Lemongrass syrup
- 7.5ml Banana liqueur
- 15ml Lemon juice
- Chocolate bitters
- Caramelized banana
*Served on the rocks
Single Since Birth
By 2014 Bartender of the Year Yoma Rivera
- 45ml The Singleton of Glen Ord 12
- 30ml Tamarind water
- 15ml Lemon juice
- 15ml Honey
- 2 dashes burnt sugar
*Served in a plastic bag with a straw
Lazy Juan
By 2013 Bartender of the Year AK Roxas
- 40ml Tanqueray London Dry Gin
- 10ml Calamansi liqueur
- 40ml Green mango juice
- 20ml Malunggay syrup
- Dash of fish sauce
*Served on the rocks
Binibining Paloma
By Diageo Reserve Brand Ambassador Rian Asiddao
- 40ml Don Julio Blanco
- 60ml Grapefruit juice
- Pomelo chunks
- Soda water
- Laurel leaf
*Served in a plastic cup “samalamig” style
Taho-Taho
By Diageo Reserve Brand Ambassador Rian Asiddao
- 30ml Ketel One Vodka
- 15ml Hazelnut liqueur
- 30ml Soy milk
- Sago pearls
*Served in a plastic cup
Bitter Felipe
By 2015 Bartender of the Year Kenneth Bandivas
Kenneth took on the challenge by using ampalaya, otherwise known as bitter melon, and making his own bitter melon liqueur to create a complex cocktail that delivers crisp flavors as well as hints of spice and sweetness.
- 45ml Bulleit Bourbon
- 22.5ml Bitter melon liqueur (Ketel One infused with bitter melon)
- 22.5ml Lime juice
- 15ml Palawan honey syrup
*Served on the rocks