10 Filipino Alcoholic Drinks You Should Try Now
We Filipinos love alcohol. We drink when we’re happy, we drink when we’re sad, and we drink because it’s another day. Maybe it’s because of the tropical climate or our communal and social natures, but if there’s anything to celebrate or discuss, it’s usually done over a round of drinks. Because of this, many distilleries have created local brands and beverages for Filipinos to enjoy. But beyond the standard cans of beer and bottles of rum available in the marketplace, there are unique drinks to elevate the Friday night inuman to something classier, and of course, tastier.
Here are 10 Filipino alcoholic drinks you should try now:
Photo from Palaweno Brewery Facebook page
10. Palawan Wit
The Palawan Wit is one of the signature beers of Palaweno Brewery, which prides itself for being the last frontier’s first craft beer. The Palaweno Wit is a wheat beer, making it sweet, refreshing, and easy to drink. It’s the perfect beverage to have when you’re in the best island in the world. It has a surprise Palawan twist, which means you’ll have to go there to experience it. Palaweno Brewery also features the first women brewers, so you know each bottle is made with tender love and care.
9. Amadeo Coffee Liqueur
If you’re a coffee addict, you can even take it with you on nights out. Amadeo’s rum-based coffee liqueur is made from four types of coffe beans, two of which are used in barako coffee. It has a strong taste, but its roasted notes do not overpower (or keep you up all night). Best to have a glass when partying, not staying up late to study.
8. Caramelized Toddy
Niner Ichi Nana’s caramelized toddy is perfect for those who love dessert. Yes, this is a cocktail, and technically not a type of liquor, but we included it in the list because it playfully combines Hennessy, egg, cacao liqueur, frangelico, milk froth, a chocolate stick, and roasted marshmallows. Yum.
7. Manille Liqueur de Calamansi
Want a new twist on the classic margarita? Why not use calamansi instead of lime juice? Manille’s vodka-based liquor uses calamansi rinds from the Tugdaan mountains in Mindoro, giving it that artisanal touch.
6. Don Papa Rum
Don Papa Rum elevates the boring Cuba Libre (popularly known as the Jack Coke) to interesting new heights. Don Papa has hints of vanilla, honey, and candied fruits. The rum is distilled at the foothills of Mount Kanlaon in Negros, which is known for its sugar, rum’s primary ingredient.
Photo from Trip or Treats
5. Baguio’s strawberry wine
Baguio is known for its strawberries, and they’ve turned it into every imaginable thing, including wine. Yes, strawberry wine. Baguio’s strawberry wine is sweet and aromatic, and has a lower alcoholic content than most wines. But don’t treat it like juice or else you’ll be drunk before everyone else!
4. VuQo Premium Vodka
VuQo (get it?) holds the distinction of being the world’s only vodka made from coconut nectar. It’s not a household name in the Philippines, but it’s popular in the US, where it was included in the swag bag of the Oscars in 2012. Some are even calling it a rival to more established vodka brands like Absolut nad Grey Goose. Lambanog (Coconut wine)? Maybe a classier version.
3. Katipunan Indio Pale Ale
Craft beer is now a thing in the Philippines, and it’s because of four high school best friends who started Katipunan Craft Beer. Their Indio Pale Ale is stronger than what you usually drink, but its full flavor is balanced by its fruity and spicy taste. The taste is refreshingly sweet, with a slightly bitter aftertaste.
Photo from Blau Earth
2. REFMAD Farms’ dragonfruit wine
Like Baguio’s strawberry wine, Ilocos turned one of its famous pasalubong into wine. REFMAD Farms is known for their dragonfruit, so expect their dragonfruit wine to be excellent. The wine has the unique taste of the fruit that can be surprising, but it can also be addictive. Like the strawberry wine, drink carefully. The sweet taste may let you think you’re not drunk… until you get up and start swaying.
1. Manila Sunshine
Brazil has its caipirinha, and Cuba has its mojito. Us? Our national drink is the Manila Sunshine. Yes, we have a national drink! This was developed in 2012 by Department of Tourism Secretary Ramon Jimenez and Makati Shangri-La, right around the time of the It’s More Fun in the Philippines tourism campaign. The Manila Sunshine has lambanog, flavors of mango and pineapple, triple sec, Tanduay Rhum, a garnish of lemongrass, and a pineapple wedge. Can you think of anything more sunshine-y than that? The drink is available at Shangri-La Hotel in the Philippines and 20 other countries, and the Heritage Hotel Manila.
Do you know other Filipino alcoholic drinks we should try now? Share them in the comments section!
10 Filipino Alcoholic Drinks You Should Try Now
