June 8 is World Gin Day and if you don’t have any plans yet, why not take your friends or family out for a spot of gin. Even if you’re feeling responsible or going sober, here are a few alternative uses for gin that don’t require you to drink it down.
According to the International Wine and Spirits research group, the Philippines is the number one Gin consumer in the world. Crazy to think that our country posted an 8% growth in Gin consumption in 2018, perhaps thanks to the ever-so-popular Ginebra San Miguel–the Filipino’s go-to spirit of choice–for its reliable knockout punch.
To celebrate World Gin Day, here are some of our favorite gin drinks that you can easily find in Manila:
Run Rabbit Run
Location: 4991 P. Guanzon St. Brgy. Poblacion, Makati City
Drink: Chilin’ Like A Villain
Photo from drinkmanila.com
A creamy cocktail made out of gin, lemon, syrup, egg white, and peach liqueur, this drink is the perfect balance of fruit and floral. You don’t need a straw for this drink, as it is served in a collins glass. Sip through the foam for that creamy fruity taste that’s gonna make you order one more. The drink is completed with a Sampaguita accent that throws you off its villainy.
Bank Bar
Location: G/F RCBC Corporate Center (inside 7/11), 25th & 26th St., Fort Bonifacio, Taguig
Drink: Rose and Cucumber Gin and Tonic
Photo from Bank Bar Instagram (@bank.bar)
Dubbed as a place for ‘retired party people’, Bank Bar is a hidden bar in BGC that offers world-class service and drinks. One of their popular gin drinks is the rose and cucumber gin and tonic. It features Tanqueray Rangpur, rose ice, and Fentiman’s tonic. The gin base is your choice, but Hendrick’s Gin is the go-to option to fully taste the essences of rose and cucumber.
The Bonbon Club
Location: 16 Tropical Palms, Gallardo Street, Legazpi Village, Makati City
Drink: Dr. Sylvius
Photo from The Bonbon Club FB Page
Named after the falsely credited founder of gin, Dr. Sylvius makes use of ginger and lemongrass syrup, mixed with black pepper, to create a tangy taste. The gin base of Bombay Sapphire hits perfectly, and you’ll see just how much dedication the Bonbon Club puts into their gin.
INT.Bar
Location: Cubao Expo, General Romulo Ave, Cubao, Quezon City
Drink: Dogtooth
Photo from INT. Bar Instagram (@int.bar)
Dogtooth is INT. Bar’s own variation of one of the most favored classic gin-based cocktails, The Corpse Reviver #2. The drink features a base of Beefeater Gin, mixed with Cointreau french orange liqueur. They then add Cocchi Americano and a few dashes of 68% ABV Absinthe to capture that standout wormwood and licorice taste. Instead of lemon juice, they complete the drink with a dash of Lemon Oleo Saccharum, making it the most aromatic cocktail on their menu.
The Back Room
Location: Shangri-La Fort, 30th St, Taguig, Metro Manila
Drink: Bee’s Knees Dry Gin
Photo from The Back Room Instagram (@backroomph)
For the last drink on our list, we’re keeping it uniquely simple with The Back Room’s Gin & Tonic. The not-so-secret bar offers a wide selection of spirits focusing on gin, with more than 150 bottles. What’s unique about this drink is it’s made up of its namesake Bee’s Knees gin and pairs it up with Fentiman’s Tonic. Top it off with a lime and you’re good to go. Sometimes, the simple things are indeed the best things.
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