Brightly colored cocktails have a misguided reputation for being “girly” drinks, but those who believe that school of thought have clearly never tried a Weng-Weng in their life. As the competition among bars have gotten even more critical, it’s also given us party animals a more widespread cocktail menu, ranging from experimental flavors, unique twists on classic cocktails, to standout presentations. Below, pink, IG-worthy, and not-so-girly libations around Manila we promise you won’t regret in the morning.
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Off With Their Heads
WHERE: Run Rabbit Run
We dare you to say the name of this cocktail with feeling (imagine all your exes lined up in front of you...you get the idea) when you give your order to the bartender. This move-on-he’s-not-worth-it cocktail combines whiskey and red wine, plus a splash of blueberry juice for a strong, rich, and fruity finish. -
Lipstick Note
WHERE: The Back Room
No guts to slip your number to the absolute snacc hanging by the bar? Take a swig of liquid courage in the form of the Lipstick Note from The Back Room, currently ranking at 50 in Asia’s Best Bars 2019. This gin cocktail teases a fruity, sour, and spicy flavor profile and is made even cheekier by clipping a conversation starter to convince you to make the first move.ADVERTISMENT - CONTINUE READING BELOW ↓ -
The 20th Visionary
WHERE: Buddha-Bar Manila
You’re not quite into strong cocktails, but that’s exactly why you’ll enjoy sipping on The 20th Visionary at Buddha-Bar Manila. This light cocktail combines the flavors of gin, raspberry shrub, and the citrus essence of oleo saccharum to refresh your mood, convince you to dance, and still make you last through the night. -
Maracuja
WHERE: Alegria Cozinha Moderna
Maracuja, or “passionfruit” in Portuguese, is the distinct flavor you can expect from this white wine sangria. Add the sweetness of pineapple, the tartness of cranberry, and the smokiness of rum, and you have yourself a perfect drink to unwind with after a long day at the office. Round up the girls!CONTINUE READING BELOW ↓watch now -
Snapple Lady
WHERE: Yes Please
Brandy is rarely any millennial’s first choice when it comes to liquor. Rappers talk about “Henny” in their songs all the time, but you just don’t get the hype. Ease your way into the liquor with Yes Please’s Snapple Lady—it compliments cognac with Mexican tepache, lime, basil, and fire water, aka liquor with high alcohol content that can get you shitfaced. Yes, please. -
Kiss From A Rose
WHERE: Studio 28
Sure, roses are red, but the crafty mixologists of Studio 28 turned this drink into a certified hot pink, made with rose liqueur and gin, topped with rose air bubbles. Rose. Air. Bubbles. Before you say WTF, don’t knock it ‘til you’ve tried Kiss From A Rose. This cocktail deserves an IG post all on its own and is sure to serve looks at the bar.ADVERTISMENT - CONTINUE READING BELOW ↓ -
Beerkilla Reaper
WHERE: Almacen
Why choose between having beer or a margarita when you can have both? The Beerkilla Reaper is a slushie cocktail that combines two classic evening libations to help you keep a cool head as you go about your Poblacion bar crawl. Slow-drink it like a regular cocktail or keep things interesting by taking it as a shot with your friends. Never Have I Ever, anyone? -
Lady in Red
WHERE: Ms. Gee
You’ve probably tried the Chinese delicacy kiamoy at least once in your childhood, which is why you might get nostalgic when you try Lady in Red. This choice cocktail from Ms. Gee is a fusion of traditional whiskey sour and Oriental flavors, made with kiamoy-infused whiskey, and red kiamoy lemon and shaken with egg white to give its frothy top. -
Pink Slip
WHERE: The Bank Bar
Pink slips are an old-fashioned way telling employees that they’re fired. It’s the last thing you’d ever want to receive at the office, but it’s the first thing you’d definitely want to order while you’re at the Bank Bar. Make an ironic toast to getting your first job with this tequila-based tipple that’s loaded with raspberry, grapefruit, barrel-aged apple cider vinegar, and a pink peppercorn kick.ADVERTISMENT - CONTINUE READING BELOW ↓ -
One Fine Day
WHERE: Studio 28
No, it wouldn’t be redundant at all to sip on One Fine Day on one fine day, simply because you deserve it. If gin martinis are right up your alley, then this classy variant made with artisanal vermouth and homemade smoke bitters is sure to hit the spot. The coolest part? The block of ice in the drink encases botanicals that enhances the flavor as it melts. -
Litchi
WHERE: Alegria Cozinha Moderna
White wine addicts have yet another reason to head over to Alegria. Based from its name, you can take a good guess as to what one of the key ingredients of this cocktail is. Litchi is a white wine and vodka mix and infused with elderflower and—you guessed it—the sweet, juicy flavor of lychee, that’ll help you wind down with your BFFs, taking you from one juicy kwento to another. -
Rosa de Ron
WHERE: Buddha-Bar Manila
If you think you should only drink after a meal, you’ve probably never had an ~aperitif~, which is essentially a cocktail to whet your appetite just in time for dinner. The Rosa de Ron is a delicious pre-game, made with rose, bitters, sweet vermouth, and light rum—the perfect concoction to anticipate what’s to come for the rest of the evening.ADVERTISMENT - CONTINUE READING BELOW ↓ -
Gin & Frolic
WHERE: ABKD
If you don’t want to overwhelm your date by showing him how much you can drink (especially when it’s only the first date!), order a dainty cocktail, like the Gin & Frolic from ABKD. This gin concoction combines the flavors lychee, cranberry, and lime for a refreshing drink you can talk over while figuring out if swiping right on this guy was actually worth it. -
Sandrapolitan
WHERE: Polilya
As one of the original, if not most popular, pink drinks out there, the Cosmopolitan may seem like a “girly” drink, but it’s actually a strong AF cocktail you can easily get a buzz from. The Sandrapolitan is no different, and if you’re old fashioned and prefer your drinks classy, vodka-based, and served in a martini glass, this Polilya favorite is an excellent choice. -
Kimchi Sour
WHERE: The Odd Seoul
Just like gin and tonics, sour cocktails are making a comeback in new and unique spectrums of flavor you wouldn’t expect, like the Kimchi Sour from speakeasy bar The Odd Seoul. You probably can’t imagine kimchi in a cocktail, but if you add soju, amaretto, lemon juice plus a sprinkle of dried rose on top, it creates a heady tipple with a bold flavor and just a touch of heat.