Navigate the Best Cocktail in the Metro

Diageo Reserve World Class, the biggest cocktail education program and bartending competition in the world, shares the top four bars that made it to the Regional finals of the World Class Bartender of the Year 2014 in Singapore.

The World Class Bartender of the Year 2014 competition was launched in the Philippines last January with a stellar line-up of 11 of Manila’s finest bars and their most talented bartenders. After a series of trainings, qualifying heats and challenges judged by some of the world’s most-renowned mixologists, four finalists were selected and will go on to compete in the Regional Finals in Singapore this May, where the World Class Bartender of the Year – Philippines winner will be named.

The winner will go on to compete in the Global Finals in Great Britain, where 50 of the world’s best bartenders will pit their skills, impeccable technique, and knowledge against each other in a series of innovative challenges staged around the country.

“Diageo Reserve World Class tests every aspect of the bartending profession, and judging by the passion, innovation and immense skill we have seen from all of our four finalists, we know that the Philippines will stand proud in the Regional and Global finals,” shares Marie Ona, Reserve Luxury Manager for Diageo Philippines. “While we are very excited and proud to showcase the talent that our bartenders possess to the world, we thought it would be best to start from home and put the spotlight on these bars who continue to elevate our thriving cocktail scene.”

Find out who made it to this most coveted list as Diageo Reserve rounds up the top 4 cocktail bars and bartenders Manila has to offer:

BAR #1: LONG BAR, RAFFLES MAKATI

1 Raffles Drive, Makati Ave., Makati City

The Concept

The iconic Long Bar at Raffles Makati is a warm and lively place to enjoy a signature cocktail and dine on reinvented pub favorites. Styled after the original in the legendary Raffles Singapore, the Long Bar at Raffles Makati has inherited not just the extra-long bar its historic namesake was famed for, but the raucous tradition of throwing peanut shells on the floor as well.

The Man Behind the Bar: Rian Asiddao

Currently a bartender at Long Bar and Writer’s Bar at Raffles and Fairmont Makati, Rian Asiddao has been bartending for a good number of years, ever since 2006. He has won awards such as a silver medal during the National Food Showdown, Mocktail Mixing, Professional Division in 2013. Rian has also attended numerous conferences in bartending such as the 2013 National Bartending Conference and 2012 Fairmont Artistic Mixology Experience among others.

What to order

Cocktails

Makati Luxury Sling

A unique blend of Tanqueray No. TEN, Grand Marnier, Benedictine, and fresh lemon

Charles in Manila

A citrusy cocktail made with Tanqueray No. TEN, Manille Calamansi Liqueur, a splash of grapefruit juice, a chamomile lime orange infused syrup, egg white, and a dash of grapefruit bitters sprinkled with chamomile and gold flakes

Food

Taal Lake Tempura

Freshwater sardines fried to a crisp and serve on a bed of potato crisps

Pork Rinds with a Chili Tamarind Rub

Deep fried pork rinds rubbed with chili and tamarind

BAR #2: LE BAR, SOFITEL PHILIPPINE PLAZA

Barangay 1, CCP Complex, Roxas Boulevard, Pasay-Manila

The Concept

Le Bar is an innovative three-in-one concept – a bistro, patisserie and library – that offers a French bistro a la carte menu and innovative Sofitel Signature Cocktails. It is the epitome of stylish elegance, with its mahogany interiors, deep brown leather seats and rich interplay of visual textures. It has an impressive list of red and white wines and champagnes and cocktails, which they serve in premium glassware with tall, modern lines that give a sophisticated edge for designer wines and spirits.

The Man Behind the Bar: Syrian Ebdane

Syrian Ebdane has worked as Head Bartender for over six years at Sofitel Manila, and continues to do so, making sure he complies with Accor quality standards. Syrian completed the Diageo Bar Academy Wine and Spirits Training Level 1 in 2012 and became a finalist in the 2013 Diageo Reserve World Class Competition. He was also the overall champion during the 2^nd Philippine Culinary Cup Creative Cocktail Mixing Competition (open category), and the champion in the 2011 Chef’s on Parade – Ultimate Asian Showdown, Classic Cocktail Competition.

What to order

Cocktails

Afternoon Tea Ni Ritual

The name is a combination of “Afternoon Tea” and “Martini”. It is a citrus blend with a fresh and floral nose, made with Tanqueray No. TEN to give an elegant flavour and a smoother and rounder flavour

Cosmopolitan

A sophisticated mix using Ciroc vodka, triple sec, cranberry, and lime

Food

Foie Gras Aux Poivres

Homemade three pepper corn, duck liver terrine, artichoke salad, and country bread toasts

Bar Club Sandwich

Chicken bread, toasted country bread, bacon, melting cheese, tomato, lettuce, with herbs and potato wedges

BAR #3: NINER ICHI NANA

Ground Floor, The Globe Tower, 32nd St. corner 7th Ave., Bonifacio Global City

The Concept

Niner Ichi Nana is a place of expression. Like cocktail bars from eras passed, it is a location where different people can come together to discuss the world over some well prepared and properly proportioned drinks. Niner Ichi Nana uses only the freshest of ingredients, depending on what’s in season. All of their drinks are hand crafted and may take longer than usual bar mixes, so you can order a second once you get your first.

The Man Behind the Bar: Ed Yonzon

Eduardo Yonzon is the current Head Bartender of Niner Ichi Nana at Global City. Boasting almost 15 years of experience in bartending, Ed has worked at numerous bars and has won the Flair and Cocktail competition back in 2005. With his vast knowledge in cocktail mixing, beverage creation and wine variety, he continues his work as a bartender with zeal, looking forward to open new doors that can lead him to learn new knowledge and share experiences with the people he works with.

What to order

Cocktails

Drop of Life

An exquisite cocktail consisting of local fruits, namely guyabano and calamansi, mixed with Ketel One vodka, which gives a more sweet than sour taste

Eurasian

A mix of tradition and new cocktail mindsets; Johnnie Walker Gold Label reserve married with smoke and a refreshing blend of chili and cucumber

Food

Duck Fat Fries

Pimenton dulce, rosemary, garlic confit, and parmesan

Foie Gras “Nuggets”

Kikkoman barbeque, pomegranate, and sweet chili

BAR #4: THE CURATOR

134 Legazpi St., corner C. Palanca St., Legaspi Village, Makati City

The Concept

The Curator is an establishment that respects the old tradition of bartending, service, and proper libations. It takes pride in execution, sincerity, authenticity, and ultimately making the customer feel happy by opening up a whole new world of cocktails and drinks that’s available for them.

The Man Behind the Bar: Joma Rivera

Presently working as the Principal Bartender of The Curator, Joma Rivera shows just how much passion a youthful bartender can have. Immersed in bartending even during his days in the university, Joma was the president of the Lyceum Flair Bartappers and graduated with a degree in Hotel and Restaurant Management with a major in Cruiseline Operation on Hotel Services. He is also a decorated and award-winning bartender with over 6 championships won in various bartending competitions, making him one of the up and coming bartenders to keep an eye on.

What to order

Cocktails