8 Unique Cocktails That Took Over BCCP’s World Gin Day 2019
If there’s one kind of alcohol that is extremely popular in the Philippines it would be gin. Why won’t it be when one of the biggest gin manufacturers in the world, Ginebra San Miguel (GSM), is based in the country?
And every year, the British Chamber of Commerce in the Philippines (BCCP) teams up with GSM, to showcase both local and international gin brands through the celebration of World Gin Day.
(Middle) GSM Brand Manager Paolo Tupaz and BCCP Chair William Bailey during the 2019 World Gin Day
For this year’s festivities, eight unique gin-based cocktails were introduced to the guests. All of which especially handcrafted by some of the best bartenders from top hotels in Manila who participated in the 3rd BCCP Bartending Competiton.
The rules were simple, each participant had to create their own British-inspired cocktails using the GSM Premium Gin and one local fruit within 10 minutes.
Here is a rundown of the drinks the talented bartenders have come up with. Let’s start off with the top three cocktails.
Fancy A Cuppa by Ella Mae Verona of Raffles Makati
Topping our list is the cocktail that emerged as the best among the rest. Made by the only female contender in the competition, Ella Mae Verona’s Fancy A Cuppa won the hearts of the judges. Inspired by the English afternoon teas, Ella created a cocktail using the Philippine lime (calamansi) and the Philippine orange (Dalandan).
(2nd from the left) This year’s BCCP Bartending Champion Ella Verona with the judges
Spring of Ale by Mark Joseph Tolentino of Dusit Thani Manila
Dusit Thani’s Mark Joseph Tolentino created a citrusy cocktail inspired by the season of Spring, hence its name. He incorporated the Philippine dayap, which is another kind of lime, to the cocktail and topped it off with a splash of apple-flavored beer from GSM.
The Caliber by Kenneth Aparece of the Makati Diamond Residences
Placing third is the creatively presented The Caliber of Kenneth Aparece. He utilized the flavors of lemongrass and kamias and served the cocktail with a sword struck on the block of ice—an ode to his inspiration, King Arthur and his Excalibur.
Here are the other creatively (and deliciously) made cocktails by the other participants of the bartending competition:
A Tea in the Yard by Renato Remiendo of the Grand Hyatt Manila
As the name suggests, the cocktail is inspired by the love for teas of British people.
The Union Jack by Tyro Jhorele Samonte of Discovery Primea
Meant to highlight the connection of Philippines and the United Kingdom, the cocktail featured the colors of the flag of both countries: blue, red, and white. It also made use of durian, dubbed as the king of all fruits.
The Queen Descends by David Valero Jr. of Marriott Hotel Manila
Another tea-inspired cocktail, the drink made use of the sour and sweet fruit of sampaloc or tamarind.
Royal Blood Cocktail by John Rick Uy of Holiday Inn & Suites Makati
As royal blood is often associated with the color blue, the cocktail featured the same color served with pink colored sugar around the top of the glass. It made use of coconut and cinnamon.
Cocktail by Dominic Malicdem of New World Makati
The cocktail is in the color orange thanks to the chesa fruit. The cocktail was also awarded the People’s Choice award.
The World Gin Day 2019 took place at the Dusit Thani Manila and was attended by BCCP’s top management headed by their new Chair William Bailey and GSM represented by their Brand Manager Paolo Tupaz.
