Celebrating Filipino food month has never been this festive, thanks to Marco Polo Ortigas, Manila, and Asian Dragon Magazine’s Pick Your Potion: Celebrating Filipino Flavors in the Sky, Monday, May 2.
The two companies joined forces to launch a limited line of cocktails inspired by Destileria Limtuaco’s line of Philippine Craft spirits. The intimate gathering included guests from the restaurant and food and beverage industry at VU’s Sky Bar and Lounge on Level 45 of the hotel.
Those invited were treated with four new mixes namely Manille Basil Smash, Manille Dalandan Margarita, Paradise Mojito, and Salamangkero.
According to Brandon Limpe-Aw, the current VP for Admin of Destileria Limtuaco, these four new cocktails are their “classics with a twist.”
Gin Basil Smash
An upgraded version of Manille Basil Smash. Destileria Limtuaco’s Manille Liqueur de Calamansi was added into the mix, creating a unique zesty flavor profile to it. The cocktail is served in either rock glass or old-fashioned glass, garnished with a sprig of fresh basil.
Manille Dalandan Margarita
Destileria Limtuaco also has its take on the famous margarita cocktail: Manille Dalandan Margarita. Instead of using Curacao orange liqueur, Manille Liqueur Dalandan was added into the mix. Agave syrup was also used instead of just simple syrup. This mixture is also served in either rock glass or old-fashioned glass, with a lemon wheel and salt on the rim of the glass.
Paradise Mojito
The two most famous classics, the mojito, and maitai became one: The Paradise Mojito. It is a mixture of Destileria Limtuaco’s Paradise Mango Rum Liqueur, Very Old Captain Rum, Mango Nectar, Lemon Juice, and Simple Syrup topped with Soda Water. It is served on a highball glass topped with a sprig of fresh basil and dehydrated mango.
Salamangkero
The Salamangkero is the Destileria Limtuaco’s version of the Brazilian cocktail Cai (Khai) Pirinha. Instead of having the usual Cashasa and lime, it is made with San Juan Premium Lambanog and lemon.
“Celebrating the flavors of the Philippines is one of our passions at the Marco Polo Ortigas, Manila. Our partnership with Asian Dragon Magazine and Destileria Limtuaco allows us to cast a meaningful spotlight on how versatile and world-class we can be as a gastronomic destination,” said Colin Healy, General Manager of the Marco Polo Ortigas, Manila.
He added, “Being named after the famed global explorer, Marco Polo Ortigas, Manila continues to strengthen the ‘spirit of discovery’ in all of us. We look forward to sharing even more of what it means to truly live and love the local experience in the future.”
Meanwhile, these four new mixes are still on a “trial run” as guests were asked to choose which among Manille Basil Smash, Manille Dalandan Margarita, Paradise Mojito, and Salamangkero can lift the spirits more.
The chosen cocktail will be stapled in Marco Polo’s menu as part of their specialty cocktails.
