Cocktail lovers in Manila were given a taste of Guangzhou’s celebrated bar scene as Hope & Sesame took over C Lounge at Conrad Manila for a special evening dedicated to inventive cocktails and modern mixology.
With Manila Bay providing a striking backdrop, the collaboration brought together two distinct hospitality experiences: C Lounge’s polished setting and Hope & Sesame’s experimental approach to cocktails.
The Guangzhou-based speakeasy is known for pushing the boundaries of cocktail-making, and its guest mixologists brought that same creativity behind the bar in Manila.
At the center of the takeover was a specially curated selection of cocktails that showcased Hope & Sesame’s signature techniques.
The drinks featured clarified infusions, botanical ingredients, and carefully layered flavors, demonstrating how traditional cocktail components can be transformed through modern preparation methods.
The clarification process, in particular, gave several drinks a clean and refined appearance while maintaining complex flavor profiles. Botanical elements added another layer to the experience, introducing aromas and unexpected notes that made each cocktail distinct.
Rather than simply focusing on presentation, the menu placed equal importance on balance, texture, aroma, and technique.
The takeover also served as an introduction to Hope & Sesame’s distinctive style for Manila’s cocktail community.
The speakeasy has gained international attention for its approach to contemporary mixology, with its drinks often combining familiar ingredients with less expected flavors and techniques.
That spirit was evident throughout the evening as guests watched the mixologists prepare each drink with precision before sampling the finished creations.
The experience offered a closer look at the amount of craftsmanship involved in creating a modern cocktail—from the preparation of ingredients to the final garnish.
The atmosphere at C Lounge complemented the cocktail program.
Located at Conrad Manila, the lounge’s panoramic glass windows offered views of Manila Bay as the evening moved from sunset into night.
As the sky darkened, the city lights and reflections across the bay became part of the experience, while the activity behind the bar continued to draw guests’ attention.
The sophisticated surroundings of C Lounge provided a contrast to the adventurous cocktail menu, creating a setting where guests could enjoy both the view and the drinks.
The bar takeover attracted cocktail enthusiasts and hotel guests who came to experience Hope & Sesame’s creations firsthand.
Beyond tasting the drinks, guests were able to observe the techniques used by the visiting mixologists and experience the personality of a bar that has established itself within Asia’s competitive cocktail scene.
Each cocktail became an opportunity to explore a different combination of flavors, with some leaning toward botanical and aromatic profiles while others showcased the more experimental side of the menu.
The Hope & Sesame takeover demonstrated how collaborations between international bars and local hospitality venues can introduce new ideas to Manila’s dining and cocktail scene.
For one evening, C Lounge became a platform for Hope & Sesame’s interpretation of modern mixology, allowing Manila guests to experience the Guangzhou bar’s signature style in a distinctly Manila setting.
With its carefully crafted cocktails, sophisticated surroundings, and Manila Bay views, the collaboration offered an evening centered on the craft behind the glass.
Ultimately, the Hope & Sesame bar takeover was a celebration of cocktail creativity and technique, giving guests an opportunity to discover how much more there is to a drink than what appears in the glass. (with reports from Benedick Marasigan)