Mabuhayyy 🇵🇭

The smaller tables along the railing have a good view of the Makati skyline, but I suspect the view might be more impressive at sunset or when it’s light out. At 10PM they switch off the lights at Ayala Triangle, so it’s pitch dark… Heh.

My table (at the corner, nearer to where the bar/entrance is), was also next to the smoking corner, which I was not a fan of.

Was an alright experience as something convenient having just touched down from the airport, but I probably won’t return.

Also worth noting - minimum spend of 500 PHP to be able to swipe a credit card. Yes, I left after my one drink.

💳 Accepts credit cards (min. spend of 500 PHP required)
☀ Open-air environment (it's a sheltered rooftop bar)

I got a Hot Mama (400 PHP+), the only specialty cocktail on the cocktail menu:

🔸 Grey Goose vodka
🔸 Lemon juice
🔸 Red chilli
🔸 Chilli finger garnish

I was in the mood for something citrusy & spicy, & this did the job. It was also the most interesting option on the menu.

Classic cocktails are available too, though - if you’re looking for comfort.

💳 Accepts credit cards (min. spend of 500 PHP required)
☀ Open-air environment (it's a sheltered rooftop bar)

Penthouse is more club-like than lounge-like, if I gotta be honest. Seems more appropriate as a venue for group gatherings.. Although with how loud the music was blaring, I was kinda glad to be alone so I didn’t have to shout to talk to anyone (except the waitstaff).

The vibes & atmosphere was something I didn’t expect for a “lounge”, & having looked at the pictures beforehand.. IMHO it’s more party than classy.

The picture might not match up to what I'm describing, but trust me. I wish I could upload videos here to illustrate 😂

💳 Accepts credit cards (min. spend of 500 PHP required)
☀ Open-air environment (it's a sheltered rooftop bar)

Constellation menu aside, I had a cheeky, delicious Godfather to wrap up my night & left ReCraft feeling super happy. My comfort drink 🥰

Singaporean friends, if you’re in SG this weekend - ReCraft will be in town for Singapore Cocktail Festival 2023 at the SGCD festival village on 5th May (Friday), & for a guest shift at Stay Gold on 10th May (Wednesday).

I’m unfortunately not around for half of SGCF, but I’m glad I’m still in town for this!

ReCraft's latest constellation drinks menu is pretty neat.. Provides you with heuristics to help you decide what drink to order, which is helpful - & I say this because I enjoyed what I ordered: 𝑽𝒊𝒓𝒈𝒐 (whiskey, calvados, clarified lemon, white sangria foam).

Sorry not sorry to my friends who are giving me flak for not taking photos of THE WHOLE MENU (pls you know the sky got how many star pattern or not), you’ll just have to check it out for yourself.

I will probably stop by longer on my next trip to Manila - to take a poke around QC, & also visit ReCraft again.

ReCraft spans across a multi-storeyed space & serves solid, clean drinks. I saw several groups of (I assume) friends hanging out here, but I’d be quite comfortable to walk in on my own.

On my most recent trip to Manila, my plan was to just be a Makati Gworl, but by some odd twist of fate thanks to friend-enabled private transport (hahaha), I found myself in Quezon City on my last night.

I don’t know much about QC, having not actually been before - but I am now quite curious about what this part of Manila has to offer…

With my 𝑭𝒍𝒐𝒑𝒑𝒚 𝑬𝒂𝒓𝒔 (450+ PHP) - gin basil, citrus, Fleur de Sauvage, Angostura bitters, homemade syrup - in hand, I happily hibernated in a corner. The space is dark, comfortable, cosy. & I occasionally had lovely chats with Hope & Paolo.

This was a delightful, refreshing way way to start my evening... There were several other cocktails I wanted to try but didn't get to, so a return visit is certainly in order. 🫰🏻

I noticed they had a Kaya Toast cocktail on the menu, & puffed up my chest as a proud Singaporean (lol).

Daryll, the bartender who warmly welcomed me to sit at the bar, then shared with me that Run Rabbit Run has a partnership with Bitters & Love in Singapore, which totally made sense... That's the only association I have with kaya toast cocktails - fond memories from yonks ago.

Came here armed with the wisdom of @drinking_noodle - "if you only have time for 1 bar in Manila.. Go to Run Rabbit Run".

Thankfully I had more time than that. But a visit was still in order.

While Curator isn't in Poblacion surrounded by a plethora of other bars & clubs, their location forms a nice walkable trinity with The Blind Pig & Bar 10-4. But if you’re not out to bar hop, I reckon you could stay here the whole night & sip your way through their menu.

𝑻𝒉𝒆 𝑪𝒓𝒐𝒘 𝑳𝒆𝒇𝒕 𝒐𝒇 𝒕𝒉𝒆 𝑴𝒖𝒓𝒅𝒆𝒓𝒆𝒓 (Jim Meehan)
🔸1800 Reposado
🔸 Lemon
🔸 Mango
🔸 Habanero distillate
🔸 Averna
🔸 Agave
🔸 Hellfire bitters
🔸 Soda

The Curator really needs no introduction - come here for coffee, they said. You must go there for cocktails, they also said. I did both… Multiple times 😂

Their menu is thoughtfully curated (pun not intended) (or is it) with theme of people they'd like to have a drink with. Each page has a little blurb/biography about the person behind the drink, which is a fun read.

𝑩𝒆𝒕𝒕𝒆𝒓 𝑻𝒉𝒂𝒏 𝑳𝒊𝒕𝒉𝒊𝒖𝒎 (Kurt Cobain)
🔸 St. Remy Brandy
🔸 Maker's Mark
🔸 Crème de mûre
🔸 Campari
🔸 Rosso vermouth
🔸 Regan's bitters
🔸 Tonic