Filipino-inspired summer cocktails
Summer is here in the Philippines.! As the scorching summer sun beats down, there’s nothing quite like sipping on some refreshing summer cocktails to beat the heat and add a little buzz to your day. But why settle for the ordinary when you can indulge something more uniquely Filipino?
These e 10 uniquely Filipino-inspired summer cocktails pack a punch of flavor and culture. From tropical fruits to local spirits, we’ve got your summer sips sorted. Try them out and enjoy the rest of the summer with buzz!
1. Mango-Tamarind Margarita – classic margarita with sweet-sour twist
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Margarita is a classic, but add in mango and tamarind – two popular fruits in the country – and it’s next-level. This tangy concoction perfectly balances the sweetness of ripe mangoes with the sour kick of tamarind, giving you a burst of tropical goodness in every sip. Simply blend together the following ingredients:
- Fresh mango chunks
- Tamarind paste
- Tequila
- Lime juice
- Simple syrup
Protip: Rim your glass with chili salt for an extra kick!
2. Calamansi Mojito – refreshing minty drink with a dash of sour
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If you’re a fan of the classic mojito, prepare to be dazzled by its Filipino cousin—the calamansi mojito! This zesty drink combines the refreshing flavors of mint, lime, and soda water with the unique tartness of calamansi, a small citrus fruit native to the Philippines. Muddle together the following ingredients:
- Fresh calamansi juice
- Mint leaves
- Sugar
- White rum
Then top with soda water and ice. It’s like a tropical vacation in a glass!
3. Buko Pandan Colada – the ultimate vacation summer drink
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Transport yourself to a tropical paradise with this creamy and indulgent take on the piña colada. Made with coconut milk, pandan syrup, rum, and blended with chunks of young coconut (buko), this Filipino twist on a classic cocktail is a surefire way to beat the heat. Blend together the following ingredients until smooth:
- Coconut milk
- Pandan syrup
- White rum
- Pineapple juice
- Young coconut (buko) chunks
- Ice
Pour it all into a glass and garnish with a pineapple wedge and a sprinkle of shredded coconut for a taste of paradise.
4. Pineapple Rum Sling – tropical taste with a kick
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Looking for a taste of the tropics with a kick? Say hello to the pineapple rum sling—a delightful blend of pineapple juice, dark rum, grenadine, and a splash of soda water. This fruity glass is as refreshing as it is flavorful, making it the perfect companion for lazy afternoons by the pool. Simply mix together these items in a shaker:
- Pineapple juice
- Dark rum
- Grenadine
- Soda water
- Ice
Then strain it into a glass filled with ice. Top with soda water and garnish with a pineapple slice for a touch of island flair.
5. Dalandan Daiquiri – bust of zesty sunshine in a glass
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The dalandan daiquiri will bring you the vibrant flavours of Filipino citrus—a zesty twist on the classic rum cocktail. Made with fresh dalandan juice (a type of Filipino orange), lime juice, sugar, and rum, this tangy libation is a burst of sunshine in every sip. Shake together the following ingredients:
- Fresh dalandan juice
- Lime juice
- Sugar
- Rum
- Ice
Then strain into a chilled glass. Garnish with a slice of dalandan for a refreshing and Instagram-worthy touch.
6. Sampaloc Sour – next-level play on the classic sour
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Get ready to pucker up with this sour sensation—the sampaloc sour! Made with tamarind (sampaloc) paste, calamansi juice, sugar syrup, and your choice of whiskey or rum, this Filipino-inspired twist on the classic whiskey sour is sure to tickle your taste buds. Shake together the following items:
- Tamarind paste
- Calamansi juice
- Sugar syrup
- Whiskey or rum
- Ice
Then strain into a glass filled with ice. Garnish with a slice of calamansi for an extra burst of citrusy flavor.
7. Mango Rum Punch – all the tropical fruits in one drink
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This tropical rum punch is perfect for sharing with friends. It’s sweet but packs a punch. Blend together the following items until smooth:
- Fresh mango chunks
- Pineapple juice
- Orange juice
- Rum
- Grenadine
Pour into a punch bowl filled with ice and garnish with pineapple slices, mango chunks, and maraschino cherries. Sip, relax, and let the flavors of the Philippines transport you to paradise.
8. Coconut Lychee Cooler – cooling and refreshing pick-me-up
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Cool off on a hot summer day with this refreshing coconut lychee cooler—a delightful blend of coconut water, lychee syrup, vodka, and a splash of soda water. Shake together these ingredients:
- Coconut water
- Lychee syrup
- Vodka
- Soda water
- Ice
Then strain it into a glass filled with ice. Top with soda water and garnish with a lychee fruit for a touch of elegance. It’s light, it’s refreshing, and it’s oh-so-delicious!
9. Ube White Russian – a more daring take on a classic
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Give your classic White Russian a colorful makeover with the addition of ube, a purple yam beloved in Filipino cuisine. Shake together the following ingredients:
- Vodka
- Kahlúa
- Ube extract
- Cream
- Ice
Then strain it into a glass filled with ice. The vibrant hue and unique flavor of ube add a delightful twist to this creamy cocktail that’s sure to impress your guests. Cheers to creativity and culinary adventures!
10. Pandan Gin Fizz – an aromatic addition to your usual summer cocktail
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Elevate your gin fizz game with the aromatic essence of pandan—a fragrant leaf commonly used in Filipino desserts and beverages. Shake together these items until they’re frothy:
- Gin
- Pandan syrup
- Lime juice
- Sugar syrup
- Egg white
- Ice
Then strain it into a glass filled with ice. Garnish with a pandan leaf for a touch of elegance and enjoy the refreshing botanical flavors of this Filipino-inspired cocktail.
Filipino-inspired summer cocktails to beat the heat
These Filipino-inspired summer cocktails are guaranteed to elevate your drinking experience this summer. From tangy calamansi to creamy ube, these flavorful recipes capture the essence of Filipino culture in every sip. It’s another way of embracing the vibrant flavors and rich cultural heritage of the Philippines.
So grab your shaker, gather your friends, and toast to the flavors of the Philippines under the sun!
And if you want to get your summer cocktails on but don’t want to prepare it yourself, check out our list of BCG bars in the Manila or bars in Poblacion, Makati. And remember, drink responsibly!