Last September, Manila’s first cocktail festival celebrating the capital’s growing mixologist industry was held in 18 bars all over the metro. A month before that, Oto founder David Ong was featured on Unjiggered, a podcast that does one-on-one interviews with some of the most sought-after mixologists in the world. These are proof of how far the local bar scene has come—from being concentrated to urban hubs, it has become a parameter on how livable a city is.
The challenge now for new concepts is how to stand out in a saturated market of bars that virtually offer the same service save for some specialty drinks and well-thought-of setup.
These ones on the list are a case in point. With a specific target customer in mind, these new bars have created either an altogether purist idea of what a “bar” should be focused on just one kind of liquor or a fusion of two concepts hitting two markets at one go.
The Spirits Library
4963 Guerrero St. Brgy. Poblacion, Makati
instagram.com/thespiritslibrary
Part of the inaugural Manila Cocktail Festival, this new Poblacion joint is already making a name for itself not just for its extensive roster of spirits that live up to its moniker but also because of its hip interiors and occasional guest international mixologists and homecoming local talents.
With just a quick look at their Instagram page, one could easily discern that the owners don’t take their name lightly. Apart from their impressive liquor emporium, The Spirits Library is literally home to many books on the subject.
But the shelves upon shelves of bottles is just about the beginning for this spot. They also have plans to build “a nook where the discovery of spirits, spices, and techniques are pursued and even challenged.”
Glass Wine Lounge
104 Tomas Morato Ave. cor. Scout Delgado St., Laging Handa, Quezon City
instagram.com/glasswinelounge
0917-1889463
At Tomas Morato in Quezon City is a new specialty lounge dedicated to purveying over a hundred different labels of wine. The interiors, which mimic a cellar where the bottles are displayed (and illuminated almost like artworks!), are peppered with ample seats for oenophiles—and we’re not just talking about uncomfortable bar stools here but actual cushioned fine-dining quality chairs.
The selection of wines is accompanied by a European dining menu, making it a good choice for special celebrations or even just a little treat-yourself splurge.
You can order wines by the bottle or try select labels just by the glass.
Southbank Café and Lounge
Plaza Westgate Center Alabang
instagram.com/southbankcafelounge
southbankcafelounge.com
Interior junkies could easily get lost in this new space’s clean and sleek look. The black brick entrance with mirrored doors, for one, is especially inviting. Inside, bare concrete walls divert attention to the well-lit set-up of rustic furniture make more approachable with the addition of plants.
But enough with their dreamy space. Let’s talk about the concept starting with their curated coffee menu. For starters, coffee fans will surely appreciate their Victoria Arduino espresso machine, the official equipment of the World Barista Championship. Along with it is a menu—with an eclectic mix of cuisines from European to Asian fare—that you can order any time of the day.
But in keeping up with this list, we thought we’d add this Alabang lounge because of their customizable bar menu. You can order up various libations, mixed or by itself, but whatever you do, don’t forget to ask for their mesmerizing ice frozen with edible flowers inside them to go with your drink of choice.
Header photo courtesy of Southbank Café and Lounge
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