Drink and be merry
Bartenders, sommeliers, and alcohol purveyors will be the first to tell you that there isn’t any absolute ‘right’ or ‘wrong’ way to drink. Like red wine with fish? Martinis shaken, not stirred? All good. You do you.
They’ll also point out, however, that there do exist certain ways of consuming spirits that lead to better experiences—scents become stronger, flavors become more pronounced, and the mouthfeel turns smoother, among other things.
Pay attention to these things, and it’s not just you who will (potentially) feel more satisfied; your bartender will be happy to know that you’re of the discerning sort.
We asked a few professionals in Manila’s bar scene about the things they want their customers to know more about spirits, and their answers are as nuanced and diverse as the cocktails that they make.
Here are some of their insights and personal narratives—these are by no means prescriptive, but they are good notes to take if you want to spruce up your drinking habits.
Respect the craft behind the liquor
Here’s an example: tequila, made from the agave plant and often taken as a shot. It conjures images of wild college parties, lemon slices, and salt—and oftentimes, it knocks you out. But what really gets people out of sorts with this spirit are the supplementary sugars. A tequila mixto only requires 51% of agave spirit; additives comprise the remaining 49%.
With a pure agave spirit, it’s best to sip and savor it as you would with wine or whisky. It carries a depth of flavor that you would otherwise miss if you take quick shots. And it won’t inflict a terrible blackout—at least, if you drink it in moderation.
With whisky, commonly served neat or on the rocks in an Old Fashioned glass, it makes itself known better when experienced first in a nosing glass. The tulip-shaped receptacle, wide at the bottom and tapered toward the top, concentrates the scent of the spirit, which allows you to appreciate the flavors better once you take a sip.
And if you like craft beer, ask for a chilled glass instead of ice, which risks diluting and changing the intended flavor, to make it cold. Moreover, darker-colored beers don’t always mean that they’re stronger, so still confirm with your bartender if your drink of choice has a higher alcohol by volume (ABV) or not.
Bottom line: before mixing your liquor or mindlessly downing your glass, take the time to learn how to properly appreciate it. These drinks are painstakingly concocted, so it’s only appropriate to accord them with the commensurate amount of attention.
Get to know your bartenders more
More often than not, bartenders will be more than happy to whip up a cocktail that fits your preferences and, in certain bars, your current mood.
If the option to customize a drink exists, take it! Not only will it satisfy your taste buds, but you’ll also get to know your bartender on a more creative level.
Otherwise, don’t hesitate to ask them questions about the mixes they offer—the only thing worse than a terrible drink is a glass that you couldn’t finish because you made a blind order.
And more often than not, bartenders look out for their customers more than you think—this translates into how they serve certain drinks. If your glass of red isn’t full to the brim, it’s not because your server is stingy; they just want you to avoid getting a wine mustache, so don’t demand for more in one serving. Sip it slow, then ask for more.
A drink has no gender; price doesn’t define it either
It may sound arbitrary—outrageous to some—but there are still people who think that only guys drink strong beer, or that cocktails in stemmed glasses are only for women.
All our bartenders agree: your drinks and choice of glassware aren’t defined by gender. If you enjoy liquor with low ABV, you’re not ‘weak;’ and just because you can down several 40% ABV shots doesn’t mean you can demean others.
Higher prices also don’t guarantee that a certain spirit or cocktail will taste better. It will still depend on how your bartender prepares and serves your order—if they’re skilled enough, reasonably priced liquor can transform into a satisfying experience.
Photos courtesy Spritz Makati, Palm Tree Abbey, and Pexels
Special thanks Kyle Ley (Spritz Makati), Joel Darwin (Palm Tree Abbey), Vern (Fat Cat), Johann Frejas (The Curator)
