Restaurants with the best cocktails in Tatler Dining Guide 2024

Aurora, while known for its punchy sophisticated Asian fare, is also a wonderful spot for cocktails and whimsical libations infused with herbs, spices and that signature Nicco Santos and Quenee Vilar magic. Try out the Cucumber Salad featuring Tanqueray, makrut, cucumber, lemon, Thai chilli; Kebya with Maker’s Mark, Laphroaig 10, Cointreau, ginger, turmeric; or the Poor Man's Tea which has Beef Eater, genmaicha, yuzu, magaw pepper. 

This stunning crowd favourite, Blackbird at The Neilson Tower, not only has an elegant well-dressed bar that first greets all guests upon arrival, but also a chic white-table-cloth-laden dining room, and a more relaxed, large al fresco dining terrace too. Put on a great outfit and order up some of their bespoke cocktails. We recommend that you try the Blackbird Aviation to experience their version of the classic Martini; this order features Tanqueray 10, fresh lemon, crème de violette, maraschino and lavender bitters. Other interesting options to indulge in are The Paradise Mojito with Flor de Caña rum, fresh mango purée, passionfruit, mint, lime and a cheek of mango brulée or the Hot Ass Mule which contains Buffalo Trace, lime, fresh ginger, lemongrass, vanilla sugar, tabasco, and is topped with ginger beer. 

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Despite being a natural wine bar, Bibio has also focused their creative energy on their cocktail menu. Open from lunch to late-night drinks, the intimate gastropub charms with a fun, lively atmosphere. The Paloma Milk Punch is one not to miss, with tequila, mezcal, Aperol, grapefruit, lime, pamplemousse, rose liqueur, clarified milk, and agave. For your next order, take a sip of the Smoke and Mirrors with mint, Scotch whisky, sugar, lime and absinthe. For a revamped classic, order the Negroni Blanco featuring Cocchi Americano, white vermouth, gin, and orange bitters. 

Solaire Resort’s sophisticated Italian restaurant with panoramic views of Manila Bay is not only home to comforting classics to quench your foodie cravings but is also known for creative cocktails. Start with a refreshing Limoncello Spritz for a taste of Prosecco Toso, homemade limoncello, and fresh lemonade, then transition to the Sprezzatura with Campari, sherry, Moscato, soda, and grapefruit bitters. Lastly, why not opt for a savoury-sweet cocktail like the Bellissima which has Amaretto, Grappa Sassicaia, hazelnut, fresh lime, and mascarpone cheese. 

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Gallery by Chele is celebrated for the team’s outstanding R&D division's ability to craft stunning tasting menus that present Filipino produce in new, daringly delicious manners. Chef Chele Gonzlaez’s focus on flavours and balance extends elegantly into the restaurant’s beverage program. Not only is their range of house signature tipples worth a try, but their 6 and 10-course tasting menus can be accompanied by a masterfully curated cocktail pairing too. Grab a glass of the Lady Hatter to try a cocktail with mushrooms, this highlights Proclamation gin, shiitake and honey. Take a sip of Agua Bendita to taste the mixture of gin, sampaguita and basil, or reach for Pot Washed for something slightly silkier since this drink features coconut oil fat-washed cacao with vermouth. 

Hapag, known for chefs Kevin Navoa and Thridy Dolatre’s modern interpretation of Filipino cuisine, has recently found a new home in The Balmori Suites, Rockwell. Here, they also reveal Ayà, their brand new cocktail lounge with a must-try à la carte menu of light bites and cocktail menu by their head bartender Adi Cabañero. While sitting in Ayà’s stunning glass box atrium, order the Banana Pandan Old Fashioned with bourbon, cocoa bitters, pandan syrup, banana oleo saccharum, or the Kamias Margarita which includes mezcal, salted kamias and fresh kamias. Before you call it a night, try out the Rice Martini with lambanog, toasted rice, and dry vermouth. 

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From standard classics, refreshing highballs or whimsical signature cocktails, Izakaya Geronimo infuses their playful personality into all facets of the restaurant. After indulging in your food favourites for dinner, stay on and get ready for a fun night out as the lights turn down and music turns up. Geronimo has become more than just a restaurant, but also a highly frequented nightlife spot with regular DJ sessions. Head on over and try their clarified Bloody Mary with T&T vodka, tomato, soy sauce, milk, and Wagyu Studio hot sauce, Houji Amaretto with Jim Bean Black, houjicha, cold brew, amaretto, and Japanese black sugar, or the Wasabi Sour featuring gin, wasabi and cucumber. 

The inventive Filipino fare by chefs Alphonse Sotero and RJ Ramos is what Lampara patrons come back for time and time again. While at the restaurant, complement your meal with a tipple (or three). Their Pana Kakana Kana for a spicy sip of gin, cardamom and black pepper or the Gasera ni Simoun with rum, grapefruit and rosemary for something more fruity and herbaceous. 

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People’s Palace has been a staple on the Manila dining radar for quite some time now, and with good reason. Aside from their crave-worthy Thai cuisine coupled with their high-ceilinged and warmly lit interiors, pay the restaurant a visit to enjoy their refreshing range of cocktails too. They offer a menu of tipples from ‘long and cool’ options to ‘smashed, muddled and blended’ selections, plus a range of deluxe Martinis as well. Start off with the Long White Cloud featuring elderflower, citron vodka, lychee, lemongrass, rosewater, topped with soda. Next, try the Kaffir Lychee Daiquiri with rum, lychee, lime juice, and kaffir for a sip of something a touch more fragrant and vibrant. Lastly, have a Martini why don't you? The Alice in Wonderland is both sweet and spicy, with vanilla vodka, honey, lime, chilli and elderflower

Pink’s, known for comfort food like hot dogs, burgers, and milkshakes, is also home to Hotel Bar in Shangri-La The Fort, Manila and now, the new Village Bar located in their Salcedo branch. At either location feel as if you are in an old mansion, with multiple rooms and a vintage homey interior feel. While at the bar, test out a few tipples like Pineapple which has pineapple-infused Maker’s Mark whiskey, Rittenhouse rye, chamomile and lime, or Banana with infused four roses bourbon, grapefruit, pandan and lemon. Opt for Celery if you are seeking out a spicy flavour profile; this cocktail has Cazadores tequila, green chilli, lime and salt. 

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Raging Bull Chophouse & Bar in Shangri-La The Fort, Manila has mastered the steak, effortlessly and consistently presenting juicy, tender, and flavourful plates of top-tier beef. Their bar programme is just as exquisite with a healthy selection of boozy beverages, crafted with the utmost skill. From the sweet to the smokey or sour, your cocktail options are pretty much endless. The hotel’s head bartender is able to whip up whatever you may fancy (put him to the test!). Try out the Liquid Courage with mezcal joven, aloe vera, citrus, and firewater, or test the waters with Hey Churchill featuring rye whiskey, banana purée, lemon juice, and mint leaves. For something a tad more refreshing, opt for Fort on the Hill which has dry gin, Aperol, red berries purée, lemon juice, and prosecco.

In Salcedo village head on over to Sampiro for your dose of comfort food that has been given a playful Asian twist. In this vibrant art deco space, sit back and enjoy the bistro with a few cocktails in hand. The group behind Sampiro is also responsible for the bar, Polilya in Poblacion. As such, the cocktail menu at the restaurant boasts intriguing cocktail options for diners to partake in. The Kung Fu Pandan is inspired by Kevin Deidrich’s creation from Pacific Cocktail Haven, this iteration is fresh, grassy and nutty with Suntory Kakubin whisky, soju, pandan syrup and lemon juice. Their most popular cocktail is the Sandrapolitan, which has Absolut Citron, fresh lime, triple sec, cranberry, and pomegranate cordial. For a Filipino-inspired cocktail try the Guavavoom. Here, the team re-interprets the Moscow Mule to feature Stolichnaya, pink guava, Engkanto Lava Nation DIPA, ginger beer, and fresh mint.

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This small eatery tucked away in Salcedo village sure packs a punch. At Taquería Franco you will find playful Mexican-French creations by chef Miko Calo. She infuses her classic French background and love for the cuisine into this delicious menu featuring tortillas made out of buckwheat flour (inspired by galettes). Ordering cocktails to go with your tacos, tostadas or quesadillas will put the cherry on top of what is already bound to be a good night. The Lucky Pêche is a sweet and refreshing drink that comes with tequila, calvados, peach, lime, hibiscus, agave and soda water. For a libation with a bit of a kick, try the Tequita with tequila, pineapple, cilantro, mint and habanero. If you are craving for more of a savoury flavour profile, The Fig & Goat with gin, goat cheese, dry vermouth and fig might be just what you need.