Are you looking to explore the unique and refreshing world of Filipino drinks? The Philippines is known for its diverse array of traditional and modern beverages, ranging from non-alcoholic refreshers to boozy concoctions.
With a rich heritage and a tropical climate, the country has developed a vibrant drinking culture that reflects its history and geography. Whether you're looking to quench your thirst or indulge in a festive libation, Filipino drinks are sure to delight your senses and transport you to the Philippines.
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Traditional Non-Alcoholic Beverages
If you are looking for non-alcoholic drinks, you are in for a treat. The Philippines offers a wide range of refreshing drinks that will quench your thirst and excite your taste buds. Here are some of the best traditional non-alcoholic beverages you should try in the Philippines.
Juices and Refreshments
Buko Juice
Buko juice, also known as coconut juice, is a popular drink in the Philippines. It is made from the water inside young coconuts, which is naturally sweet and refreshing. Buko juice is usually served in a clear plastic cup with a straw and is perfect for hot summer days.
Melon Juice
Melon juice is a refreshing drink that is perfect for those who love sweet and fruity flavors. It is made from fresh cantaloupe or honeydew melon and is usually served in a tall glass with ice.
Pineapple Juice
Pineapple juice is a tropical drink that is sweet, tangy, and refreshing. The fresh pineapple is cut into cubes, added into a blender or juicer, strained, and is usually served with ice.
Guyabano Juice
Guyabano juice, also known as soursop juice, is a beloved tropical fruit from the Philippines. Made with fresh guyabano, sugar, water, and calamansi juice, this refreshing drink captures the essence of the tropics in a simple and creamy drink.
Teas and Infusions
Salabat
Salabat, also known as ginger tea, is a popular drink in the Philippines. It is made from fresh ginger root, which is boiled in water with brown sugar and honey. Salabat is perfect for cold and rainy days and is said to be a good remedy for sore throat.
Kapeng Barako
This is a strong and bold coffee that is grown in the Batangas province of the Philippines. It is made from coffee beans that are grown in the rich volcanic soil of the region. Barako coffee is usually served black and is perfect for those who love their coffee strong.
Street Beverages
Taho
Taho is a popular street food in the Philippines that is usually sold in the morning. It is made from silken tofu, tapioca pearls, and brown sugar syrup. Taho is usually served in a plastic cup with a spoon and is perfect for breakfast.
Sago’t Gulaman
This refreshing drink is usually sold by street vendors in the Philippines. It is made from tapioca pearls, gelatin, brown sugar, and water. Sago’t gulaman is usually served in a clear plastic cup with a straw and is perfect for hot summer days.
Ice Scramble
Popularly known as "iskrambol," ice scramble is a popular Filipino street treat featuring shaved ice, chocolate syrup, milk powder, and marshmallows. This frozen delight offers a simple yet satisfying blend of flavors, capturing the essence of childhood joy and the vibrancy of Philippine street food culture.
Guinumis
Also called "samalamig," guinumis is a refreshing drink made from coconut milk, pandan jelly, and sago pearls. It is commonly sold by street vendors and is perfect for quenching your thirst on a hot day.
Buko Pandan Drink
This is a popular drink in the Philippines that is made from young coconut meat, pandan leaves, and condensed milk.
Popular Alcoholic Drinks
Filipino culture is rich in alcoholic drinks that are enjoyed on various occasions. Here are some of the most popular alcoholic drinks that you should try when visiting the Philippines.
Local Spirits and Wines
Lambanog
Lambanog is a popular distilled coconut wine that is made from coconut sap. It is known for its high alcohol content, which ranges from 40% to 50% ABV. Lambanog is commonly produced in Quezon province, but it is also available in other parts of the country. It has a strong taste and is usually consumed straight or mixed with other drinks. Some call it the "coconut vodka" of the Philippines.
Tapuy
Tapuy is a fermented rice wine that is commonly consumed in the northern part of the Philippines. It has a sweet taste and Filipinos serve this drink during special occasions such as weddings. Tapuy has a low alcohol content, which ranges from 12% to 14% ABV.
Bignay Wine
Bignay wine is a type of wine that is made from the bignay fruit, which is native to the Philippines. It has a sweet and tangy taste with a low alcohol content ranging from 8% to 12% ABV.
Tuba
Tuba, a Filipino cocktail, is made from the sap of coconut palms. Filipinos also call it "coconut wine" and various versions exist with distinctions found in different regions of Visayas, including the Negros Island, Leyte, and Siquijor.
Basi
Basi, a Philippine sugarcane wine originating from Ilocos, embodies the rich heritage of the region. It's made from locally grown sugarcane and boasts a distinctive and robust flavor. Basi is a true reflection of Filipino craftsmanship and tradition.
Strawberry Wine
Harvested from locally grown red strawberries, the strawberry wine is a practical way the locals of Baguio City utilize their produce. The wine's subtle fruitiness makes it a popular choice to enhance traditional Filipino dishes, offering a hint of strawberries to the palate.
Beer and Cocktails
San Miguel Brewery
Hailed as the largest brewery in the Philippines, San Miguel Brewery is known for its flagship beer, San Miguel Pale Pilsen. San Miguel Pale Pilsen is a light beer that has a crisp and refreshing taste. It has an alcohol content of 5% ABV and enjoyed by most Filipinos during social gatherings.
Red Horse Beer
This is a high-alcohol beer that has an alcohol content of 8% ABV. It has a strong taste and is popular among Filipinos who prefer a stronger beer. Filipinos drink Red Horse Beer during social gatherings and is available in both small and big stores.
Filipino Cocktails
Filipino cocktails are gaining popularity in the Philippines and abroad. They are known for their unique taste and are commonly served in bars and restaurants. Some of the most popular Filipino cocktails include the following:
- Weng Weng - a combination of different spirits
- Gin Pom Po - a gin-based cocktail that is infused with pomegranate juice.
Innovative Filipino Drink Creations
Filipino drinks have come a long way from the traditional sago't gulaman and buko juice. Today, innovative Filipino drink creations have emerged, offering modern twists on classic drinks and fusion beverages that combine Filipino and foreign flavors.
Modern Twists on Classic Drinks
One example of a modern twist on a classic Filipino drink is the halo-halo. This dessert drink is a mixture of shaved ice, evaporated milk, and various sweet ingredients such as sweet beans, nata de coco, and fruits. Modern versions of this drink include toppings such as ice cream, cereal, and even cheese.
Fusion Beverages
Filipino fusion beverages have also become popular, combining local flavors with foreign ingredients. One example that has gained popularity is the milk tea. This drink originated from Taiwan but has been given a Filipino twist by adding local flavors such as calamansi and ube. It has become a favorite among Filipinos, especially the younger generation.
Fruit shakes are also popular in the Philippines, with various flavors such as mango, pineapple, and banana. These drinks are perfect for quenching your thirst on a hot day.
Rich Tapestry of Filipino Beverages
In a sip, Filipino drinks encapsulate the country's vibrant traditions, diverse flavors, and the pulse of street life. From timeless non-alcoholic refreshments like buko juice and sago't gulaman to the spirited character of iconic alcoholic concoctions such as lambanog and the ever-popular San Miguel Beer, each beverage narrates a unique story.
In every glass, whether raised in a toast or savored in a bustling market, Filipino drinks weave a narrative that transcends mere refreshment – they embody the spirit, resilience, and rich tapestry of a nation that takes pride in every drop of its distinctive beverage culture.
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