Thanks to its vibrant food scene and the proliferation of bars, pubs, gastrolounges and watering-holes in it, Quezon City’s nightlife is hoppin’ and happenin,’ at par with those of BGC or Poblacion.
Here, you can expect bartenders to bring their A-game in mixing and concocting spirit blends that can refresh you, give you that satisfying buzz, or knock you out, whatever your trip may be.
So check out the craziest cocktails I’ve tasted among QC’s top bars:
HidN Agenda (Php 330) at HidN Lounge
HidN Lounge’s signature drink consists of ten different spirits combined together in a large goblet and, with great aplomb, set aflame right before your eyes. This is definitely not for lightweights: with just a little sip, you can feel the drink warm its way down your throat.
HidN Lounge is located at 21 Scout Rallos Street, Barangay Laging Handa, Quezon City.
Sangria Rosa (Php360) at Sabor Bar de Vinos
Sangria is an alcoholic drink that originated from Spain. Technically a variation of the fruit punch, it consists of red wine mixed with chopped fruits and sweetened with sugar water and fruit juice. Sabor Bar de Vinos’ Sangria de Rosa, in particular, is a mixture of rose wine, tequila, pureed guava, strawberry syrup, the juices of pineapple and lime, and as well as mint leaves.
Sabor Bar de Vinos is located at the Ground Floor of Novotel Manila Araneta Center in Cubao, Quezon City.
Read more about Sabor Bar de Vinos.
Cigarettes After Sex (Php350) at INT.Bar
This concoction does call to mind dark deeds in dark places, with its smoky aroma and decadent feel. Served with great fanfare, the drink unveiled amidst smoke once the dome cover is taken off, it’s made with Lapsang Souchong infusion, Laphroaig 10 year old Scotch whiskey, honey, egg whites and rosemary smoke.
INT.Bar is located at Cubao Expo, General Romulo Avenue, Cubao, Quezon City.
Purple Potion (Php320) at BOA Kitchen + Socials
One of the ever-changing drinks served at BOA, this blue gin changes to a purple hue when tonic water is added.
BOA Kitchen + Socials is located at Mezzanine Floor, 45 ABDC Building, Scout Rallos corner Scout Tuazon, Laging Handa, Quezon City.
Read more about BOA Kitchen + Socials.
Pedro’s Uprising (Php280) at Tiyo Craft Kitchen & Bar
Named after the leader of the 1807 Basi Revolt which came about when the Spanish colonial government banned the private manufacture of basi, the fermented sugar cane beverage, this drink that features basi, lemongrass, brandy and mint is a testament to the Filipino fighting spirit.
Tiyo Craft Kitchen & Bar is located at Second Floor, CKB Centre, Tomas Morato Avenue Corner Scout Rallos Street, Laging Handa, Quezon City.
Read more about Tiyo Craft Kitchen & Bar.
In Love with Cacao (Php295) at Wyld Kitchen x Bar
A dessert cocktail that packs quite a punch, it is a mixture of cacao liqueur, coffee liqueur, amaretto, brandy and cinnamon powder. Whether you’re in it for the sweet or you’re after the buzz, you’ll get both in great supply.
Wyld Kitchen x Bar is located at Second Floor, The Grandia Place, 143 Mother Ignacia Avenue, South Triangle, Quezon City.
Read more about Wyld Kitchen x Bar.
Ibong Adarna (Php99 per glass | Php349 per pitcher) at Salamangka
Named after the mythical bird whose song has healing qualities, this drink is made with tequila, pineapple, calamansi and chili placed in a salt-rimmed glass. A sip of this drink is multi-layered: the citrus flavor from the calamansi, the spiciness from the chili, the saltiness from the rimmed glass and the fire of the tequila as it travels down your throat.
Salamangka is located at Eastwood Citywalk 1, Libis, Quezon City, open daily from 7am to 3am.
So if you find yourself prowling the streets of Quezon City for #ThirstyThursday, or any day of the week, drop by any of these bars and get a taste of their crazy signature drinks, the ones with the personality and spirit that will give you a rollickin’ good time.
Photo Credit: Header image by Ash Edmonds on Unsplash. All other photos are mine.
The Jellybeans Edit 