MANILA, PHILIPPINES — Swing through the double glass doors along the 30th street of Bonifacio Global City (BGC) and straight into the city’s award-winning drinking den, The Back Room, as it serves its newest elixirs to enjoy.
Spearheaded by mixologist Volkan Ibil, the mysterious and exciting bar in BGC boasts drinks that are only available at The Back Room. Patrons will discover an array of offerings, including 13 distinctive concoctions that defy conventional expectations, a range of timeless alcoholic classics, and a delectable assortment of bar bites to tantalize the palate.
True to its identity, each drink is served with question cards to spark the conversation just in case a date wasn’t as fun as planned. However, guests should make sure to follow the house rules on the menu. They are back in the hush-hush era after all.
Lemongrass infused vodka, white
port, limoncello, calamansi oil
Mezcal, kimchi, lemon sherbet
Mangosteen infused tequila,
Chrysanthemum infused riesling,
spicy coconut water
Single malt whisky, Lillet Rouge,
rose water, Angostura bitters
VSOP cognac, durian, Thai tea,
basil, coconut milk, cardamom
Coffee flavour bitter, grapefruit
soda water
“The bar’s philosophy is more tipple than fare. Our 13 new signature cocktails are categorized into five themes based on taste preference which were named after a specific narrative of the Prohibition Era: Jag Juice (strong, flavor-forward), Giggle Water (sophisticated and glamorous), Live Wire (refreshing), Moonshine (experimental), and On a Toot (for sharing),” said Volkan, Head Mixologist at Shangri-La The Fort, Manila.
Since its inception, The Back Room received multiple recognitions, such as number 50 on Asia’s 50 Best Bar 2019; Best Hotel Bars in the World – The Legend Awards 2020 by Departures Magazine; number 51 on Asia’s Best Bars 2021; Best Bar in the Philippines by Travel + Leisure Asia’s Best Awards 2022; and most recently number 75 on Asia’s Best Bars 2023.
The Back Room also has its homemade gin, Bee’s Knees, proudly and locally made which pays tribute to popular Philippine ingredients: dalandan, malunggay, and sampaguita.
