MANILA, PHILIPPINES — In the heart of Makati’s vibrant Poblacion district, Bizarre Bar has elevated its reputation with a cocktail degustation experience that transcends mere drinks to a heartfelt tribute to Filipino culture.
Highlighting its “Ampaw” cocktail, the bar fused traditional Filipino flavors and modern mixology. This dedication is deeply personal for Bizarre Bar’s Beverage Director, Ian Libang. The “Ampaw” cocktail, named in honor of his mother, reflects his commitment to his roots and the bar’s mission to showcase the rich culinary traditions of the Philippines. By incorporating his mother’s cherished recipe into the final cocktail of the evening, Ian honored his background and reinforced the bar’s dedication to preserving heritage flavors.
Ian shared a touching childhood memory that inspired the “Ampaw” cocktail. He reminisced about how his mother would make toasted rice treats from the burnt rice at the bottom of the rice cooker.
“Every summer, when rice would spoil quicker, my mom would collect the burnt rice at the bottom to preserve it. She deep-fried it, sprinkled it with sugar, and served it on a newspaper cone. This practice was actually passed down from her father, as she grew up on a farm, ” he explained.
This nostalgic recipe inspired the final cocktail of the night, which blended clarified wild turkey bourbon with toasted rice sorbet for a distinctive tasting experience. A swig of “Ampaw” reveals the familiar smoothness of a classic bourbon, followed by the unexpected yet delightful punch of burnt rice and tangy flavors from the cold sorbet, which contrasts beautifully with the warm, clarified spirit.
The “Ampaw” cocktail emerged as a standout conclusion to the evening, rounding off a night of expertly crafted cocktails and thoughtfully paired bar bites. It left a lasting impression on guests and solidified Bizarre Bar’s reputation for delivering culturally rich and unforgettable dining experiences.
Ian noted that the “Ampaw” delivered effectively as a celebratory toast like he intended. He added that the well-balanced cocktail was meant to surprise guests and cement a special experience with Bizarre, saying, “People come in expecting that the dessert is the final course of the night. With the unexpected Ampaw, the perfect balance of sweetness and acidity, along with textures and temperatures cleanses the palate and etches Filipino heritage flavors in the memory of guests even after they leave Bizarre.”
Presidential Communications Office (PCO) Assistant Secretary Dale De Vera, a guest and advocate of Filipino culture, said. “We are always grateful for businesses that spotlight Filipino culture and traditions. Bizarre Bar’s cocktail degustation, with its unique offerings and compelling storytelling, truly elevates the Filipino brand. The ‘Ampaw’ toast was a remarkable end to an unforgettable evening,” he noted.
Bizarre Bar’s commitment to celebrating Filipino heritage through innovative cocktails reflects a broader trend in the local dining scene. This approach highlights traditional flavors while giving them a modern twist. As more establishments embrace this trend, diners enjoy exceptional food and drinks alongside stories that connect them to Filipino culture.
Experience Filipino storytelling through mixology at Bizarre Bar in Makati’s Poblacion. Book a table here.
