MANILA, PHILIPPINES — International Margarita Day is fast approaching and the perfect way to celebrate it is to be ready with the best-tasting drink in hand at night. They say “it’s not Margarita without Cointreau,” but what does this mean?
Cointreau is a premium orange-flavored, triple-sec liqueur used in over 500 cocktails and considered a staple among bartenders. Back in 1948, socialite Margaret “Margarita” Sames hosted an extravagant soiree for her friends and concocted a special drink where she mixed two of her favorite spirits, Cointreau and Tequila which gave birth to the classic Margarita that has become one of the best cocktails ever served.
This month, Cointreau pays homage to Margaret Sames by creating the “Perfect Margarita” drink in collaboration with Patron using Patron Silver. It is the perfect white spirit to create the cocktail made from the finest Weber Blue Agave and handcrafted in small batches. It has the aromas of fruits and citrus, with a smooth and sweet taste, and has a finish of light pepper.
Both Cointreau and Patron will take over renowned bars in the Metro to celebrate the wonderful festivity. Check out the events and spots that will serve the Perfect Margarita with a twist:
1. Alegria
Forbestown Road, BGC, Taguig
From Feb. 18 to 22, elevate the celebration by visiting Alegria Manila in Bonifacio High Street, Taguig.
Grab the opportunity to meet none other than Patron Perfectionist finalist Errol Barbosa who will take over the bar and serve cocktails including Buenavida. The drink is made with Cointreau, Patron Silver, Fresh Lime, Lychee Syrup, Elderflower syrup, cucumber, Agave Worm Salt that brings curiosity to the next level.
Know more about Alegria through Facebook or Instagram, or call +63 995 278 5081.
2. Alibi Lounge Bar
Crimson Hotel Alabang, Muntinlupa
On Feb. 22, those from the south can celebrate at this spot in Alabang. An alumnus of the Cointreau bartending competition (La Maison Cointreau) and Patron Perfectionist Champion for the Philippines Lawrence Gabriel will host the night.
The bar will serve one of its known cocktails The Perfect Excuse, made from the classic recipe but with a playful feel by roasting the lemons before juicing and adding salt to the sugar instead of doing the classical salt rims. Know more about Alibi through their Facebook or Instagram.
3. Alamat
Poblacion, Makati
Alamat, one of the first gastropubs in the old downtown area Poblacion, will serve drinks such as Juanderlast made with Cointreau, Tequila, Mezcal, camias/orange, vanilla pandan, citrus, and salt. Finishing it with orange air heightens the orange aromatics of Cointreau and elevates its orange notes.
From Feb. 22-27, enjoy the drink for only Php 300. Check out more details on their Facebook or Instagram or call +63 906 407 8466.
4. Southbank Café + Lounge
Alabang, Muntinlupa
Independent café and cocktail bar Southbank will stimulate the palate with different flavors and textures with their Fresh Daisy. The drink is made with Cointreau, Patron Silver, Ancho Reyes Verde (citrus cloud foam) simple syrup, and egg white. From Feb. 21-27, the drink sells at Php 300 only.
The lounge also has an expansive option of food and drinks to choose from.
Visit their website or Instagram to know more or call 82960706.
5. Baccarat Room & Bar
Solaire Resort and Casino, Paranaque
For a classic and more intimate setting, check out Baccarat. Bartender Lawrence Gabriel recommends Mezcla de Baya Margarita or Mixed Berry Margarita inspired by ‘Fresas con Crema’, a traditional no-bake dessert from Mexico mostly consumed during summer.
The drink is mixed with egg white instead of cream for the texture without making it too heavy, plus blueberry and creme de cassis that give it another layer of flavor.
Know more about Baccarat and their other cocktails by visiting their Instagram, or call +632.8888.8888 loc. 60388.
6. HQ Poblacion
Poblacion, Makati City
When in Makati, check out HQ Poblacion. Inspired by Notorious B.I.G., the bar offers two full cocktail bars and a consistent line-up of DJs and quality cocktails for an unforgettable night. This is the perfect spot for those looking for a mysterious place with an amazing vibe and cocktails to match.
Their Perfect Margarita is named Notorious Margarita, made with Cointreau, Patrón Reposado (Silver), spicy mango syrup, fresh lime juice, & garnish with salt, sugar, lemon powder, cayenne, and basil. Check out their Instagram for more information.
7. The Hotel Bar at Pinks
Ground Floor, Shangri-La at the Fort, Taguig
Sitting inside Pinks, The Hotel Bar will serve drinks including Petty Cash Margarita, one of their fast-moving cocktails at the bar concocted by underrated bartender Jay-ar Sapalleda. The drink is sold Php 420 per glass from 5 pm to 8 pm.
Know more about this elegant bar and speakeasy through Facebook or call 027721147.
8. OTO
Enriquez, Makati
Finally, another option is OTO which will serve their Peachy Keen, a twisted classic margarita cocktail, with a perfect harmony of citrus and sweetness with a spicy finish. Enjoy the drink at Php 420 only.
Get to know more about OTO through their Facebook and Instagram, or call +63 966 708 0051.
Take home the limited-edition Cointreau
Cointreau continues to blend tradition and modernity by partnering with artists to come up with limited-edition reinterpretations of its iconic four-sided bottle.
This year, the company collaborates with promising Parisian artist Florian Viel through The Tropicool Company to introduce the latest version of the faceted bottle. The hyper-colorful design features subtle references to both the orange liqueur and the cocktail to which this limited-edition bottle pays homage.
Organizing a party at home? Take home the premium bottle of Cointreau that is available in partner e-retailers like Boozy, Clink, Thirst, and select stores nationwide.
For more information, visit https://www.cointreau.com/int/en or scan the QR code below to see more than 50 Margarita recipes for parties at home:
