Filipinos celebrate Christmas longer than anyone else in the world, starting in September when the “ber” months kick in and wrapping up on January 6 with the Feast of the Three Kings. During this festive season, families and friends come together for their annual reunions. Many Filipinos living abroad return home to share Noche Buena with their loved ones. If you’re planning a holiday gathering at home, Don Papa has some ideas to add a festive touch to your celebrations. They’ve teamed up with three Filipino craft innovators—photographer and creative director Andrei Suleik, filmmaker Artu Nepomuceno, and chef Francis Tolentino—to create holiday drinks that embody their craft and the spirit of the season.
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1) Noche Buena Negroni
Andrei Suleik is a photographer and creative director known for his contemplative art style in fashion and portraiture. This festive Negroni riff is inspired by his aesthetic and love for rich flavors, featuring bittersweet and earthy notes that make it a great aperitivo for Christmas feasting.
How to make the drink:
30ml Don Papa Rum
22.5ml Coffee Vermouth
22.5ml Campari
Combine all ingredients in a mixing glass with ice, and stir until chilled. Strain into a rocks glass over a large ice cube. Serve.
2) Pasko Old Fashioned
Artu Nepomuceno is a renowned photographer known for his work with various brands and publications, where he skillfully captures raw emotions and tells compelling stories through his lens. This boozy Old Fashioned twist is inspired by Artu’s unique approach to photography, blending depth and creativity into every sip.
How to make the drink:
45ml Don Papa Rum
1 bar spoon Demerara Syrup
2 dashes Angostura Bitter
2 dashes Orange Bitters
Combine the Demerara syrup, rum, and bitters in a mixing glass, add ice, and stir until chilled. Strain into a rocks glass over a large ice cube. Garnish with an expressed orange twist.
3) Pistahan Sour
Chef Francis Tolentino is the owner of Taupe, a fine dining restaurant in BGC, along with several other trendy spots in Manila. This festive take on the classic rum sour recipe reflects his refined palate and creative culinary approach, featuring tropical flavors with a hint of spice.
How to make the drink:
45ml Don Papa Rum
22.5ml Pineapple Juice
15ml Lime Juice
15ml Agave Syrup
½ Siling Labuyo
In a cocktail shaker, combine rum, and all the ingredients, add ice, and shake vigorously. Strain into a rocks glass filled with ice or a chilled coupe glass, optionally garnish with rosemary and dehydrated pineapple wheel.
Don Papa rum is available at various online spirits stores, as well as Kultura, Landers, S&R, SM Supermarket, Robinsons, and The Marketplace.
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