MANILA, Philippines—In a captivating sensory experience at Baked Studios, Makati City, Don Papa Rum turned blank walls into the enchanting world of Sugarlandia—an ode to the flavors and passion thriving in the mystical realm between the sugar cane fields.
Adorned with stylized exotic foliage mirroring the lush flora and fauna of Negros Island (Sugarlandia’s local namesake and Don Papa Rum’s home), the event transported guests to a space where mystery seamlessly merged with reality. Sugarlandia creatures danced through the venue, guiding guests to the Sugarmill Bar—a place offering an extrasensory journey through Don Papa Rum with aromatic and ritualistic cocktails.
Image Courtesy of Don Papa Rum.
Papa Isio’s bar, a central element of the event, paid homage to Papa Isio, a key figure in the late 19th-century Philippine revolution. The bar showcased Don Papa bottles and classic cocktails inspired by his legend. Elevating the holiday cheer, Don Papa Rum unveiled two specialty cocktails with a distinct Filipino twist—the Sugarlandia Sour and Merienda Colada, crafted in collaboration with Audrey Gustilo, Don Papa Rum’s resident mixologist, and The Black Box Mobile Cocktail Bar.
Images Courtesy of Don Papa Rum.
The Sugarlandia Sour, a creative take on the classic Old Cuban, features Don Papa Rum 7 years old, fresh kamias juice, and tamarind cordial. Shaken with ice, the mix is poured into a coupe glass, garnished with Yogurt Popping Caviar, and served in a garden bowl with smoke dry ice. This cocktail seamlessly blends festive spirit and the lush greenery of Sugarlandia.
Image Courtesy of Don Papa Rum.
The Merienda Colada offers Sugarlandia’s holiday spin on the Piña Colada and the traditional Filipino snack turon with ube ice cream. Made with Don Papa Rum 7 years old, Ube Cordial, pineapple juice, coconut, and rice milk, the concoction is clarified with toasted soy milk. Topped with white chocolate and kesong puti foam, it’s garnished with rice milk crackers, banana puree, and a jello infused with Don Papa Rum 7 Years Old and jackfruit. This cocktail showcases unique Filipino flavors, capturing the essence of the Filipino Christmas spirit in an elegantly delectable manner alongside Don Papa Rum.
Image Courtesy of Don Papa Rum.
To spread the festive vibes, Don Papa Rum has teamed up with The Spirits Library in Poblacion, Makati City, offering a taste of the enchanting Sugarlandia throughout the holiday season. Indulge in the Sugarlandia Sour and the Merienda Colada, featured on their menu for three consecutive Fridays on November 24, December 1, and December 8.
Embark on a journey through Sugarlandia’s wonders and enhance your yuletide celebrations by securing a bottle of Don Papa Rum. Find it at partner retailers like Landers, S&R, Kultura, Ralph’s Wines & Spirits, Boozy.ph, major supermarkets, and more.