The inaugural Philippine Cocktail Fiesta is set to take over Metro Manila from November 17 to 23, 2025, marking the country’s biggest celebration of cocktail culture yet. Nearly 100 bars across the city — from Makati and BGC to Quezon City, San Juan, and Alabang — will come together for one week of guest shifts, pairing dinners, and industry events.

Organized by DrinkCollectiv.com and DBWY (Drinks Be With You), the festival highlights Filipino creativity and hospitality, with Solaire Resort Entertainment City as its official host partner. Here are seven highlights you won’t want to miss at the Philippine Cocktail Fiesta 2025:

1. Nearly 100 Bars, One City-Wide Celebration

The festival unites top bars across Metro Manila and regional favorites from Cebu, Dumaguete, Iloilo, Palawan, La Union, Cagayan de Oro, Siargao, and Davao. Expect guest shifts at leading venues like The Curator Coffee & Cocktails, The Spirits Library, The Back Room, ReCraft, Buccaneers Rum & Kitchen, and Southbank Café + Lounge — each bringing a different flavor of Filipino mixology to the spotlight.

2. Global Guest Bartenders Behind the Bar

 

The week will feature more than 24 guest bartenders from Asia’s leading cocktail capitals, including Lorenzo Antinori of Bar Leone (Hong Kong), Yangdup Lama of Sidecar (India), and Antonio Lai of The Opposites (Hong Kong). Other visiting bars include Penrose (Malaysia), Lair (India), Cat Bite Club (Singapore), Modern Haus (Indonesia), and Vender (Taiwan) — all ranked on the Asia’s 50 Best Bars 2025 list.

3. Cocktail Pairing Dinners with Asia’s Top Bars

The Fiesta will bring together chefs and bartenders for cross-cultural dining experiences that combine Filipino flavors with international creativity. Highlights include:

  • Bar Leone at Finestra, Solaire Resort Entertainment City

  • Three X Co (Malaysia) with Uma Nota

  • Wing Lei Bar (Macau) with chef Sau del Rosario at Café Fleur

  • The Han-Jia (Taiwan) with Three Dots, San Juan

  • Mr. BarTrender (India) with Tribal Gourmet chef Tanisha Phanbuh at Solaire Resort North

4. Masterclasses and Industry Panels

Professionals and enthusiasts can join over a dozen talks and workshops led by regional industry figures. Topics range from local rum and lambanog heritage to creativity in mixology. Key speakers include Aaron Aw (Destileria Limtuaco), Clayton Munar (Monin Asia), Antonio Lai (Quinary), and Minakshi Singh (Sidecar). Panels such as “The Power of Community” and “Love Local” will explore how festivals and collaboration strengthen Asia’s bar scene.

5. Women Trailblazers in Asian Mixology

The festival will feature Women & Tipple, a session dedicated to celebrating women shaping Asia’s beverage industry. Panelists include Amanda Wan (Three X Co, Malaysia), Rachel Tann (Asia’s 50 Best Bars), Kate Osmillio (Raion Bar, Philippines), and Julie Tu (Intention Guide, Taiwan/Shanghai), among others.

6. The Fiesta Passport

Designed for festival-goers, The Fiesta Passport offers week-long access to exclusive promotions, complimentary cocktails, and food pairings across participating venues. Priced at ₱1,800, it also includes a Fiesta canvas bag, stickers, and gifts from partners like DrinkAid and Vita Coco — ideal for those planning to bar-hop through Manila’s best.

7. A Celebration of Filipino Spirit and Global Connection

Beyond the drinks, the Fiesta highlights what makes the Filipino bar scene unique: its warmth, creativity, and sense of community. “Fiesta reflects our culture — a celebration of togetherness,” said Mic Flores, DBWY co-founder. “This is about connection and showcasing what makes our community truly special.”

 

With its mix of global talent, local pride, and a festive Filipino spirit, the Philippine Cocktail Fiesta 2025 is shaping up to be one of Asia’s must-attend bar events of the year.