Cheers echoed across the ballroom as the British Chamber of Commerce Philippines (BCCP) brought together gin enthusiasts, bartenders, and industry partners for another successful staging of World Gin Day 2026, transforming Dusit Thani Manila in Makati into a lively showcase of British gin culture.
Held on June 24, the annual celebration blended craft cocktails, friendly competition, and interactive activities that gave guests a taste of Britain’s celebrated gin tradition while highlighting the growing creativity of the Philippine bar scene.
Among the evening’s highlights was the bartending competition, which featured six talented mixologists: Kenneth Dela Cruz of Somewhere Quiet, Sammy Abat of Modern Fox Barber and Lounge, Abbie Romero of Bar Flora, Luke Adriano of Bullish Hospitality Group–Matador, John Zedrick Del Mundo of Kauri Taproom, and John Israel Acosta of Dr. Wine BGC.
Inspired by the theme, “From London to Manila, a Journey in Every Sip,” participants crafted cocktails that celebrated the enduring ties between the United Kingdom and the Philippines as both countries commemorate 80 years of diplomatic relations.
Each competitor created an original cocktail using at least 30 milliliters of either 1834 Premium Distilled Gin or Archangel Reserve Premium Dry Gin, while incorporating distinctly Filipino ingredients such as calamansi, ube, coconut, and other local flavors.
Taking the top prize was John Zedrick Del Mundo of Kauri Taproom with Royal Pearl, a bold and savory cocktail made with Archangel Reserve Premium Dry Gin and infused with roasted vegetables, including carrots, peas, and potatoes—an unconventional yet memorable interpretation of modern mixology.
Second place went to John Israel Acosta of Dr. Wine BGC for Unison, a refreshing blend of Archangel Reserve Premium Dry Gin, passion fruit, cucumber, rosemary, pandan syrup, and calamansi.
Abbie Romero of Bar Flora claimed third place with an imaginative dessert-inspired cocktail featuring 1834 Premium Distilled Gin, Darjeeling tea with milk, sampaguita tea, dayap, rambutan, and tultul salt. She paired the drink with a jasmine ube tart, creating a thoughtfully curated cocktail-and-dessert experience.
Beyond the mixology showdown, guests also tested their knowledge during a fast-paced gin trivia challenge. As cocktails flowed throughout the evening, participants competed to answer questions about the history, production, and culture of gin, adding another layer of excitement to the celebration.
Observed globally for more than a decade, World Gin Day continues to promote appreciation for one of Britain’s most iconic spirits. Through events like this, the BCCP not only showcases premium British gins but also fosters cultural exchange, creativity, and camaraderie—bringing a touch of London’s vibrant pub culture to Manila for one spirited evening.
See original article here.
