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Catching the Green Fairy
Makati City, San Juan, Quezon City
Absinthe’s mystique lies in its complexity—not only pertaining to how its distinct botanical flavors perplex the palate, but also to its elegant and almost ritualistic preparation that traditionally requires ornate and valuable paraphernalia. Not to mention it holds an infamous reputation and a history of being banned. Absinthe is commonly prepared by placing a jigger of the spirit in a glass, and then dripping water on to a sugar cube sat on an absinthe spoon perched on the rim of the glass. A green fairy will not emerge, but myriad flavors and aromas will. It's not easy to find absinthe in Metro Manila. Luckily, it's starting to gain popularity especially with the market's growing inclination towards the elusive and uncanny.
Updated 4 years ago
2Big Sky Mind is a tiny hole-in-the-wall bar that houses no less than great music, independent art, cobra-infused shots, and an undeniable sense of community. Try their absinthe, they serve it with good company and conversation on the side.
66 Broadway Avenue corner 14th Street, New Manila, Quezon City, Metro Manila, Philippines
- https://www.facebook.com/pg/Bigskymind/
Once you get to the compound, look for a photobooth with a red curtain. It's a secret passage to Int.Bar, a retro-themed speakeasy that serves delicious, one-of-a-kind cocktails. Try the "La Dolce Vita", an absinthe-based cocktail inspired by the namesake film.
- +63 977 211 3266
General Romulo Avenue, Araneta Center, Cubao, Quezon City, Metro Manila, Philippines
Located right beside a warehouse turned nightclub, this cocktail bar is anything but casual. It's a great spot for taking a little break, only to supplement the party with the strong potency of absinthe.
- +63 917 821 9761
Warehouse 5, La Fuerza Plaza, Chino Roces Avenue Corner Sabio Street, San Lorenzo, Makati City, Metro Manila, Philippines
- https://www.facebook.com/finderskeepersMNL
20:20 captures the allure of absinthe with its dark and moody vibe. Try their take on the drink by getting the "Gin Basil Smash"—an intriguing botanical blend of gin, absinthe, basil, and mint.
- +6329176348764
20A-20B La Fuerza Plaza 1, 2241 Chino Roces Avenue (Pasong Tamo), Makati, Metro Manila, Philippines
- https://www.20-20.asia/
Business in the front, party in the back! For this little coffee shop, drinks are serious business. Walk through the door behind the counter at sundown, sit at the bar, and enjoy their Corpse Reviver. It's off the menu, but just as meticulously prepared as their coffee.
- +63 916 355 4129
134 Legaspi Corner Don Carlos Palanca Street, Legaspi Village, Makati City
- https://www.facebook.com/thecuratorcoffeeandcocktails/
With a selection so huge, Bank Bar is bound to have whatever you're looking for. If you wish to try absinthe along with a variety of other drinks in one night and in one place, make the effort to find this speakeasy.
- +63 917 857 0852
Ground Floor, RCBC Savings Bank Corporate Center, 26th and 25th Street, Bonifacio Global City, Taguig City, Metro Manila, Philippines
- https://www.facebook.com/bankbarmnl/
While they're known for their big-ass flavored beers, they're also famous for flaming shots that will get you wasted. The "Absinthe Minded" shooter will have you crawling on the floor to reach out for more.
- +63 917 718 6155
Ground Floor, Aguirre Building, Salcedo Village, Makati City, Metro Manila, Philippines
- https://www.ruebourbon.ph/
Blind Pig doesn't have absinthe on the menu, but you may ask the bartender to come up with a cocktail based on liquor that you enjoy. If you enjoy absinthe, just let them know and leave it to them to surprise you.
- +63 917 549 2264
227 Salcedo Street, Legazpi Village, Makati, Metro Manila, Philippines
- http://www.blindpig.ph/Blind_Pig/Home.html
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