Manila night life has always been exciting. In fact, with many new bars and lounges opening in Makati (especially the thriving Poblacion area), it has become more difficult for regular party goers to look for Happy Hour promos without having to be stuck in a congested room. Crowded spaces means loud music (making good conversation impossible) and a busy wait staff who cannot attend to your orders. We have a solution: check out the Raffles Hotel in Makati. The luxury hotel has a variety of different Happy Hour promos that will surely satisfy any alcohol craving you may have. From drinking a signature gin brew inside the darkly lit Long Bar to lounging at a roof top with a cold glass of champagne, Raffles is an alcohol lover’s dream. We’ve rounded up the new and ongoing promos for your pleasure…
The Classic Happy Hour at the Long Bar
The mood lighting, cold air-condition and the seat plan (in which tables are set far apart from each other to allow patrons more privacy) is more enough to get us to come back to Long Bar. From 5:00 PM to 8:00 pm on a daily basis, the hotel’s signature bar serves an overflowing amount of local and imported beer, classic cocktails, red and white wine, and house pour liquor (like the popular Raffles 1915 Gin—in which they make themselves in collaboration with Sipsmith). This Happy Hour is well priced at only PHP 695 and has become a haven for many society regulars before hitting their main events. Apart from a very good selection of spirits, we also suggest that you try the bar’s version of the Singapore Sling. Dubbed as “The Makati Luxury Sling”, it is made with a unique blend of Tanqueray Ten, Grand Marnier, Benedictine and fresh lemon, topped with pineapple juice Agnostura, and cherry blossom syrup. True to its name, a sprinkle of 24k gold flakes finishes off the cocktail. The food selection at the Long Bar is the proper companion to a boozy afternoon. Regular finger foods like french fries and pizza are available in an assortment of styles. For those looking for more sinful fare, it is recommended to order the bone marrow dish which serves two large portions of the wicked delicacy with a side of crispy bread.
Al Fresco Nights at the Mireio Terrace
On the sixth floor of the hotel is Mireio, the French eatery inspired by the cuisine of the countryside region of Provence. A floor above it is a breezy rooftop bar called the Mireio Terrance, which features a glorious view of the sprawling Makati skyline. Afternoon cocktails are more than possible at this breezy “veranda in the sky”. Similar to the Long Bar promo, the Happy Hour at the Mireio Terrence begins at 5PM and ends at 8PM, priced at PHP 895. The impressive selection of cocktails is carefully thought out to fit the theme of al fresco drinking. Cool and fresh drinking like herb infused tipples and fruity beverages are accompanied by a selection of gin cocktails, whiskey, vodka, and an unlimited amount of red, white, and rosé wines. The Peach and Beetroot Frozé is refreshing as it is addictive. The combination of peach puree, beetroot syrup, vodka and rosé wine can easily transport one to the South of France. Trying each of the cocktails at the Mireio Terrance is like trying a tasting menu for cocktails. The complimentary, savory Chef’s Sampler from the restaurant below adds on to the experience as well.
Champagne Thursdays at the Mireio Terrace
Raffles latest promo, makes Thirsty Thursday an even happier event (and the new, day-late Hump Day). Champagne Thursdays at the rooftop Mireio Terrance will have one imaging the rose tinted city of Paris while looking over the Makati cityscape. The hotel’s choice of poison (or should we say ecstasy?): unlimited doses of Taittinger champagne in every shape and form. Enjoy the bubbly in its traditional form or order one of the champagne-inspired cocktails from 5PM to 8PM at PHP 1,2888. Some recommended cocktails include the crispy Orange Sparkle with Champagne and triple sec, finished off with a fresh orange peel, or maybe try the refreshing citrus-flavored Bellini that will surely have you refreshed as the sun sets and Manila begin to cool down.
All prices are subject to service charge and applicable government charges. For more information and reservations, please call 795 0707 or email [email protected].
by Chino R. Hernandez
