These Disco-Inspired Cocktails with Don Papa Rum Will Make You Boogie Through 2022

If 2022 has been a slow start, liven up your days with a sip of refreshment, a burst of excitement, and a zest for life with these festive cocktails from Don Papa

Some people are calling 2022 their redemption year. As outdoor conditions ease up and distant friends and family finally reconnect, we can regain a sense of normalcy in our every day. But if the new year is not what you were expecting, with personal or professional progress still crawling through the dreadful yesteryear, don’t fret.

Reclaim your after work hours and weekends to turn the beat around and take a trip down funkytown. You deserve a cool-down with the flavors and spices of new cocktails made with Don Papa Rum and inspired by Manila’s discotheque era.

Sipping History

From the fields of Sugarlandia, or more commonly known to us as Negros Occidental, comes Don Papa Rum, the first premium single island rum from the Philippines. Available in over 30 countries worldwide, the rich-textured finish and flavors of vanilla, honey, and candied fruits that has become the drink’s signature proudly captures a dream-like escape in every sip. 

Related: Destination Sugarlandia: Spring To A Brighter And Sweeter Tomorrow With Don Papa Rum

This year, the party now makes its way home in the wildly eccentric and gritty Coco Banana nightclub. Welcome to the Manila Disco, a decadent modern playground of dance and drinks oozing with personality and a dash of youth.

Four new Don Papa cocktails debut just in time to keep the energies flowing and make your every weekend brighter than ever. These pick-me-uppers were expertly concocted by Aaron Goodall, Don Papa’s Manila-based Brand Ambassador.

Coco Sour for Happy Hour

Isn’t it ironic how a refreshing sour can help flip your mood to become oh-so sweeter? With its tart base and tropical twist, the Coco Sour pairs the rich notes of Don Papa Rum with the spiced pimento dram, bright notes of grapefruit juice and lemon, and coconut syrup. Nothing beats an hour-long breather mid work, or setting aside some alone time with a chilled glass in hand.

Shake all of the ingredients together and double strain for a clean finish. Garnish with a mint sprig and dehydrated lime wheel.

For the Pimento Dram, it is recommended to use either Bitter Truth Pimento Dram or Alamea Pimento Rum Liqueur.

I Feel Love with a Manila Kiss 

You can’t talk about Manila Disco without a mention of the love that fills the air. The Manila Kiss isn’t only a lovely cocktail to look at with a bright pink hue, but it is also a lovable drink that’s fit for your lips. Gently layer Don Papa Rum, Dragon fruit syrup, lemon juice, and rose lemonade to create a marvelous gradient.

Combine all the ingredients in a glass by gentle layering. Garnish with a lemon wheel.

To make Dragon fruit Syrup, take the meat of one dragon fruit and cut it into small pieces. Combine this with 250 mL of water and 1 cup of sugar in a saucepan. Bring to a light simmer and stir until the sugar is dissolved. Strain the mixture through a cheese cloth, and bottle. Keep chilled.

Boogie in a Chocolate Wonderland

Good things come to those who wait. To bask in a Chocolate Wonderland, infuse Don Papa Rum, red wine, cognac, cacao, dried apricots, star anise, and salt and pepper overnight to create this holiday-inspired cocktail. Lengthen with hot water to warm you on a cold night, or stir up on the rocks for a spirit-forward hit. Its complex flavors deliver an air of mystery, with its lusciousness serving up sophistication. Truly, the Chocolate Wonderland is a must-try even ahead of the “ber” months.

Combine all of the ingredients in a large pot and cover. Allow the flavors to infuse overnight. Strain off the spices, apricots, and cacao nibs through a coffee filter, and bottle. Keep chilled.

Our recommended serving size is 90 mL. Pour the drink into a glass, ice with a large rock, and garnish with a dehydrated orange wheel.

Shake (or Stir) Your Groove Thing with a Malate Martini

What happens when you cross a Piña Colada with the Pornstar Martini? This hero serve of the Manila Disco is what you’ll get! The Malate Martini replaces the traditional vanilla vodka with Don Papa Rum, along with pineapple juice, passionfruit syrup, lemon juice, and egg white. Served in a large coupe, and topped with a splash of Prosecco, this cocktail just hits all the right tropical notes.

Combine all of the ingredients apart from the Prosecco in a cocktail shaker. Dry shake for 5-10 seconds to emulsify the egg white. Add ice and shake hard for 10-15 seconds. Single strain into a chilled large coupe. Top it off with 45 mL of Prosecco.

If you can’t wait to get the perfect mix, head on over to Run Rabbit Run in Poblacion, Makati to enjoy these delectable cocktails until March 31, 2022.

To learn more about Don Papa Rum, visit their website and follow them on Instagram.