Romanticizing the Ilustrado: Seven patriotic cocktail mixes

(Published in Yehey! Lifestyle)

If France has her French Revolution and Mexico its Creole revolutionaries to romanticize, the Philippines has her Ilustrados. Insulares fashion became popular during the centennial celebration of Philippine independence owing to that group’s role in the fight against the Spanish. Credited for sowing the seeds of Philippine nationalism and ultimately the Philippine Revolution, this group of Filipinos is what was to become Manila’s High Society.

La Todeña Distillers is among the oldest companies in the Philippines dating back to Spanish colonial times. The distillery was founded by Don Carlos Palanca. The name itself would add romance to its drinks (let’s forget the colloquial term “bilog” and “long neck” in the meantime).
Some years ago, La Todeña Distillers introduced the GSM Blue, the sweeter and more elegant version of its flagship gin brand Ginebra San Miguel. The GSM Blue is especially distilled for the party scene. The smell is somewhat finer and its neutral taste suited for the critical high society. Add a few mix of bar ingredients and you’re set to patriotic cocktail party.

Dalandan Mix
Equal measure of Dalandan Soda and GSM Blue gin on a rock glass.
Grape Mix
Equal measure of grape soda and GSM Blue gin on a rock glass

Gin Pomelo
Pour 2 ½ tsp of pomelo power mix to a half filled glass of GSM Blue gin. Stir well and add ice

Blue Lagoon
30 ml GSM Blue gin
20 ml blue curacoa
60 ml pineapple juice
Procedure: Shake and strain to cocktail glass

John Lemon
30 ml GSM Blue gin
20 ml lemon/lime juice
Drop of grenadine syrup
Procedure: Shake well and strain into a cocktail glass

Cali Girl
30 ml GSM Blue Gin
30 ml lemon/lime juice
60 ml soda (exp. Sprite)
60 ml Cali
Procedure: Build to a tall glass

Tropical Storm
30 ml GSM Blue Gin
30 ml Creme de Banana
20 ml lemon/lime juice
Half fresh banana
Procedure: Blend with crush ice. Pour and strain into a goblet.