Unlocking the magic of the season

When embarking on a quest to discover the wonders of Sugarlandia this holiday season, one must drink responsibly.

Don Papa Rum, the Philippine premium single island rum, recently transformed the bare walls of Baked Studios, Makati City into the whimsical world of Sugarlandia, a celebration of the flavors and passion of the country’s favorite rum.

With stylized exotic foliage encapsulating the lush flora and fauna of the island of Negros, known locally as Sugarlandia and home of Don Papa Rum, the event transported guests to a realm where mystery and reality meet.

Sugarlandia creatures danced across the room, ushering guests to the Sugarmill Bar that offered an extrasensory experience with aromatic and ritualistic cocktails.

Papa Isio’s bar is an homage to Papa Isio, one of the leading figures in the late 19th century Philippine revolution. The bar featured Don Papa bottles and classic cocktails inspired by the legend.

Don Papa Rum debuted two specialty holiday cocktails with a uniquely Filipino twist — the Sugarlandia Sour and Merienda Colada — a collaboration between Audrey Gustilo, resident mixologist and brand ambassador of Don Papa Rum and Black Box, known hot spot in Katipunan, Quezon City.

The Sugarlandia Sour, a riff on the classic Old Cuban, is made with Don Papa Rum 7 years old, fresh kamias juice and tamarind cordial.

The mix is then shaken with ice and poured into a coupe glass, garnished with Yogurt Popping Caviar and served in a garden bowl with smoke dry ice.

The Merienda Colada on the other hand is Sugarlandia’s holiday twist on the classic Piña Colada and the traditional Filipino snack turon and ube ice cream.

It is made with a Don Papa Rum 7 years old, Ube Cordial, pineapple juice, coconut, and rice milk.

The concoction is then clarified with toasted soy milk and topped with white chocolate and kesong puti foam, and garnished with rice milk crackers, banana puree, and a jello infused with jackfruit.

To bring holiday cheers closer to people, Don Papa Rum has partnered with The Spirits Library in Poblacion, Makati City to offer glimpses of the magical world of Sugarlandia throughout the holiday season. Both the Sugarlandia Sour and Merienda Colada will be on their menu on 24 November,1 December, and 8 December.