(SPOT.ph) It's 2022, we're still in the middle of a pandemic, prices are rising left and right, a ton of people are jobless, and we have a new administration. Oh, and monkeypox. We're pretty sure any of those statements warrant a drink or two, or three. Now, we're not saying you go ham on the alcohol, we advocate responsible drinking after all, but if you want a quick buzz...er, we mean fix, we got you. And don't worry about needing variety; the SPOT.ph team is a mix of different ages—all cool, hip, and interesting, and self-proclaimed—hence a slew of drink options you'll see below. From millennials to Gen Z, your options include fruity wines, mixed drinks, simply-pop-open-cold-from-ref drinks, and more. Cheers, folks!
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In no particular order, these are the SPOT.ph team's picks for alcoholic drinks for a chill night:
Mia, Associate Editor
Drink of Choice: Don Papa Rum + Coca Cola + Calamansi
Look, Jack and Coke is the usual way to go for a sure smashin' night but this quick Cuba Libre, while done by an amateur (me), hits the spot even better. First thing you do is put ice cubes in a tall glass, pour in a shot (or two, depending on how young the night is) of smooth, deep rum, and then fill up with prime fizzy Coke. At this point, the drink may pack quite a punch, so you splash in a bit of calamansi or lime to take off that edge. What you're left with is a refreshing, zesty cocktail you won't feel has taken you over the deep end until it's too late. Don't worry though because this traydor drink makes for an easygoing hit—just as long as you don't overdo the rum.
Don Papa is available on Boozy and MetroMart.
Pat, Managing Editor
Drink of Choice: Whispering Angel Rosé
I can handle most wines pretty well but I was surprised by how quickly I got buzzed when I had Whispering Angel for the first time. It's a light rosé that's perfect for day drinking or brunch and it has just the right amount of sweetness. Oh, did I mention that its alcohol volume is 13.5%? A deadly choice for those that have a sweet tooth so be careful when you come across this angel.
Available on Boozy.
Ida, Growth Lead for Affiliate Marketing
Drink of Choice: Emperador + C2
Ah, so many college nights spent pouring this drink instead of poring over books. (Just kidding, mom.) When you first hear “Emperador,” you immediately think you’re in for a night of straight-up hard drinking, with glasses of pure brandy over ice. But it doesn’t have to be that way when you have a liter of C2 to match with your liter of Emperador Brandy. Mix both with a 1:1 ratio and it’ll taste like you’re just drinking iced tea—except that it makes you want to sing your favorite karaoke song at the top of your lungs. It doesn’t hurt your wallet either that Emperador’s just under P200 while C2’s just P45. It’s a great go-to if you want to have a chill, budget-friendly night in.
Emperador is available on Boozy.
Anton, Sr. Staffwriter
Drink of Choice: Strong Zero Melon flavor
As a big fan—nay, enlightened disciple—of the Korean ice cream Melona, I thought the melon flavor of the popular chūhai Strong Zero would be the most fitting to my palate, and I wasn’t wrong. “It’s so sweet and refreshing, like the ice cream! You can barely taste the alcohol,” I proudly exclaimed to my friends and family, as I knocked back gulp after gulp of the flavorsome and seemingly innocent drink. Like Hansel and Gretel, little did I know that I was being lured to my death by this dainty beverage. In general, Strong Zero’s fruit-flavored drinks will make you love the taste of alcohol, but at what cost? Perhaps your memory of the night before.
Available on Boozy and MetroMart.
Louise, Staffwriter
Drink of Choice: The Bar Pink Gin
At first glance, you’d think, “Oh, look at how pretty it is! It’s pink alcohol!”—my exact thought as its chic and cute color lured me into getting the bottle off the shelf. Like a siren luring tired sailors into the sea, one minute I was gushing about how pretty it looks when poured into a shot glass—I even took pictures and uploaded them on my Instagram stories—and the next thing I knew my friends and I were all knocked out, buzzing peacefully.
Available on Boozy and MetroMart.
Leana, Staffwriter
Drink of Choice: Soju + Yakult
Hey, Yakult is supposed to be good for you so this drink won’t be so bad, I promise. We all know soju tends to have a strong bitter taste so mixing it with the probiotic drink makes sense, like a fruity milk tea of sorts. My friends and I would usually make this and unknowingly we’d be able to down over three bottles of soju between around three to five of us. Not a smart idea though as soju is really strong. If you want the drink to be sweeter, here's a tip: Go for the grapefruit-flavored soju.
Soju is available on Boozy and MetroMart.
Marese, Social Media Strategist
Drink of Choice: La Tita Classic Red Sangria
As someone who loves sangria, I've ordered quite a few from from restaurants and even bought other brands but La Tita is something I always go back to—and that's because it doesn't taste like it has wine at all. With only 7% alcohol, you can finish a bottle in one go and not even notice. Erm, not based on experience, maybe. You can drink it as it is or even level it up by adding different kinds of fruits.
Available on Boozy.
Janelle, Content Producer
Drink of Choice: Horoyoi White Grape
To say I’m low tolerance is an understatement because I’m allergic to alcohol. I get rashes, I palpitate and have a hard time breathing, and I get that Asian flush. But for some reason, I can drink a whole lot more if the drink tastes sweet AND sour (yes, has to be both). I’m a sucker for anything artificially grape flavored, add in sweet and tangy and carbonated, and you've got the taste of alcohol completely masked up. Try to keep in mind that you're drinking alcohol as you sip on this beverage, even as it tastes like Welch’s or Royal grape soda.
Available on Boozy and MetroMart.
Drink responsibly.
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