Good Times, Rain or Shine, at Long Bar...

The skies may be grey, but it doesn't really matter. Not at Long Bar...and Orman Bag-ao continues to impress with another inventive cocktail.

Raffles Makati's Orman Bag-ao presented his latest cocktail creation, Rain or Shine, at Long Bar for another round of good times and good vibes despite the cloudy and rainy afternoon. The fruity libation with the deep rounded notes of rum is just what you need when rainy days and Mondays get you down... 

Rain or Shine (R) is the official entry for the 2017 Bacardi Legacy Cocktail Competition Philippines by Long Bar's lead mixologist, Orman Bag-ao (L) of Raffles Makati (more on the competition here at the official Rain or Shine FB Page, https://www.facebook.com/rainorshineblcc/).

Seated at the long wooden bar, Orman, Paul, and Jenny already knew my drink, and served me their timeless Old-Fashioned. This is, after all, the Long Bar, and you have to start with a real classic to get you in the proper groove...

...or go for the Makati Manhattan (P 395), Long Bar's take on another classic with Maker's Mark Bourbon, Citrus and Don Papa-spiced Red Vermouth, and Angostura Bitters. You can also opt for the original Singapore Sling for the quintessential Long Bar experience (for more on Raffles Hotel's Long Bar, see my previous posts, Old School Still Rules: Inspired by Classics at Long Bar on their innovative cocktails inspired by history's iconic figures, Raffles Hotels Celebrate One Hundred Years of the Singapore Sling with the Raffles 1915 Gin with the new artisan Sipsmith Gin, Singapore Slings, Gold Flakes, and Peanuts at the Long Bar, and Another Round at Raffles Makati's Long Bar).

Long Bar's signature tapas were served along with the first round of cocktails, including their refreshing Tuna Carpaccio (P 380)...

...and the Long Bar Fries (P 225), tempura battered chips for that extra crispness draped in Cajun spices served with caramelized onion mayo dip.

Other tasty bites were served including a pair of rustic pizzas. At Long Bar, you can go for a traditional pizza or be adventurous with their unique pizza creations, like the Cheese, Grapes and Honey (L) for a rich blend of sweet and tart notes or the Smoked Salmon Pizza (R) generously topped with salmon.

After a few cocktails, it was time for Orman Bag-ao and his cocktail entry, Rain or Shine, to take centerstage... 

Behind the bar, Orman Bag-ao prepared a round of his entry for the Bacardi Legacy Cocktail Competition 2017, the refreshing Rain or Shine. The sweet, sour, and tart concoction of Bacardi Superior, carrot juice, guava juice, lime juice, and sugar syrup garnished with a fresh mint sprig is masterfully blended by Orman...

...combining for a refreshing and soothing cocktail infused with a local touch. Inspired by the Bacardi family who transformed challenges into opportunities, Orman Bag-ao's Rain or Shine represents the resilience, strength, spirit, and the Bacardi family's continuing passion for excellence with the layers of sweet and sour notes, the highs and lows, in the soothing Rain or Shine. The unique flavors of fresh carrot and guava juices blend together for a distinct sweetness, rounded out by the sharp citrus hints of lime juice and perfectly finished by the Bacardi Superior Rum adding depth. The vibrant notes of the tropical-inspired cocktail delivers fresh flavors to brighten up an overcast day.

Playful, intensely flavored, uncomplicated and overflowing with all-around good vibes, Orman Bag-ao's Rain or Shine is exactly that, a great cocktail any day, rain or shine. And once again, Orman Bag-ao continues to impress at Long Bar...

For more on Orman Bag-ao's Rain or Shine and the Bacardi Legacy Cocktail Competition Philippines 2017, check out the official page for Rain or Shine here at https://www.facebook.com/rainorshineblcc/. Follow the hashtags #RainOrShineblcc and #BacardiLegacyPH on social media for more updates.

Long Bar is located at the Lobby Level of Raffles Makati, 1 Raffles Drive, Makati Avenue, San Lorenzo, Makati or call (+632) 555-9888 for inquiries and reservations.

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