Wednesday, May 3, 2023

Wicked Alchemy: Discover Cocktails with Character at Bar Rouge in New World Makati Hotel

Elvis Presley, Marilyn Monroe, Pablo Picasso and even James Bond are just some of the inspirations behind the new signature cocktails at one of Makati's best kept secrets. Classic cocktails with modern twists inspired by historical icons take the spotlight at Bar Rouge, and it's smokin'... 


A soothing sip takes you back to a different place and time honoring both the famous and infamous personalities that have shaped and defined our world recreated in a selection of handcrafted libations. Bar Rouge in New World Makati Hotel unveils inspired and creative cocktails with character inspired by history's most influential figures adding a unique and insightful layer to your tipple. Enjoy a round or two at Bar Rouge with friends and engage in a deeper discussion of history's personalities made livelier with each sip. With nine new cocktails on the menu, read on for the full story on eight featured concoctions by Bar Rouge...


Located at the Lobby Level of New World Makati Hotel, Bar Rouge is an elegant hideaway with its polished dark woods and vibrant ruby red tones where you can enjoy masterfully handcrafted cocktails. Taking a cue from history's prominent and memorable figures as inspiration, the mixologists at Bar Rouge concocted inventive libations weaving flavors ranging from sweet, fruity and smoky notes or just a whisper of spice with the style and enduring character associated with notable icons. The concept is an interesting one, and the results are pretty impressive...


At the bar, the mixologists start with the first round of new cocktails...


...while applying the final touches with a fiery finish. Inventive and playfully imaginative, the new cocktails at Bar Rouge offers a unique experience guaranteed to bring out some interesting conversations. With whisky, cognac, gin and rum as the base for the new cocktails, you'll find just what yon need at Bar Rouge. And if you're thinking of getting your usual Old Fashioned or Negroni, change up your bar game with some cocktails with character. 


Music and wine were the passions of Beethoven and his legacy is represented with the aptly named Symphony, a mildly sweet and soothing cocktail blended with Buffalo Trace Bourbon Whiskey, Graham's Ruby Port Wine, Campari and lemon bitters. The distinctly contrasting notes come together in a harmonious and balanced weave with the Campari, port wine and lemon bitters bringing a rich and mildly sweet tartness rounded out by the deep notes of the bourbon. Bourbon and port wine with Campari and lemon bitters is a lavish bacchanalian festival of flavors in a glass, just as Beethoven would have it.


A war hero and staunch advocate of civil rights, mention JFK and the Peace Corps, the Cuban Missile Crisis and mounting cold war tensions come top of mind. A further discussion and the name Marilyn Monroe pops up. Who can forget that naughty and flirtatious happy birthday song forever immortalized in black & white film, right? The Blonde Bombshell loved chocolate with Sazerac, and this indulgence is translated into a cocktail fittingly named Mr. President. Made with Mancino Rosso Vermouth, Mancino Chinato and chocolate bitters and garnished with a ball of chocolate, Mr. President delivers the full-bodied flavors of Macino Vermouth's bittersweet notes smoothened out by the richness of chocolate. It's an elegant cocktail with a refined decadence and just a hint of that sultry and naughty tease to warm not only the palate but your imagination too. Is that Happy Birthday, Mr. President you hear? Now that calls for another round... 


Some smoke and fiery sparks are the perfect intro for the next cocktail. Elvis is in the house...


The King, inspired by no less than The Memphis Flash himself, combines the rock legend's love of bananas with Darkness 8 Years Whisky, banana liqueur and coffee liqueur in a sweet and smoky libation that will surely get you rockin' in no time. And no, The King isn't overly sweet from the banana liqueur. The deep, bold and smoky hints from the whisky and coffee liqueur tempers the sweetness perfectly for a smooth and balanced finish. 


A good tipple deserves some equally good nibbles, and Bar Rouge has that covered. Enjoy your whisky-based libations with shards of dark chocolate with its rich and deep sweetness lingering on the palate complementing the subtle smoky hints of whisky. 


How much further can you go back in history? Try the apple and Original Sin. 


Bar Rouge offers a uniquely refreshing apple-based cocktail named Adam's Apple with its blend of Pierre Ferrand 1840 Cognac, Monin Fuji Apple Mix and peach bitters capped with a mound of crushed ice and mint. The cognac gives this cocktail that refined smoothness with a potent kick while the apples and peach bitters rounds out each soothing sip. Just what you need to beat the summer heat. 


Is this the real life? Is this just fantasy? Another flamboyant rock legend, the front man and voice of Queen, is the source of inspiration for yet another creative cocktail. The Bohemian Rhapsody is a theatrical concoction poured from a tea pot and served in a cup, totally unexpected yet then again, Freddie Mercury wasn't your typical rocker. Made with Smoky Joe Islay Whisky, lime juice, Earl Grey syrup, mint and egg white, the Bohemian Rhapsody is both unconventional in terms of presentation yet pleasing to the palate with its play on the deep smoky hints of whisky mellowed by the Earl Grey syrup with flavorful bursts from the lime juice and mint. It's a crazy little thing called love kind of cocktail. Take a sip, sing a tune and don't forget to raise a toast to Freddie Mercury.


An homage to the widely acknowledged father of modern bartending, the Blue Blazer with Maker's Mark, Plantation OFTD, coffee liqueur and orange bitters garnished with a stick of cinnamon is a classic blend with the bold, deep notes of Kentucky whisky followed by zesty orange hints and soothing coffee kicked up by fragrant cinnamon. Jerry Thomas would definitely raise a toast to this cocktail.


Fast cars, beautiful women and the license to kill. The Shaken not Stirred with Christian Drouin Gin, Mancino Secco Vermouth and olive brine is a simple yet classy cocktail with clean flavors and a smooth finish. No, you don't need to carry a Walther PPK or drive an Aston Martin to enjoy this creation by Bar Rouge and after a few more rounds you won't need it at all. This modern take on the classic Martini garnished with prosciutto is as smooth as Bond.


A prolific artist producing well over 13,500 paintings and at least 100,000 prints and engravings, Pablo Picasso revolutionized the art world and widely regarded by many as the artist of the 20th century. The Picasso Sour is an artistic spin on the traditional whisky sour with Buffalo Trace Bourbon Whisky, Lustau, honey and lemon juice topped with an art piece printed on rice paper. An advocate and pioneer of cubism and surrealism movements, the Picasso Sour paints the palate with rich and vibrant, contrasting yet balanced notes with each sip. It's a masterpiece of a cocktail. 

If you've breezed through all eight cocktails, you may want to complete the full line up at Bar Rouge with the Ahoy inspired by the character of Jack Sparrow for that swashbuckling one for the road. With its blend of Plantation Isle of Fiji Rum, Plantation Barbados 5 Years Rum, Elderflower Liqueur, Amontillado Sherry, lime juice and agave nectar, your last round opens up infinite possibilities.  


Bar Rouge also offers an extensive selection of tasty bites to pair with your cocktail, and you'll want another bowl of these crisp chips.


The tempting options go beyond the usual, as the kitchen fires up savory dishes to complete your Bar Rouge experience...


...including Manchego with Honey...


...melt-in-your-mouth and buttery Salmon Gravlax with rich briny hints...


...and the fork-tender Steak Cubes with Rosemary with its delectable buttery bite and texture, each one highly recommended.

Elvis, Bond, Picasso, Freddie Mercury, Marilyn Monroe and more. Nine new cocktails, each with its distinct flavor and character to suit your mood. Bar Rouge draws inspiration from real and reel personalities showcasing a playful and innovative creativity with their new cocktails with character, and it's a potential hit priced at P 750 net. Thirsty? See you at Bar Rouge to experience some wicked alchemy and cocktails with character. 

Bar Rouge is located at the Ground Floor of New World Makati Hotel, 1228 Esperanza Street, Makati. You can also visit their website at https://manila.newworldhotels.com/ and FB Page at https://www.facebook.com/NewWorldMakatiHotel/ for more information and updates or call 8811 6888 for inquiries.

Dude for Food is now on Facebook, Instagram, Twitter and YouTube, check out these social media accounts for regular updates on good eats. Better yet, click "Like" and "Follow" and enjoy the ride...just look for the FB and IG widgets on the right sidebar.

No comments:

Post a Comment

Got something to share? I'd love to hear from you...