While Cinco de Mayo is a Mexican holiday that commemorates the defeat of French forces by the Mexican army on May 5,1862, for some reason, the date has now become synonymous with partying, preferably with lots of alcohol. This year, you can make the celebration extra special by checking out two of the newest bars in Makati: Buccaneers Rum & Cocktails in Poblacion and Mistral Rooftop Bar at Raffles Makati Hotel. Or else, you can bring the party home with our picks for good Mexican tequila and mezcal to enjoy on Cinco de Mayo or any day of the year.

Buccaneers Rum & Cocktails

Don Pedro corner Kalayaan Streets, Poblacion, Makati City (beside Wild Poppy and Smokeyard), IG: @buccaneers_ph

Just in case you haven’t heard yet, there’s an ultra-cool pirate ship-themed rum and cocktails bar opening May 3 at 6 pm in Poblacion. This new concept is spearheaded by the folks behind Dr. Wine in partnership with Ulysse Jouanneaud, who serves as Buccaneers’ Ship Captain and Head Bartender. Formerly with the Shangri-La Group of Hotels, Jouanneaud was behind the opening of two very successful bar concepts at Shangri-La at the Fort, including The Back Room, my pick for Best New Bar in Manila for 2018.

At Buccaneers, rum takes center stage with 150-plus bottles on offer, as Jouanneaud aims to spread the good word about rum. You can explore the world of rum at your own pace, whether in cocktails or in small tasting portions or flights. But a handful of other spirits are also available to lend a supporting role just in case you need a rum break.

I was able to try a couple of the signature cocktails at last night’s media sneak peek and really enjoyed the refreshing tiki-style La Batanga, as well as the slightly tart yet well-balanced La Sayona made with rum, amontillado sherry, lime juice, pineapple, and pepper jam.

I also enjoyed their version of Caiparinha, a classic Brazilian cocktail made with cachaça (Brazilian rum), lime, sugar, and crushed ice. It’s the perfect cocktail to order on a scorchingly hot day.

Mistral Rooftop Bar

Raffles Makati Hotel, 1 Raffles Drive, Makati City, (02) 795-0777

Mirèio Terrace is now renamed Mistral Rooftop Bar, after the strong, cold gust of wind that blows in southern France, usually signifying the changing of seasons from winter to spring. Raffles Makati welcomes this change at its posh 10th floor rooftop bar with a new lineup of cocktails specially developed by the Singaporean-based beverage specialist, The Compound Collective.

The well-respected, world class bartender Michael Callahan of The Compound Collective was in town last week for the bar’s launch. He shared that most of the drinks he created incorporate local elements or flavors with classic ingredients to produce cocktails that suit the warmer Manila climate.

Must-tries include the bar’s signature Manila Fizz, a whimsical take on a Ramon Gin Fizz that is like our favorite halo-halo dessert in cocktail form, complete with leche flan garnish and served with a rolled wafer straw made without added sugar.

My early favorite is the deceptively easy to drink, fruity Sneaky Swizzle, a rum-based cocktail with a smoky hint of mezcal, maraschino spice, and the sweetness of pineapple. I can drink this all night.

Padre Azul Tequila

The Booze Shop, 28 Jupiter Street, Makati City, www.boozeshop.ph

You can treat yourself to premium quality tequila that is meant to be sipped and savored, rather than downed in one shot with lime and salt. The Booze Shop recently added to its inventory a new brand of tequila from Mexico called Padre Azul that comes in different variants. My favorite is the Padre Azul Tequila Silver that’s packaged in an eye-catching bottle encased in leather, cast iron, and aluminum, with handmade lacing at the back and sealed with a 270-gram “skull” cap. The skull is a homage to the Mexican tradition of Dia de los Muertos or Day of the Dead, which is a symbol of everlasting friendship. This Padre Azul is an excellent quality tequila to add to your home bar.

Los Sietes Misterios Mezcal

Apotheke Craft Spirits Company, available at Wine Depot branches in Nicanor Garcia Street Makati, Westgate Alabang, Missouri Street Greenhills, SM Aura BGC, www.winedepot.com.ph

One Mexican liquor that’s gaining popularity is mezcal, once perceived as just a smoky version of tequila. While mezcal is also made with the heart of the agave, unlike tequila, it can be made with different varieties of agave and can be produced in 11 different Mexican states versus the five states tequila production is limited to.

Established in 2010, Los Siete Misterios is a 100% owned Mexican company that aims to rescue the mezcal tradition and the micro-economy of the rural cultures that produce it. Its product line was inspired by Mexican cultural traditions as well as by the passion of the people who produce this distilled spirit. Los Siete Misterios comes in 8 different variants with the Espadin one being the easiest to approach.

Photos by Cyrene de la Rosa

Michael Callahan photo by Matthieu Lerat

Mistral cocktail photos courtesy of Raffles Makati

Follow the author on Instagram and Twitter @cyrenedelalrosa