Ube, Dalandan, Bignay: 7 Locally Made Tipples Inspired by Filipino Plants

The Philippines is home to some of the world’s most incredible fruits. Aside from the country’s famed golden mangoes, people are also known to enjoy harvests from coconut trees, bignay (wild cherry) bunches, and even the limbs of dragonfruit plants.

As such, the country has great potential to make flavorful wines and tipples; in fact, many have already done so, presenting the local F&B scene with a unique array of taste profiles and palates. Here are some of our favorite local fruit-inspired beverages you have to try for your next party.

Bielma Bugnay Fruit Wine from Proudly Promdi

Crafted in small batches, this unique fruit wine made by Ilocos doctor, Bielma Bawingan, utilizes the bugnay (also known as bignay) fruit. The Proudly Promdi wine itself is crafted only thrice a year with in-season berries. As to be expected, the wine gives off a light body that is sweet and floral, making it an ideal sangria base. The fruit itself is reminiscent of cranberries and has a sweet yet tart taste profile that makes it perfect for summer wines.

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Calamansi Wine from Vino Arsan

Everything tastes better with calamansi. In fact, this ubiquitous Filipino fruit is the star of Vino Arsan’s most popular wine. Harvested in Ilocos Sur, organic calamansi fruits are then processed and fermented to create a light-yellow wine that is both refreshing and tangy. Best served chilled, it is also a fantastic base for mojito-based concoctions.

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Ube Cream Liqueur from Agimat

Multi-awarded by international bodies such as the SIP Awards, this ube cream liqueur makes for incredible, creamy cocktails. Using sugar cane vodka from Negros, combined with the flavors of the Philippine root crop, this fun liqueur boasts 17% alcohol and a sweet taste profile like no other.

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Cebu Mango Rum from Uy Masuy Wine Factory

What’s the ultimate souvenir from Cebu, you ask? Mangoes, of course! This drink takes it a step further by infusing the country’s national fruit into rum aged in oak barrels. With a fruity scent that’s sure to tantalize, Uy Masuy’s beloved Mango Rum is a favorite among Cebuano locals and local tourists.

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Green Lava Double IPA from Engkanto

For a burst of sweet fruitiness, turn to Engkanto’s Green Lava beer. It carries notes of tropical harvests from grapefruit, mango, and pineapple, plus apricot. Slightly creamy due to the addition of rolled oats, this unique ale is a favorite of many and can be paired with savory meats or sweet desserts.

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Manille Liqueur de Dalandan from Manille Liqueur

This deliciously sweet liqueur from Manille Liqueur is the second product in the brand’s line, right after their calamansi liqueur. Though it is an all-natural product with no added flavoring, drinkers will attest that a single shot is all you need to realize how rich the beverage is. Versatile as it is delicious, the Liqueur de Dalandan can be used as part of a marinade, as a digestif, or simply as a palate cleanser.

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Blue Pea Gin from Sirena

Sirena’s Blue Pea Gin is another multi-awarded tipple that’s inspired by local ingredients. Its main notes include sampaguita, pink pomelo, and the gorgeous blue pea flower. Married with internationally sourced botanicals, this hybrid gin offers dynamic hints of citrus and floral tastes.

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