Drinks & Philippine Mango
The Philippines also has a lot to offer in terms of drinks:
Beer
San Miguel Beer is the national drink — brewed since 1890 and ubiquitous. The varieties: Pale Pilsen (the classic), Super Dry (lighter), Red Horse (8.0% — the beer for a hard night), San Mig Light (for the health-conscious). Price: 50–80 PHP in stores, 80–150 PHP in bars.
Lambanog
Lambanog is Filipino coconut wine — distilled from the sap of the coconut palm flower. Clear as vodka, 40–45% alcohol, with a sweet coconut aroma. Traditionally made in the province of Quezon and now also marketed in flavored versions (mango, blueberry) for tourists. Caution: Homemade Lambanog can be dangerous (methanol) — only buy bottled brands.
The Philippine Mango
The Carabao Mango (also Manila Mango) is considered the best mango in the world — and that's no exaggeration. Buttery-sweet, fiberless, with an aroma that puts every other mango variety in the shade. The Guinness Book of Records has certified it as the sweetest mango in the world. In season (March–June), they cost almost nothing at local markets (30–50 PHP per kilo). Dried mango (from "7D" or "Cebu Best") is the most popular souvenir.
Other Drinks
- Buko Juice: Fresh coconut water straight from the young coconut. 20–40 PHP.
- Calamansi Juice: Freshly squeezed Filipino lime juice — sweet-sour and refreshing.
- Sagot Gulaman: Sweet banana blossom extract with tapioca balls and jelly. The most popular street drink.
- Philippine Coffee: Barako coffee from Batangas is strong and aromatic — the Philippines was once one of the world's largest coffee producers.
