In this hidden bar in New Manila, bespoke is the way to go

Suppose the traditional cocktail drinks don't take your fancy anymore. In that case, what if I tell you that there is a hidden bar in the heart of New Manila where you can air out everything you want in a drink, and they'll make it happen? Let me introduce you to ReCraft.

Situated in the busy street of Broadway Avenue in Quezon City, ReCraft is unlike any other bar with flashy signages to catch your attention. Perhaps, if you're not observant enough, you can easily pass by ReCraft without a second look.

When you enter the establishment where ReCraft is, you'll notice on the first floor a coffee shop dubbed as "Craft." But if you dare take the stairs going to the 2nd floor, that's where the "ReCraft" magic happens—here lies an exquisite bar that can accommodate an intimate crowd of 30 to 35 people.

For someone who prefers drinking hard liquors and cocktails instead of bottled beers, ReCraft appealed to me the first time I tried its drinks.

Aside from the menu-listed cocktail drinks (P350-P450) made especially by resident baristas RJ Ramirez and Jeff Nova, the bar specializes in bespoke drinks (P450) in which you have the freedom to describe what you want in your drink, and they will make your bespoke cocktail.

Knowing that bespoke is the way to go in ReCraft, I asked RJ to create the "Hermes" drink which I described as "a refreshing, tropically concoction with a strong alcohol base that should be pink in color with a flower garnish!" Of course, at this point, I was just being funny because from what I've noticed, they could literally turn your craziest drink ideas into a tangible reality.

After RJ mixed the "Hermes" drink with just one try, I was genuinely amazed by how it tasted exactly like what I had in mind—thirst-quenching with a kick of alcohol, plus points that it's in the spectrum of my favorite color and garnished with a pretty flower. Wow!

The Hermes drink: A gin-based cocktail mixed with grapefruit bitters, lemon, and Campari. Photo by Hermes Joy Tunac

Other drinks that my friends and I keep coming back to at ReCraft are Gold AF (amaretto, bourbon, lemon, simple syrup, egg white), New Manila (curry leaf infused whisky, dry vermouth, calamansi, pandan syrup, ginger beer, angostura bitters), and On Cue (bourbon, banana syrup, yellow chartreuse, chocolate bitters.)

For those who want to munch while sipping some cocktails, ReCraft also offers light bites such as okonomiyaki fries (P220) and Truffle Parma pizza (P250)

ReCraft is open Tuesdays to Saturdays, 6 p.m. onwards.

—MGP, GMA News