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Manila Bulletin devider Drive devider Shot, puno! Bicol express as a drink

Shot, puno! Bicol express as a drink

Published Sep 22, 2022 03:00 pm

The Bicol Speedster, a drink inspired by the creamy and spicy dish, has been named champion of the Monin Cup 2022

By Poch Eulalia

LEARN FROM THE BEST From left: Ralph Allen Santos, mentor and dean of The Spirit Library, with Monin Cup 2022 champion Mark Defensor

When the topic of mixed drinks comes to mind, most of us look fondly back to our college years.

I remember joining my blockmates in small intimate circles, passing around a shot glass filled with whatever alcoholic concoction our allowances could afford. We would share memories of simpler times, moments we yearned to return to as we coped with our ever expanding and demanding academic requirements.

Filipino bartender Mark Defensor channels the same type of reminiscent energy with a mixed drink he calls the Bicol Speedster.

This special Bicol Express-inspired mix took top prize at the Monin Cup 2022, a contest spearheaded by the world’s leading producer of the finest gourmet sauces, flavored syrups, fruit smoothie, and cocktail mixes.

MIXING WITH THE CHAMP Mark Defensor with his winnings at the Monin Cup 2022

This year’s contest challenged mixologists in and around the metro from the most famous and rising bars to exemplify their skills and passion in encapsulating memorable moments in unforgettable cocktail experiences.

Having been raised in the Middle East, Defensor did not have access to pork until he tried the Bikol sinilihan (Bicol express) after visiting the Philippines with his parents.

The Bicol Speedster allows you to experience a regional Filipino dish in the form of a cocktail.

“Bicol Speedster is special to me because it embodies the first time I was able to taste authentic regional Filipino dishes with my family,” says Defensor.

The drink is a fusion of Tanduay Asian Gold Rum, coconut milk, pork fat washed Habanero Lime Liqueur, and Monin ginger syrup. A dash of siling labuyo (chili pepper) and black pepper adds spice to the spirit.

POUR THE LOVE OF DRINKS Mark at work behind the bar

“The Bicol Speedster allows you to experience a regional Filipino dish in the form of a cocktail,” explains the De La Salle-College of Saint Benilde’s School of Hotel, Restaurant, and Institution Management alumnus. “The rum compliments the coconut. And by fat washing the Habanero Lime Liqueur, you get a nice savory note to the drink while adding a kick of heat to it.”

For the Monin Cup, Defensor represented The Spirits Library, a Makati bar known for its collection of rare bottles, cocktail books, and bar paraphernalia. It was there that he learned quite a lot about the bartending trade from his mentor, Ralph Allen Santos. “Thanks to Ralph, I have learned that with hard work and creativity, anything is possible behind the bar.”

Defensor, also thanked his professors Gioseppe Angelo Racelis, Jerwin Pineda, and Karl John for introducing and immersing him in the world of competitive bartending.

Defensor, together with Santos, will represent the Philippines at the Monin Tour in Rawang, Selangor, Malaysia. He will have a guest shift at one of the best cocktail bars in Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia.

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