A proper cocktail bar situated in Makati Poblacion? Oto is a solid choice. In an area known as the red light district and now the nightlife center of Makati, you’ll notice that Oto is a little bit off from from the strip of bars along the popular Don Pedro street; yet people still make their way around to grab a drink and listen to music from their vinyl record selection. Clearly, Oto has an allure to it. And much like the stripes driven interiors, beverages likes this coffee-themed cocktail have their flavors line up intelligently and in a sophisticated manner.
This is the Pretty Paloma, created by Oto’s barista Larry Andrada. It’s a cold summer drink inspired by the classic Paloma cocktail, which is usually a tequila-based drink prepared with grapefruit juice or soda. But Andrada forgoes the alcohol and instead combines freshly squeezed grapefruit juice with cold drip coffee, simple syrup, mango syrup, and a dehydrated grapefruit slice as garnish. It’s like biting into chocolate candy with a fruity center. The rich flavor of the coffee and its notes of dark chocolate mix with the tangy grapefruit and sweet mango in a refreshing and indulgent ensemble. Oto is set to move to a nearby location quite soon, so head down to their current home in the famous Poblacion neighborhood of Manila while you still can. And while you’re there, be sure to browse their wide collection of vinyl records—Larry will even play them for you!