By Brian Jules Campued
Cheers! The Filipino classic coconut liquor, lambanog, drank its way to the list of 79 Best Spirits in the World by TasteAtlas.
According to the latest list of the international food website published on March 15, Quezon Province’s local alcoholic beverage landed in the 2nd spot—cementing its reputation as Philippines’ very own.
Distinguished by its clear and colorless feature, lambanog is made from the fermented sap of the coconut palm which gives a usual alcohol content at around 40% alcohol by volume (ABV), TasteAtlas said.
This once traditional “potent Filipino drink” now has modern varieties that are “often tinted, sweetened, and flavored”—but still retains its strong kick.
“Lambanog is traditionally enjoyed neat, usually as a shot, but it also blends well in cocktails and mixed drinks,” TasteAtlas added.
Usually produced and enjoyed in the province of Quezon, it said that lambanog was once made by farmers and now has shifted to factory production to further improve its quality.
Only bested by Speyside Scotch, lambanog is followed by Islay Scotch, Serbia’s Viljamovka, and France’s Armagnac.
Now, gather ‘round the table and cheer for lambanog’s success. Tagay na! – avds
