Explore a variety of unique Filipino drinks, from refreshing to alcoholic, that reflect the country’s culinary richness.

The Philippines, a country with abundant cultural diversity, is not only known for its delicious cuisine, but also for its variety of mouth-watering drinks. Traditional Filipino drinks reflect the uniqueness of nature and the rich culture of its people.

From refreshing sweet drinks to alcoholic ones, the Philippines has a wide selection of drinks that can quench your thirst. Here are 10 Filipino drinks you must try when visiting the country.

1. Stale

Basi is a fermented alcoholic beverage originating from the Ilocos and Kalinga regions of the Philippines. Made from sugarcane fermented in traditional clay jars called Burnay, Basi has two main varieties: the higher-alcohol Basing Lalaki and the sweeter, lower-alcohol Basing Babae.

The drink has been part of Typical Filipino Food culture for centuries, often found at celebrations or family gatherings. Its unique taste makes Basi an attractive choice for those who want to try a traditional Filipino drink with a long history.

2. Hello-Hello

One of the most famous drinks in the Philippines is Halo-Halo, which is often considered a dessert. The name “Halo-Halo” itself means “stir-stir”, referring to the process of mixing various ingredients in one glass.

Halo-Halo usually contains a mixture of red beans, jackfruit, agar-agar, palm fruit, sago pearls, sweet potato, nata de coco, leche flan (a typical Filipino pudding), ice cream, and condensed milk.

All of these ingredients are mixed together with shaved ice to provide a cold and sweet sensation that is very refreshing, especially on a hot day.

Each region in the Philippines has its own version of Halo-Halo, but the sweetness and variety of textures make it a favorite among locals and tourists alike.

3. Tube

Tuba is a fermented drink made from coconut sap mixed with mangrove bark, producing a distinctive red color. Tuba is very popular in the Visayas and Mindanao regions. The drink has a slightly sour and sweet taste, depending on the type.

Another version of Tuba, known as coconut wine, must be consumed immediately within two days before it is fermented further into coconut vinegar.

Tuba is an integral part of everyday life in the Philippines, especially in rural areas, where it is often served as a social drink or enjoyed with food.

4. Kamias Shake

Kamias Shake is a drink made from the Kamias fruit (Averrhoea bilimbi), which is known for its sour and refreshing taste. This fruit is often used in Filipino cuisine and is also made into juice or shakes.

Kamias Shake is perfect with heavy dishes such as lechon (roast pork), because its sour taste is able to balance the rich and fatty taste of the dish. With a combination of sweet and sour flavors, Kamias Shake provides a unique and refreshing taste experience.

5. Beer

The Philippines has some of the world’s most famous beer brands, one of which is San Miguel Beer. This beer is known for its light and slightly sweet taste, as well as its relatively high alcohol content, making it a popular drink among locals and tourists alike.

San Miguel Beer has been exported to over 40 countries and has several variants, including lager and pilsner. Typically, this beer is enjoyed with seafood or grilled meat, and is a great drink choice to experience local Filipino culture.

6. Buko Juice

Buko juice, or young coconut water, is a refreshing drink commonly found in the Philippines. This natural, sweet coconut water is perfect for drinking during hot weather. Aside from being refreshing, Buko juice also contains electrolytes that are beneficial for the body.

In the Philippines, you can buy Buko juice straight from freshly cut young coconuts, making it a more authentic experience. Buko juice is also often used as an ingredient in other drinks or sweet dishes, adding a natural, refreshing flavor to a variety of Filipino foods.

7. Guinami

Guinami, also known as Guinomis, is a sweet and refreshing drink from the Philippines made with ingredients such as gulaman (agar-agar), pinipig (flat toasted glutinous rice), sugar, and water. Sometimes, coconut milk is added to give it a rich flavor.

Guinami is one of the samalamig drinks, which means a sweet drink usually enjoyed with shaved ice. This drink is very popular in the Philippines, especially during the summer, because it gives a refreshing cold sensation. Guinami is perfect to enjoy when gathering with family or friends, especially on hot days.

8. Calamansi Juice

Calamansi juice is a traditional Filipino drink made from calamansi fruit, a type of hybrid citrus that has a refreshing, sour taste. This fruit is often used in Filipino cuisine, both as a seasoning and as a drink.

Calamansi juice is rich in vitamin C and provides a refreshing sweet-sour taste. Made with three main ingredients—calamansi, sugar, and water—this drink is a perfect choice to quench your thirst and gain health benefits. Calamansi juice is a simple yet very popular drink among Filipinos.

9. Melon Juice (Cantaloupe)

Melon juice, which is made from fresh melons mixed with water and sugar, is a refreshing and sweet drink that is very popular in the Philippines. Usually, melon juice is served in large plastic jugs and is often found in markets or street stalls.

The sweet and cool taste of melon juice makes it very popular as a cooling drink on hot days. Some versions of melon juice also contain chunks of melon in them, adding freshness to every sip. Melon juice is a fun and refreshing option for anyone who wants a sweet, natural drink.

10. Barako Bamboo Shoot

Kapeng Barako is a typical Batangas coffee that has a strong taste and a very distinctive aroma. This coffee grows in the Batangas area, which is known for its ideal climate for growing coffee.

With a bold and slightly bitter taste, Kapeng Barako is highly favored by coffee lovers looking for a more intense coffee flavor. This coffee can be found in local coffee shops all over the Philippines and is often served either black or with added milk.

For those who like their coffee strong, Kapeng Barako is a great choice to experience the uniqueness of Filipino coffee.

The Philippines offers a variety of signature drinks that are not only refreshing but also reflect the rich culture and traditions of the local people. From sweet drinks like Halo-Halo to alcoholic drinks like Basi and Tuba, every drink in the Philippines has its own story and uniqueness.

Don’t miss the chance to try these signature drinks that will enrich your culinary experience and provide sweet memories while you explore the Philippines.

You can also bring home Typical Filipino Souvenirs, such as locally made beverages or traditional delicacies, to share the flavors of the Philippines with family and friends.