Discover the rich and diverse flavors of the Philippines through 10 traditional drinks that reflect the country’s history, culture, and tropical ingredients.
The Philippines is known for its vibrant culinary landscape, which blends indigenous traditions with influences from Spain, China, and the United States. While Filipino food is often in the spotlight, the country’s traditional beverages deserve equal recognition.
From refreshing tropical fruit drinks to fermented rice-based concoctions, Filipino beverages showcase a deep connection to the land, the people, and centuries of cultural evolution
Many of these drinks are not only flavorful but also packed with history, reflecting the diverse heritage of the islands. Whether you’re looking for something sweet, tangy, or even alcoholic, these 10 traditional Filipino drinks offer a true taste of the Philippines.
1. Salabat (Ginger Tea)
A staple in many Filipino households, Salabat is a traditional ginger tea known for its warming and soothing properties.
Made by boiling fresh ginger slices in water and sweetening it with honey or sugar, this tea has been used for generations as a remedy for sore throats, colds, and digestive issues.
The strong, spicy kick of ginger combined with a subtle sweetness makes it a comforting drink, especially during the cooler months or rainy days.
Salabat is also commonly consumed by singers and public speakers in the Philippines, as it is believed to improve vocal clarity.
This simple yet potent beverage reflects the Filipino reliance on natural remedies and herbal traditions passed down through generations.
2. Sikwate (Filipino Hot Chocolate)
Derived from cacao beans, Sikwate is the Filipino version of hot chocolate, traditionally prepared using tablea—pure, roasted cacao tablets dissolved in hot water or milk. The drink is rich, slightly bitter, and often sweetened with sugar or muscovado.
It has deep historical roots, dating back to the Spanish colonial period when cacao was first introduced to the Philippines. Sikwate is a popular breakfast or merienda (afternoon snack) drink, often paired with pandesal (Filipino bread rolls) or puto maya (sticky rice cakes).
The intense, earthy flavor of cacao in Sikwate highlights the Philippines’ role as a cacao-growing country and preserves the legacy of its pre-colonial and colonial trade history.
3. Buko Juice (Coconut Water)
Coconuts are abundant in the Philippines, and Buko Juice, or fresh coconut water, is one of the most commonly consumed natural beverages in the country.
Served straight from young green coconuts, this drink is naturally sweet, hydrating, and packed with electrolytes, making it a favorite thirst quencher in the tropical heat.
Buko juice is often sold by street vendors or in local markets, sometimes served with a straw inserted directly into the coconut. In addition to being a refreshing drink, it is also widely used as a natural remedy for kidney health and detoxification.
The popularity of buko juice reflects the Filipino connection to nature, where fresh and locally available ingredients are integral to daily life.
4. Tuba (Coconut Toddy)
For those looking for a traditional Filipino alcoholic drink, Tuba is a must-try. This fermented coconut sap, often referred to as coconut wine, is a staple in many rural areas, particularly in the Visayas and Mindanao regions.
The sap is collected from coconut tree blossoms and naturally ferments over time, resulting in a mildly sweet and slightly tangy alcoholic beverage. In some cases, the drink is further aged to produce bahalina, a stronger and darker version of tuba.
Known as the “drink of the farmers,” tuba is commonly enjoyed in gatherings and celebrations. It is a drink that embodies Filipino ingenuity and the use of natural resources for sustenance and enjoyment.
5. Kapeng Barako (Liberica Coffee)
Kapeng Barako is a unique and bold coffee variety native to the Batangas and Cavite regions of the Philippines. Made from Coffea liberica beans, this coffee is known for its strong, robust flavor and slightly smoky aroma.
Unlike Arabica or Robusta coffee, Kapeng Barako has a distinctive taste with hints of dark chocolate and floral undertones.
Traditionally, it is brewed using a metal pot called takure and enjoyed black or with muscovado sugar. The drink is a symbol of Batangueño heritage and resilience, as coffee farming has been a long-standing tradition in the province.
Despite its declining production due to commercial coffee varieties, Kapeng Barako remains a treasured part of Filipino coffee culture.
6. Guinomis (Sago and Gulaman Drink)
A lesser-known but delightful traditional drink, Guinomis is a refreshing cold beverage made with sago pearls, gulaman (agar jelly), and a combination of coconut milk, crushed ice, and muscovado sugar.
Often compared to taho or halo-halo, guinomis is popular in the Visayas region and is typically enjoyed as a sweet snack on a hot day.
The drink’s combination of textures—from the chewy sago to the smooth coconut milk—creates a satisfying and indulgent experience.
Guinomis reflects the Filipino love for sweet, refreshing beverages that provide comfort and relief from the country’s humid climate.
7. Pandan Iced Tea
Pandan leaves are widely used in Filipino cuisine, and their distinct aroma is captured beautifully in Pandan Iced Tea.
This fragrant drink is made by steeping fresh pandan leaves in hot water, then cooling it and adding a touch of honey or calamansi juice for a refreshing twist.
Pandan is known for its subtle floral and grassy notes, which give the drink a unique yet soothing flavor.
Often served in Filipino restaurants and home kitchens, pandan iced tea highlights the country’s use of natural ingredients and traditional herbs, blending health benefits with delightful flavors.
8. Calamansi Juice (Filipino Lemonade)
A staple in every Filipino household, Calamansi Juice is a citrus drink made from calamansi, a small green lime native to the Philippines.
The juice is squeezed and mixed with water and sugar to create a sweet-tangy drink that is both refreshing and immune-boosting.
Sometimes referred to as Filipino lemonade, calamansi juice is often enjoyed cold with ice, though it can also be served warm as a remedy for colds and sore throats.
Its bright, citrusy flavor and high vitamin C content make it a popular choice for both everyday consumption and medicinal purposes.
9. Iskrambol (Scramble)
A childhood favorite in the Philippines, Iskrambol is a vibrant pink, ice-based street drink that is both sweet and playful.
Made by blending shaved ice with evaporated milk, banana essence, and sugar, Iskrambol is then topped with powdered milk, chocolate syrup, and sometimes marshmallows. This fun and nostalgic drink is commonly sold by street vendors, particularly near schools.
Iskrambol represents the joyful and creative side of Filipino street food culture, offering a delightful treat that brings back memories of warm afternoons and carefree childhood days.
10. Lambanog (Coconut Vodka)
For those who enjoy strong spirits, Lambanog is the Philippines’ version of coconut vodka. Distilled from the fermented sap of coconut flowers, this potent alcoholic drink has a high alcohol content, often ranging between 40% and 45%.
Traditionally produced in Quezon and other coconut-growing provinces, Lambanog has been an important part of Filipino drinking culture for centuries. Once considered a farmer’s drink, it is now being refined and marketed as a premium artisanal spirit.
Whether enjoyed straight or mixed into cocktails, Lambanog is a testament to the Filipino talent for crafting unique beverages from native ingredients.
From soothing herbal teas to bold tropical cocktails, the Philippines’ traditional drinks reflect its diverse history, rich agricultural heritage, and love for natural flavors.
Whether you’re sipping a warm cup of Salabat or enjoying a refreshing glass of Buko Juice, each drink offers a glimpse into the heart of Filipino culture.
These beverages are more than just thirst-quenchers—they are stories in a glass, carrying with them the flavors and traditions of a proud and resilient people.
