The renowned mixologist served innovative tea-infused cocktails at Conrad Manila’s C Lounge for a three-day bar takeover.
Conrad Manila shook things up at its contemporary lounge by the bay with an exciting bar takeover featuring award-winning mixologist Jay Gray. And where there’s tea, there’s Dilmah, the world-renowned Ceylon tea brand that helped the award-winning bartender serve an array of tea-infused drinks over the weekend.
Gray, who is also the award-winning mixologist and co-founder of Sago House (#15 in Asia’s 50 Best Bars 2024) told PeopleAsia that there’s nothing like a great cocktail start a party — or end a long day at work. “For me, personally, the best time to have a cocktail is at five, which is just about the time I finish my work,” he says before adding with a chuckle. “That’s 5 a.m., of course.”
With Gray at the helm, the C Lounge bar offered a selection of exquisite tea-infused cocktails, such as Bright and Stormy, a delightful concoction of chamomile & ginger soda, dark rum, lime, Angostura bitters, and honey; Jasmine Americano, a tantalizing blend of green tea and Jasmine soda, sweet Vermouth, and Campari; Breakfast Martini, a delicate fusion of brilliant breakfast cordial, lemon and lime elixir, orange marmalade, lemon juice, and Aer.
Our favorite was Gray’s Peach Fuzz, made of peach elixir, lemon, gin, Cointreau and Aer. There’s also the Tie Tie Fizz, a delightful mix of Tie Guan Yin soda, sweetened black tea elixir, and apple cordial.
Start of the holidays
“In the Philippines, Christmas season starts as early as September and we are thrilled to kick off these festive celebrations with an exclusive experience at C Lounge. Guests at Conrad Manila can indulge in a truly elevated holiday atmosphere, enjoying soul-satisfying cocktails uniquely crafted by renowned mixologist Jay Gray,” explained Fabio Berto, general manager of Conrad Manila.
The mixology visionary behind Sago House, ranked 15th on Asia’s 50 Best Bars in 2024, Jay Gray is a veteran mixologist known for his creative flair and deep knowledge of cocktail culture. He started his career in the bar industry in London and eventually relocated to Singapore, where he co-founded award-winning cocktail bar Sago House.
To learn more, visit C Lounge – Eat. Drink. Hilton. (eatdrinkhilton.com)
