Award-winning barista Richie Cruz puts lambanog at center stage with sinigang-inspired cocktails, nostalgic twists, and curated tasting menus.
Marikina’s drink scene got a bold new entrant. DITU, a sleek bar in the city known more for its shoemaking than its spirits, stakes its claim as a hub for lambanog enthusiasts and cocktail adventurers alike. Almost everything on the menu features lambanog, from classic pours to inventive cocktails, though other spirits are also available for variety.
Owner Richie Cruz, an award-winning barista, said the vision was to highlight the versatility of the Philippines’ iconic coconut spirit. “Lambanog is part of who we are, and I wanted a place where it could take center stage. The goal was to show that Lambanog can be simple, familiar, or complex depending on how it’s served,” Cruz told radar Business.
DITU officially opened in December 2025. Cruz said the bar was designed to give drinkers an immersive experience, whether they wanted to explore the full range of lambanog flavors or simply enjoy a familiar pour. “People can come in and order what they want, but for those willing to explore, the tasting menus give a bigger picture of what lambanog can do,” he said.
A city bar with artisanal vibes
Inside, DITU balances industrial charm with nods to Marikina’s artisanal heritage. Exposed brick and steel fixtures reflect the city’s workshop past, while accents like tapayan jars recall the long history of coconut spirits. Cruz said the space was meant to feel contemporary while staying connected to the roots of the drinks served.
The bar features a wide selection of lambanog brands, highlighting different distillation methods and flavor profiles. Patrons can choose straight pours or explore cocktails that experiment with local ingredients. Other spirits, from rum to whiskey, also appear on the menu, giving drinkers a chance to compare or mix in creative combinations. Aside from spirits, DITU also serves coffee and a lineup of bar food crafted to pair with its drinks.
Taste meets creativity—the sinigang cocktail
Cruz said he takes particular pride in the bar’s inventive drinks. One standout is a sinigang-inspired lambanog cocktail that captures the essence of the classic Filipino sour soup, combining tangy, savory notes with the sweetness and kick of lambanog in a way that feels both familiar and unexpected.
Another playful addition draws from the popular childhood sweets known as “ostya” or “hawhaw,” reworked into a cocktail that leans into nostalgia while staying firmly grown-up.
Other highlights include a tropical old-fashioned that pairs lambanog with a syrup derived from coconut sugar, producing hints of caramel, butterscotch, and subtle fruit.
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Exploration without pressure
At DITU, the approach is simple. Patrons can enter, order, and enjoy. For those willing to dive deeper, the tasting menus provide a wider perspective on lambanog’s potential. “We want people to see the range—the familiar, the unexpected, the experimental,” Cruz said. Visitors can experience classic pours, cocktails blending local ingredients, and limited-edition creations that rotate seasonally.
Despite the inventive menu, the bar retains a relaxed, approachable atmosphere. Cruz said he wants discovery and enjoyment to be the focus. “Close your eyes, taste, and imagine the process—the sap collection, the fermentation, the craft behind every drop. That is what we want people to feel,” he said.
Creativity rooted in craft
Cruz said his experience as a barista continues to shape his work with spirits. “I learned that every step, every detail, matters,” he said. “You can’t rush the process if you want something with depth. That mindset carries over directly to cocktails and spirits.”
While DITU is clearly a playground for lambanog aficionados, it also encourages experimentation. Limited-release cocktails, small-batch infusions, and thematic drinks showcase the breadth of Filipino spirits, while familiar classics allow new visitors to find comfort.
Marikina’s new landmark for spirits
For Marikina, a city more famous for shoes than cocktails, DITU offers a new type of cultural destination, where heritage meets innovation in every glass. From inventive sinigang-inspired cocktails to pure lambanog tastings, Cruz has created a space that celebrates the history, craft, and flavor of Filipino spirits.
The bar’s opening in December 2025 set the tone, with locals and visitors alike exploring its experimental menu. With its approachability, creativity, and commitment to showcasing the richness of lambanog, DITU is positioning itself as a distinct voice in the country’s evolving craft cocktail scene.
“Every drink tells a story,” Cruz said. “We are here to give people something familiar but also something that surprises, that sparks curiosity. That is the spirit of DITU.”
From classic pours to inventive cocktails like a sinigang-inspired mix and a nostalgic “ostya” creation, owner Richie Cruz highlights the versatility of the Philippines’ iconic coconut spirit through immersive tastings, coffee, and thoughtfully paired bar bites.
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