Don Julio brought the vibrant spirit of Día de los Muertos to Manila, blending heritage with unforgettable celebrations.
Día de los Muertos, or the Day of the Dead, is a cherished Mexican holiday that honors and celebrates loved ones who have passed on. Streets come alive with vibrant marigold bouquets, intricately painted calaveras, and the laughter of families gathering to remember those they’ve lost. It’s a singular part of Mexico’s heritage, one that teaches us to embrace death as a natural part of life, rather than fear it. Though the country is thousands of kilometers away, the spirit and essence of this tradition found its way to the Philippines through the luxury tequila brand Don Julio.
The magic of any great evening often starts with the right drink—and this season, Don Julio was unmistakably the star. From the first sip to the last toast, the tequila set the tone for gatherings defined by craftsmanship, connection, and character. Inspired by Día de los Muertos, Don Julio infused the metro’s vibrant nightlife with the depth, artistry, and cultural richness behind its globally beloved tequilas.
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Craft, Character, And The Spirit Of Celebration
Every bottle of Don Julio carries the vision of its founder, Don Julio González—a man whose dedication to perfecting tequila transformed a craft into a global celebration of flavor. Each pour is a nod to his commitment to quality, heritage, and moments worth savoring.
Don Julio Blanco delivers the authentic essence of Blue Weber agave, bursting with fresh citrus and a crisp, light peppery finish. Its bright, vibrant character makes it ideal for refined cocktails or enjoying responsibly neat, capturing tequila at its purest. The smooth Don Julio Reposado, aged eight months in American white oak barrels, balances notes of vanilla and chocolate with a gentle depth, offering a mellow sophistication well-suited to elevated social moments.
Don Julio Añejo takes richness to the next level, revealing layers of honey, toasted oak, and caramel that appeal to those who savor full-bodied, nuanced flavors. Meanwhile, Don Julio Rosado introduces a modern twist: finished in Ruby Port casks from Portugal’s Douro region, it carries a delicate pink hue and elegant notes of ripe berries, honey, and light oak—subtle, refined, and perfect for adventurous cocktails or contemplative sipping.
Among the most celebrated, Don Julio 1942 is aged over two and a half years, unfolding luxurious layers of vanilla, caramel, and oak. At the pinnacle sits Don Julio Ultima Reserva, crafted from the final agave batch personally planted by Don Julio himself. Its complex medley of toasted oak, dried fruit, and honeyed agave stands as a fitting tribute to his enduring legacy, a tequila that embodies craftsmanship, character, and the spirit of celebration in every sip. And it was this legacy—built on passion and precision—that Manila’s most memorable parties spotlighted.
Sips That Steal the Spotlight
These expressions didn’t just shine in the bottle; they reshaped the mood and energy of the city’s most coveted celebrations. At Mond Gutierrez’s Opulence Ball, reimagined this year as The New Nocturnals, glasses were never empty, and each pour told its own story. Guests experienced signature Don Julio cocktails that elevated the night: the Don Hallow Paloma dazzled with its bright, spicy creaminess, while the Don Picante charmed with crisp, tart precision. And for purists, the tequila shone on its own—neat, on the rocks, or with soda—a gentle reminder that a truly great drink doesn’t need fanfare to make an impression.
The spirit of Don Julio extended beyond the ball to Uma Nota’s modern Japanese–meets–Día de los Muertos soirée. Guests explored a curated menu of cocktails that balanced seasonal flavors with the unmistakable character of Don Julio, creating a tasting experience that honored both tradition and creativity.
Whether poured into a signature cocktail, savored neat, or simply enjoyed on the rocks, Don Julio bridges the past and present—much like Día de los Muertos itself. Each sip invites reflection, celebration, and the joy of honoring what makes life truly exceptional.
Photos courtesy of Don Julio
