6 Best Flavored Beers in the Philippines 2026 | Buying Guide Reviewed by Craft Beer Brewer
While some beer lovers identify with the familiar bitter, tart kick of beer, others like to explore different flavors. Thus, in order to please the tastebuds of a broader range of people, breweries were propelled to create flavored beers that are more palatable than regular beers.
Want to try them but unsure where to start? We collaborated with Japanese craft beer brewer Manabu Sato to create a buying guide for flavored beer to help you get started! Make sure to check our top 10 list, too, to discover our best flavored beer recommendations.
Quick List - Top Flavored Beers
Manabu Sato is the representative of KEY CORPORATION Caghiya Brewery and the owner of Cafe Club Key. Born in Yuzawa City, Akita Prefecture, after graduating from university, Manabu studied abroad in England, where he discovered British pub culture. Inspired by the sense of community, where men and women of all ages gather, after returning to Japan in 2017, Manabu opened Caghiya Brewery in Kawasaki City, Kanagawa Prefecture, where he now brews his original craft beers. He also launched the Craft Beer Association and now hosts beer-related events in Kawasaki in an effort to help spread craft beer culture in Japan.
Our recommendation articles are carefully researched and crafted by the mybest Philippines team of writers and editors. To stay true to our company’s mission and vision to help users’ selection process easier, we also collaborate with experts from various fields to ensure that our content stays factual and useful.
The expert oversees the Buying Guide only, and does not determine the products and services featured.
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Flavored Beer vs. Craft Beer: Is There a Difference?
Yes, there is definitely a huge difference! Simply put, a flavored beer is your usual beer but with added flavored syrup or infused with fruits. These are typically produced by commercial breweries. Many young adults and women find flavored beers their "gateway" to drinking because they are generally sweet and easy to drink.
Craft beers, on the other hand, are made by independently-owned breweries. Craft beers are also characterized by their distinct and delightful flavors and aromas. There's no shortcut to making craft beer; think beer-making from scratch. Craft beers are considered an art form for independent brewers.
The term 'flavored beer' refers to a beverage that has been infused with fragrances or flavors using ingredients such as fruits and herbs. While the process of making the base beer remains the same, the significant difference from craft beer, as mentioned earlier, lies in the use of adjunct ingredients (fruits and herbs) in addition to malt, hops, and water.
How to Choose a Flavored Beer – Buying Guide
Flavored beer has emerged as a popular choice among beer enthusiasts and newcomers alike, offering a refreshing twist to traditional brews. If you're looking to explore the world of flavored beer in the Philippines, this guide will help you navigate the diverse options available
Try Sweet Fruit-Flavored Beers for Something Familiar, Light, and Refreshing
For individuals who are not fond of the distinct hop bitterness in beer, flavored beer provides an easier drinking experience by incorporating sweetness and additional flavors to mitigate the bitterness.
Flavored beers come in many unique and exciting brews. From fruits to spices and herbs, flavored beers offer a wide range of options to suit various palates. Experimentation is key to finding the flavors that resonate with you.
The most popular flavors that appeal to the taste of many Filipinos are fruit-flavored ones like apple, lemon, lychee, and more, as they are usually light and refreshing. They are also easy to pair with snacks or pulutan, whether you want to have them with nuts, chips, ulam, or even cheese!
Flavored beer offers familiar aromas, reduced bitterness, and tastes reminiscent of juice, soft drinks, or cocktails. It appeals to those unaccustomed to hop aromas or beer's distinct bitterness, making it a great choice for beer beginners. Citrus flavors, with their refreshing acidity, are especially suitable for the hot climate in the Philippines!
Go for a Beer With 3% ABV or Lesser If You're a Light Drinker
In order to know how strong the flavored beer's kick is, check its ABV or alcohol by volume. It determines the amount of alcohol in the flavored beer. If you're a light drinker, try beers with 3% or less alcohol content first.
Although flavored beers may seem "less" and easier to down than regular beer, it's worth noting that their alcohol content doesn't really stray far from each other. Craft beer brewer Manabu Sato states that different breweries have 5% as the standard alcohol content, so it is recommended to explore lower or higher percentages to find the perfect match.
Flavored beers typically have an alcohol content ranging from 3% to 5%, with fewer options in the 6% to 8% range, which is more common for craft beers.
Can't Decide? Try Flavored Beers from Popular Brands
For a foolproof choice, you can always try flavored beers from popular brands like San Miguel. There’s a variety of flavors to choose from, including lychee, lemon, and apple, and they are also widely available in different groceries and even in your local sari-sari store!
6 Best Flavored Beers to Buy Online
Products | Image | Click to purchase | Key features | Details | |||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
Flavor | Alcohol Percentage | Volume | |||||
1 | San Miguel Flavored Beer Apple｜ | | Crisp Apple Refreshment With Light Carbonation | Apple | 3% ABV | 330 mL | |
2 | Engkanto Mango Nation Hazy IPA | | Juicy Mango Haze in Award-Winning Hazy IPA | Mango Hazy IPA | 5.7% ABV | 330 mL | |
3 | Engkanto Paint Me Purple Ube Lager | | Smooth Ube Creaminess in Lager Format | Ube Lager | 5.50% ABV | 330 mL | |
4 | Engkanto High Hive Honey Ale | | Floral Honey Balance With Ale Malt | Honey Ale | 5.10% ABV | 330 mL | |
5 | San Miguel Beer Flavored Beer - Lemon | | Citrus Zest Cuts Through Summer Heat | Lemon | 3% ABV | 330 mL | |
6 | San Miguel Beer San Miguel Flavored Beer - Lychee | | Exotic Lychee Refreshment With Crisp Finish | Lychee | 3% ABV | 330 mL | |
San MiguelFlavored Beer Apple ｜
Crisp Apple Refreshment With Light Carbonation
Features and benefits:
- Delivers authentic apple flavor with light beer malt notes
- Provides 3% ABV for sessionable drinking without heavy alcohol impact
- Offers 330 mL slim cans perfect for social gatherings or solo chill time
- Maintains refreshing carbonation that cuts through spicy Filipino dishes
- Pack of 6 offers convenient sharing size for casual occasions
Reviews mention:
Many find the apple flavor crisp and genuine without artificial candy sweetness. People note light carbonation pairs perfectly with grilled meats and seafood. Several appreciate sessionable ABV, keeping conversations lively through multiple rounds.
| Flavor | Apple |
|---|---|
| Alcohol Percentage | 3% ABV |
| Volume | 330 mL |
Juicy Mango Haze in Award-Winning Hazy IPA
- Delivers 5.7% ABV with Silver World Beer Award 2024 recognition
- Provides hazy IPA body from mangoes, oats, and tropical hops
- Showcases Philippine mango aroma with passionfruit hop notes
- Offers 330-mL cans or bottles in 4-packs for easy sharing
- Maintains juicy mouthfeel with balanced bitterness and clean finish
Reviews mention:
People note ripe mango dominates aroma while IPA bitterness provides a clean finish. Several appreciate local mango authenticity, setting it apart from imports. Many find award-winning quality justifies craft beer premium pricing.
| Flavor | Mango Hazy IPA |
|---|---|
| Alcohol Percentage | 5.7% ABV |
| Volume | 330 mL |
Smooth Ube Creaminess in Lager Format
- Combines 5.5% ABV lager crispness with authentic Philippine ube flavor
- Delivers creamy mouthfeel through careful extract balancing
- Maintains drinkable carbonation, preventing heavy dessert beer texture
- 330 mL serving perfect for pairing with local desserts or heavy meals
- Consistent purple hue signals genuine ube character throughout
Reviews mention:
Several appreciate authentic ube flavor, without artificial candy taste. Many find lager base keeps it refreshing despite rich profile. People note perfect pairing with halo-halo and Filipino sweets.
| Flavor | Ube Lager |
|---|---|
| Alcohol Percentage | 5.50% ABV |
| Volume | 330 mL |
Floral Honey Balance With Ale Malt
Features and benefits:
- Showcases 5.1% ABV World's Best Beer 2024 award-winning honey integration
- Balances local honey sweetness against golden ale malt complexity
- Provides smooth mouthfeel ideal for warm weather refreshment
- Maintains lively carbonation, enhancing honey floral aromatics
- 330 mL cans perfect for casual afternoons or evening wind-downs
Reviews mention:
Many note honey sweetness, sophisticated rather than cloying dessert-like. People find world-class medal validates premium local craft positioning. Several appreciate smooth drinkability across hot, humid evenings.
| Flavor | Honey Ale |
|---|---|
| Alcohol Percentage | 5.10% ABV |
| Volume | 330 mL |
Citrus Zest Cuts Through Summer Heat
Features and benefits:
- Delivers bright lemon flavor balanced against light malt sweetness
- Provides 3% ABV refreshing alternative to heavier lagers
- Maintains familiar San Miguel quality in fruit beer format
- 330 mL slim cans chill quickly for immediate refreshment
- Perfect carbonation prevents flat taste common in fruit beers
Reviews mention:
People appreciate lemon brightness, perfect for tropical heat relief. Several note familiar San Miguel quality in lighter fruit format. Many find quick chilling ideal for impromptu beach trips.
| Flavor | Lemon |
|---|---|
| Alcohol Percentage | 3% ABV |
| Volume | 330 mL |
Exotic Lychee Refreshment With Crisp Finish
Features and benefits:
- Captures premium lychee aroma balanced through skilled brewing
- Delivers 3% ABV sophisticated fruit-flavored experience
- Maintains clean finish, preventing sticky lychee sweetness
- 330 mL serving ideal for sharing exotic flavor discovery
- Consistent pink hue signals genuine lychee fruit character
Reviews mention:
Several find lychee aroma luxurious beyond typical fruit expectations. Many appreciate clean finish, preventing cloying sweetness buildup. People note conversation starter, perfect for introducing premium flavors.
| Flavor | Lychee |
|---|---|
| Alcohol Percentage | 3% ABV |
| Volume | 330 mL |
Frequently Asked Questions
Below are some of the most asked questions on the web answered by the mybest team.
Can Flavored Beer Make You Drunk?
Yes, all beers, whether flavored, craft, or your usual one can make you drunk. So do remember to check the ABV of any alcoholic drink first!
Is Root Beer a Flavored Beer?
No, the root beer we are all familiar with is not a flavored beer. Instead, it's a soft drink that is sweet and carbonated. Unlike flavored beer, it's not alcoholic as well. The only similarity the two share is their thick and foamy head.
Does Flavored Beer Have Caffeine?
This will depend on the flavored beer itself, so best to check the label!
Spice Up Your Drinking Sesh With Games
To make your drinking session with friends even more fun and enjoyable, why not test your competitiveness and play some games? Check out the links below featuring various drinking games and board games that you can use for your next drinking sesh!
Re-editor: R. Victoriano
How We Chose and Ranked Our Product Recommendations
Our buying guide was carefully researched and crafted by the mybest team of writers and editors. We used the buying guide as a basis for choosing and ranking the product recommendations, and we looked at reviews and ratings from different E-commerce sites like Lazada, Shopee, and more.
Top 5 Flavored Beers
No. 1: San Miguel｜Flavored Beer Apple｜
No. 2: Engkanto ｜Mango Nation Hazy IPA
No. 3: Engkanto ｜Paint Me Purple Ube Lager
No. 4: Engkanto ｜High Hive Honey Ale
No. 5: San Miguel Beer｜Flavored Beer - Lemon
View Full RankingThe descriptions of each product are referenced from content available on manufacturer, brand, and e-commerce sites.