Share on Facebook Share on Twitter Share on Pinterest DrinkManila launched #TipYourBartenderPH as a way to help out our local bartending community during these trying times. Every Friday, for #DMHappyHour, we’re showcasing a bartender who will share a tasty cocktail recipe that viewers can do at home, as well as give them a platform to promote their small business. People can show their love by supporting the featured bartender’s business and directly sending them a tip. This week’s bartender is Claude Delima. Claude’s journey in the bartending world started when he placed 3rd in the Bacardi Umix competition in 2017. Bacardi Philippines Brand Ambassador Niño Cruz must have seen something something special in Claude because he contacted him to bartend in some gigs. One of his first gigs was actually with DrinkManila, where he worked for half a year, learning from DrinkManila’s founders Icy Mariñas and Tatum Ancheta. On a chance visit to Discovery Primea with Niño in 2018, he met assistant bar manager Lennon Aguilar, and started working at the hotel soon after and continued to work until the pandemic. Although he’s only been in the industry for a few years, Claude has gained a lot of experiences and joined competitions. “It’s been a blast up until now! I’ve met some great bartenders,” Claude says. “I even got the chance to be a mentor in last year’s Whisky Live! I got to be the final four for the first Ramsbury Gin competition. I got to teach or judge in universities about drinks. What I learn from my mentors and the bartenders around me I share to aspiring bartenders.” Claude Delima As with everyone in the F&B industry, Claude was hit by the pandemic hard. But instead of feeling down about the situation, Claude took this time to reconnect with his family and reflect about his life. “In these past months I really learned a lot, and spent a lot of time with my family,” Claude shares. “Back when I was working at Primea, they could only see me before going to work. I learned also to value or be smart about my finances,” he adds. He originally planned to sell milk tea and use his skills in concocting drinks, but the market was already saturated within their area. He and his girlfriend, who was a pastry chef at Flame restaurant in Discovery Primea decided to use her talents as a pastry chef and bake cookies instead. “We thought of cookies because they’re not that difficult to make and store,” he says. “Also, who doesn’t like cookies?!” And Scrumptys was born. Scrumptys currently offers three kinds of cookies: the classic Chocolate Chip with the added twist of walnuts, and dark and white chocolate chips; S’mores Chocolate Chip, a camping staple in cookie form, a mix of chocolatey goodness and gooey marshmallows; and Triple Chocolate Chip, a deliciously decadent cookie dough with dark and white chocolate chips. The couple are planning on expanding their flavor range and maybe even delve into other baked goodies. Claude Delima’s entry to #TipYourBartenderPH is a cocktail called Perfect Companion (English Breakfast Tea infused with Creme de Cacao Liqueur , matcha-infused Gin, milk), which is a drink pairing with Scrumptys cookies Claude has a positive outlook on the future of his business and has some wise words for those who would like to make their own way during the pandemic. “No matter how small your business is, it really helps financially during this time,” Claude says. “Especially if you know a thing or two about your desired product then put that to work! It’s never too late to start.” He values the support he’s gotten from the bartending community and finds inspiration in their camaraderie. “I’ve been really grateful for our friends and fellow bartenders who supported us in a any way they can help,” he says. “There are a lot of bartenders who keep on raising our flag, and day by day I keep on being inspired by these great people who strive to uplift the industry, salute to them!” Catch Claude on #TipYourBartenderPH at 5:00 pm on July 10, Friday, on DrinkManila’s Facebook page. He’ll be making drinks that would be make a good pairing with his cookies. It’s going to be a delicious episode, so don’t miss it! Show your support by following and ordering from Scrumptys on Facebook and Instagram and tipping Claude directly through his GCash: 09063404318. Follow Claude on Facebook and Instagram. Remy Cointreau is giving a bottle to the highest tipper for this program. Take a screenshot of your tip to Claude, and send the pic via DM to DrinkManila and the highest tipper will get the Cointreau bottle!