MAKATI CITY — A distinctive collaboration is bringing together the worlds of specialty coffee and contemporary dining at Power Plant Mall. The Blend Expedition, a partnership between Rockwell Blends by UCC and the acclaimed culinary team behind The Test Kitchen, offers a curated cocktail pairing experience that runs until October 25, 2026. The activation forms part of Lifestyles Done Rockwell, a month-long showcase at the North Court, R1 Level of Power Plant Mall in Rockwell Center, Makati. It invites guests to consider how a humble bean can be coaxed into something far more complex when placed in the hands of skilled bartenders and chefs.
A Collaborative Culinary Experience
The Test Kitchen, the critically lauded dining concept led by chef Josh Boutwood, is known for ingredient-led cooking and precise, unfussy execution. Its involvement in The Blend Expedition pushes the experience past a simple tasting, turning it into a conversation between roast profiles and mixed drinks. The partnership also spotlights the range of Rockwell Blends by UCC, a limited-edition coffee line developed with UCC's roasters. Each blend draws its identity from a specific Rockwell community, translating a sense of place into a cup that can be enjoyed as a brew or as the base of a spirit-forward cocktail. The result is a format that treats coffee with the seriousness usually reserved for wine or whisky.
Exploring the Blends
The expedition features three exclusive releases, each with a character shaped by the community that inspired it. Cabo carries a medium roast profile that leans bright and elegant, with cocoa nibs and palm sugar on the front and a soft berry-like finish that recalls seaside mornings. Samanean takes a deeper route, landing in medium-dark territory with a fuller body, where toasted nuts and warm wood spice give the cup a grounded, rustic quality. Molinillo closes the trio as a dark roast, rich and dessert-like, layering milk chocolate, velvety cocoa, and caramel into a rounded, comforting finish. Each blend is extracted using high-end Italian espresso machines from Victoria Arduino and Nuova Simonelli, ensuring consistency in every pour.
A Limited-Time Destination
The Blend Expedition sits within Lifestyles Done Rockwell, which reimagines the North Court as a warm, café-inspired gathering space. Visitors can pair the cocktails with a curated selection of lifestyle finds and regional treats, making the stop more than a single activity. The experience remains open until October 25, 2026, giving Makati residents and visitors a narrow window to try it. For those hunting for fresh flavors and uncommon combinations, the North Court offers a compelling reason to linger.