The Singapore Sling is a famous cocktail that was
created in 1915 by bartender Ngiam Tong Boon at
the Long Bar of Raffles Hotel in Singapore. The drink
was originally designed as a refreshing, yet discreet,
alcoholic beverage for women, at a time when it was
considered inappropriate for women to drink openly in public. To make the
cocktail more socially acceptable, Ngiam mixed gin with cherry brandy, pineapple
juice, lime juice, Cointreau, and a dash of bitters. The result was a sweet and fruity
drink with a vibrant pink color that was both refreshing and easy to sip. The drink
quickly gained popularity among hotel guests and became a symbol of the
colonial era in Singapore.
The Singapore Sling’s distinctive flavor profile is a balanced combination of
fruitiness and complexity. The gin forms the backbone of the cocktail, providing a
crisp, dry base, while the cherry brandy adds a hint of sweetness and rich depth.
The pineapple juice gives the drink a tropical flair, and the lime juice brings a tangy
brightness. Cointreau, a citrus-flavored liqueur, adds a smooth and balanced
sweetness, and the bitters provide an aromatic finish. This blend of ingredients
gives the Singapore Sling its signature taste, making it a refreshing choice for a hot
climate, as well as a globally recognized cocktail.
Over time, the Singapore Sling has evolved into a worldwide classic, with
variations found in bars across the globe. Despite adaptations, the original recipe
at Raffles Hotel remains a highly regarded and iconic version of the drink. The
cocktail has become so associated with Singapore’s history and culture that
tourists flock to Raffles Hotel, eager to try the original concoction. Its colorful
appearance and distinct flavor make it a memorable part of the Singapore
experience. Today, the Singapore Sling stands as a testament to the city’s rich
colonial past, its innovation in mixology, and its ability to create lasting symbols of
cultural identity
Click on the cocktail to
be whisked to Australia