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