Raffles Hotel Singapore Sling: A Classic Cocktail with a Rich History

If you’re a cocktail lover, you’ve probably heard of the famous Singapore Sling. This fruity and refreshing drink has been around for over a century and is widely regarded as the national drink of Singapore. But did you know that the best place to try this iconic cocktail is at Raffles Hotel Singapore, where it was first created by bartender Ngiam Tong Boon in 1915?

Raffles Hotel Singapore is a historic luxury hotel that has been around since 1887. The hotel is famous for its colonial architecture, impeccable service, and rich history. The Long Bar at Raffles Hotel is where the Singapore Sling was first created and has since become a must-visit destination for tourists and locals alike. But what makes the Singapore Sling at Raffles Hotel so special? Let’s take a closer look.

Key Takeaways

• The Singapore Sling is a famous cocktail that was first created at Raffles Hotel Singapore in 1915.
• Raffles Hotel Singapore is a historic luxury hotel known for its colonial architecture, impeccable service, and rich history.
• The Long Bar at Raffles Hotel is the best place to try the Singapore Sling and experience the tradition and history behind this iconic cocktail.

The Origin and History of the Singapore Sling

Raffles Hotel and Ngiam Tong Boon

If you are a cocktail lover, you might have heard of the famous Singapore Sling. This iconic cocktail was first created in 1915 by Ngiam Tong Boon, a bartender at the Raffles Hotel in Singapore. The Raffles Hotel is a luxurious colonial-style hotel that has been a landmark in Singapore for over 130 years.

Ngiam Tong Boon was a skilled bartender who worked at the Long Bar in the Raffles Hotel. He created the Singapore Sling as a refreshing, fruity cocktail that could be enjoyed by both men and women. The original recipe of the Singapore Sling included gin, cherry brandy, pineapple juice, lime juice, Cointreau, Dom Benedictine and grenadine.

Evolution of the Recipe

Over the years, the recipe of the Singapore Sling has evolved. The original recipe was lost during World War II, and it wasn’t until the 1970s that the Raffles Hotel recreated the cocktail based on the memories of their older bartenders. The new recipe included pineapple juice, lime juice, gin, cherry brandy, and Cointreau.

Today, the Singapore Sling is still served at the Raffles Hotel, but the recipe has been modified to suit modern tastes. The current recipe includes gin, cherry liqueur, Benedictine, pineapple juice, lime juice, and grenadine.

The Singapore Sling has become a symbol of Singapore’s heritage and is widely regarded as the national drink. It has been featured in movies, books, and television shows, and is enjoyed by people all over the world. If you ever visit Singapore, make sure to stop by the Raffles Hotel and try the original Singapore Sling.

Experiencing the Singapore Sling at Raffles Hotel

If you’re looking for a unique and iconic experience in Singapore, then visiting the Long Bar at Raffles Hotel to try the famous Singapore Sling cocktail is a must-do. Here’s what you can expect from the experience.

The Long Bar Experience

The Long Bar is an iconic bar located in the Raffles Hotel, known for its colonial-style decor and architecture. When you enter the Long Bar, you’ll be transported back in time to the early 1900s, where you can sit at the bar and enjoy the relaxed atmosphere. The bar is famous for its peanuts, which are served in bowls on the counter. Feel free to throw the shells on the floor, as it’s encouraged!

The Singapore Sling cocktail is the star of the show at the Long Bar. It’s a gin-based cocktail that was first created in 1915 by bartender Ngiam Tong Boon. The cocktail is made with gin, pineapple juice, grenadine, and other ingredients, and is served in a tall glass with a cherry on top. The cocktail has a unique taste that is both sweet and sour, and it’s the perfect drink to enjoy on a hot day in Singapore.

Modern Interpretations and Sustainability

The Long Bar has recently undergone a two-and-a-half-year restoration, and the Singapore Sling has been given a modern twist. The cocktail now features elevated craft ingredients, and the taste has been refreshed to suit the modern palate while staying true to its original recipe.

Raffles Hotel is also committed to sustainability, and the Long Bar is no exception. The bar uses EcoSpirits, a technology that helps reduce the carbon footprint of the spirits industry. The bar also focuses on carbon reduction, using energy-efficient lighting and reducing waste wherever possible.

In conclusion, visiting the Long Bar at Raffles Hotel to try the Singapore Sling is a unique and unforgettable experience. You’ll be transported back in time to a bygone era, and you’ll get to enjoy a delicious cocktail in a relaxed and friendly atmosphere. Don’t miss out on this iconic Singaporean experience!

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the cost of a Singapore Sling at the Raffles Hotel?

The cost of a Singapore Sling at the Long Bar in Raffles Hotel is $37 Singapore Dollars, which is approximately £22 or $26 USD. While this may seem like a high price, the experience of enjoying the original Singapore Sling in the historic Long Bar is worth it for many visitors.

Can you tell me the dress code for the Long Bar at Raffles?

The dress code for the Long Bar at Raffles Hotel is smart casual. While there is no strict dress code, it is recommended that guests avoid wearing shorts, flip flops, and singlets. Dressing appropriately will help you to fully immerse yourself in the elegant and sophisticated atmosphere of the Long Bar.

What are the operating hours for enjoying a Singapore Sling at Raffles Hotel?

The Long Bar at Raffles Hotel is open from 11:00am to 10:30pm on Sundays to Wednesdays and from 11:00am to 11:30pm on Thursdays to Saturdays. It is important to note that the Long Bar is open to walk-ins only, so it is recommended that you arrive early to secure a seat.

Could you provide a review of the Singapore Sling experience at Raffles Hotel?

The Singapore Sling experience at Raffles Hotel is truly unique and memorable. The historic Long Bar is a must-visit for anyone interested in the history of cocktails and the Raffles Hotel. The drink itself is a delicious and refreshing combination of gin, cherry brandy, Cointreau, Benedictine, pineapple juice, lime juice, and grenadine. The experience of enjoying a Singapore Sling in the same place where it was first created over a century ago is something that cannot be replicated anywhere else.

What ingredients go into making a traditional Singapore Sling?

The traditional Singapore Sling recipe includes gin, cherry brandy, Cointreau, Benedictine, pineapple juice, lime juice, grenadine, and Angostura bitters. The mixture is shaken with ice and served in a tall glass with a slice of pineapple and a cherry on top. The exact recipe may vary slightly depending on the bar or bartender, but these are the essential ingredients that give the Singapore Sling its unique flavour.

Is the Raffles Hotel the original birthplace of the Singapore Sling cocktail?

Yes, the Raffles Hotel is widely considered to be the birthplace of the Singapore Sling cocktail. The drink was first created by bartender Ngiam Tong Boon in 1915 at the Long Bar in Raffles Hotel. The original recipe has been modified over the years, but the Long Bar still serves a delicious version of the classic cocktail that remains true to its roots.