Singapore Sling
Posted on April 27, 2009 - Filed Under Travel
According to modern legend, the “Singapore Sling”, that ubiquitous cocktail, was invented by Ngiam Tong Boon in the early days of the 1900’s. A bartender at the Long Bar at the Raffles Hotel in Singapore , it was he who discovered that a few choice ingredients would make a delicious drink that was refreshing and very flavorful. Known initially as a Straits Sling”, it eventually acquired the name “Singapore Sling”. The use of grenadine made the drink a lovely shade of pink and therefore most attractive to the ladies. But don’t think it’s a sissy drink. No, it’s enjoyed by men and women alike. The drink is so fashionable, that it’s being served to potential jewelry buyers at one of Liverpool, UKs most exclusive diamond shops, Boodle and Dunthorne.
Raffles Hotel has their own recipe, one that has been handed down throughout the years. It was the memories of the bartenders and some written notes that have created the recipe for the “original” drink. Known initially as a Straits Sling”, it eventually acquired the name “Singapore Sling”. A sling, by the way, is simply a name for a sweet, cool drink that is spiked with alcohol. The Raffles Hotel publishes a recipe card for the Sling they currently serve in pre-mixed form. While the recipes change from place to place, the cocktail at the Raffles remained the same. The original drink includes the ingredients, gin, cherry brandy, Benedictine, Cointreau, and a touch of Grenadine. The drink was shaken, not stirred, and strained into a glass. Club soda was added according to particular taste and it was garnished with a cherry. Nowadays, recipes suggest the use of pomegranate juice rather than grenadine, lime and of course the debate continues about the use of pineapple juice. Quality of the ingredients, like all good food preparation, is what makes this drink complex and refreshing. The Singapore Sling is available for free on all Singapore Airlines flights, whether you fly first class or coach. The drink is also served in five star hotels in Singapore and is offered complimentary upon your arrival at the Raffles Hotel.
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