Introduction

The Raffles Hotel is an iconic hotel located in the heart of Singapore. It is known for its luxurious rooms, impeccable service, and its famous cocktail, the Singapore Sling. In this article, we will take a look at the history of the Raffles Hotel, the creation of the Singapore Sling, and why the hotel is still one of the most popular destinations in Singapore.

History of the Raffles Hotel

The Raffles Hotel was established in 1887 by the Sarkies Brothers, who were known for their luxurious hotels in Southeast Asia. The hotel was named after Sir Stamford Raffles, the founder of modern Singapore. The hotel quickly became a popular destination for wealthy travelers and celebrities, including Rudyard Kipling, Somerset Maugham, and Charlie Chaplin.

In the early 1900s, the hotel underwent a major renovation to accommodate the increasing number of guests. It added new rooms, a ballroom, and a theater. During World War II, the hotel was used as a hospital by the Japanese, and after the war, it was used to house prisoners of war. In the 1980s, the hotel was declared a national monument and underwent a massive restoration.

The Creation of the Singapore Sling

The Singapore Sling is a cocktail that was created at the Long Bar in the Raffles Hotel in the early 1900s. The cocktail was invented by Ngiam Tong Boon, a bartender at the hotel. The original recipe for the Singapore Sling is a closely guarded secret, but it is said to contain gin, pineapple juice, lime juice, cherry liqueur, and Cointreau.

The Singapore Sling became an instant hit among the hotel’s guests and soon became a popular cocktail around the world. Today, the Long Bar at the Raffles Hotel is still the best place to try the original Singapore Sling.

The Raffles Hotel Today

Today, the Raffles Hotel is still one of the most popular destinations in Singapore. The hotel has 103 suites, each with its own unique design and décor. The hotel also has 14 restaurants and bars, including the Long Bar, which is famous for its Singapore Sling.

The hotel has also become a cultural landmark in Singapore. It is home to the Raffles Hotel Museum, which showcases the hotel’s history and heritage. The hotel also hosts cultural events, including art exhibitions, musical performances, and literary events.

Why Visit the Raffles Hotel?

The Raffles Hotel is a must-visit destination for anyone traveling to Singapore. The hotel’s luxurious rooms, impeccable service, and rich history make it a unique and unforgettable experience. The hotel’s restaurants and bars offer some of the best dining experiences in Singapore, and the Long Bar is the perfect place to try the famous Singapore Sling.

The Raffles Hotel is also a cultural landmark that offers a glimpse into Singapore’s rich history and heritage. The hotel’s museum and cultural events are a great way to learn more about the city and its people.

Conclusion

The Raffles Hotel is more than just a hotel. It is a cultural landmark and a symbol of Singapore’s rich history and heritage. The hotel’s luxurious rooms, impeccable service, and famous cocktail, the Singapore Sling, make it a must-visit destination for anyone traveling to Singapore.

FAQs

• What is the history of the Raffles Hotel?

The Raffles Hotel was established in 1887 by the Sarkies Brothers, who were known for their luxurious hotels in Southeast Asia. The hotel quickly became a popular destination for wealthy travelers and celebrities, including Rudyard Kipling, Somerset Maugham, and Charlie Chaplin.

• Who created the Singapore Sling?

The Singapore Sling was created by Ngiam Tong Boon, a bartender at the Raffles Hotel in Singapore in the early 1900s.

• What is the recipe for the Singapore Sling?

The original recipe for the Singapore Sling is a closely guarded secret, but it is said to contain gin, pineapple juice, lime juice, cherry liqueur, and Cointreau.

• What cultural events does the Raffles Hotel host?

The Raffles Hotel hosts a variety of cultural events, including art exhibitions, musical performances, and literary events.

• Is the Raffles Hotel worth visiting?

Absolutely. The Raffles Hotel is a unique and unforgettable experience that offers luxurious accommodations, impeccable service, and a glimpse into Singapore’s rich history and heritage. Plus, it’s the birthplace of the famous Singapore Sling!

How to Make a Classic Singapore Sling at Home

Are you looking for a refreshing and delicious cocktail to enjoy at home? Look no further than the classic Singapore Sling. This iconic drink was first created in the early 20th century at the famous Raffles Hotel in Singapore. With its fruity and complex flavor, the Singapore Sling is a perfect cocktail for warm weather or any occasion. In this article, we will provide you with a step-by-step guide on how to make a classic Singapore Sling at home that will impress your friends and family.

Ingredients You Will Need

Before we start with the recipe, let’s first gather all the ingredients you will need:

Steps to Make a Classic Singapore Sling

Now that we have all the ingredients, let’s start making our classic Singapore Sling at home.

Step 1: Prepare Your Glass

Take a tall Collins glass and fill it with ice cubes. This will ensure that your cocktail stays cold throughout the drinking experience.

Step 2: Add the Gin and Cherry Brandy

Add 1 1/2 oz of gin and 1/2 oz of cherry brandy to your glass. This will provide the base of your cocktail and give it its signature flavor.

Step 3: Add the Rest of the Ingredients

Now it’s time to add the rest of the ingredients to your cocktail. Add 1/4 oz Cointreau, 1/4 oz benedictine, 4 oz pineapple juice, 1/2 oz lime juice, 1/3 oz grenadine, and 1 dash of Angostura bitters to your glass.

Step 4: Shake it Up

Now that all the ingredients are in the glass, give it a good shake. This will mix all the ingredients together and create a frothy top.

Step 5: Top it Off with Club Soda

Once your cocktail is well-shaken, top it off with club soda. This will give your Singapore Sling a nice effervescence and balance out the sweetness of the other ingredients.

Step 6: Garnish and Serve

Now that your Singapore Sling is ready, it’s time to garnish and serve. Add a pineapple wedge and cherry on top of the cocktail for a nice presentation.

Tips and Tricks for Making a Perfect Singapore Sling

• Use fresh ingredients whenever possible. This will ensure the best taste and quality for your cocktail.
• Don’t skip the bitters. This ingredient is essential to give your Singapore Sling its signature flavor.
• Adjust the sweetness to your liking. If you prefer a sweeter cocktail, add more grenadine. If you prefer a more tart taste, add more lime juice.
• Experiment with different types of gin to find your favorite flavor profile.

Conclusion

Now that you know how to make a classic Singapore Sling at home, it’s time to invite your friends over and impress them with your cocktail-making skills. With its fruity and complex flavor, the Singapore Sling is a perfect drink for any occasion. Follow these simple steps and enjoy this iconic cocktail from the comfort of your own home.

FAQs

What is the history behind the Singapore Sling cocktail?

1. The Singapore Sling was first created at the Raffles Hotel

Can I use a different type of brandy instead of cherry brandy?

1. It’s best to use cherry brandy for an authentic Singapore Sling taste. However, if you can’t find it, you can try using a different type of fruit brandy.

Can I make a non-alcoholic version of the Singapore Sling?

1. Yes, you can make a non-alcoholic version by omitting the gin, cherry brandy, and Cointreau, and replacing them with more pineapple juice and grenadine. You can also add a splash of soda water for effervescence.

How long does it take to make a Singapore Sling?

1. It takes only a few minutes to make a Singapore Sling once you have all the ingredients ready.

Can I make a large batch of Singapore Sling for a party?

1. Yes, you can make a large batch of Singapore Sling by multiplying the recipe ingredients by the number of servings you want to make. Mix all the ingredients together in a pitcher, except for the club soda. When it’s time to serve, pour the mixture into glasses filled with ice, top them off with club soda, and garnish with pineapple and cherry.