Did You Know? Raffles Hotel Singapore

Raffles Hotel Singapore has claimed itself to be the home of the Singapore Sling. The down to earth decor of the two-story Long Bar where the drink was said to originate was inspired by the Malayan plantations of the 1920s. The bar has the safe where Sling creator, bartender Ngiam Tong Boon, locked away his recipe books. You can also see a version of the recipe from 1936, which a curious patron jotted down on a receipt. In addition to almost every alcoholic and non-alcoholic concoction imaginable, the bar also serves traditional pub favourites that are available as a meal or snacks. In the evening, a band performs a selection of contemporary and popular hits.

The recipe for the Singapore Sling varies widely, but here's one to try, courtesy of Imbibe Magazine: 

1 oz. London dry gin
1 oz. Bols Cherry brandy or Cherry Heering
1 oz. Benedictine
1 oz. fresh lime juice
2 oz. soda water
1 dash Angostura bitters
Tools: barspoon
Glass: Collins

Combine all ingredients except soda water and bitters in an ice-filled glass. Top with soda water, stir briefly and dash with Angostura bitters. Note: The original Singapore Sling appears to have been ungarnished. By the mid-1920s, they were adding the peel of a lime, cut in a thick spiral. By the late ’30s, they were also omitting the Benedictine and bitters and floating Sloe Gin on top.

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