Craving a taste of history? The Long Bar at Raffles Hotel awaits. This isn’t just a bar. It’s the birthplace of the Singapore Sling.
Step inside the Long Bar. Imagine yourself transported to 1920s Malaya. The decor is rich and earthy. It evokes a tropical plantation. The gleaming counter beckons.
The story of the Singapore Sling begins here. Back in the early 1900s, cocktails were mainly for men. Women usually drank tea or fruit juice. Ngiam Tong Boon, a resourceful bartender, changed that.
In 1915, he created a cocktail that looked like fruit juice. But it was infused with gin and liqueurs. The Singapore Sling was born. Its rosy pink hue and clear alcohol made it socially acceptable for women. It became an instant hit.
The original recipe was lost in the 1930s. The hotel stopped serving the drink during the Japanese occupation. A visitor’s 1936 note helped recreate the recipe. The Singapore Sling typically contains gin, pineapple juice, lime juice, curaçao, and Bénédictine. Grenadine and cherry liqueur give it its color.
The Long Bar sells a lot of Singapore Slings. Each day, 800 to 1200 are served. The Singapore Sling makes up 70% of the bar’s revenue. That’s S$15 million in annual sales.
Another Long Bar tradition? Throwing peanut shells on the floor. Yes, littering is encouraged here. It adds to the relaxed atmosphere. Feel the satisfying crunch beneath your feet.
Today, the Long Bar is also focusing on sustainability. They use ecoSPIRITS technology. This reduces single-use waste. For every 25 Singapore Slings ordered, Raffles Hotel plants a tree in Indonesia.
So, raise a glass to the Long Bar. It’s more than just a drink. It’s a taste of Singapore’s history and a step towards a more sustainable future. Enjoy your Singapore Sling.