The History of the Singapore Sling: From Colonial Elegance to Cocktail Icon

The Singapore Sling is one of the world’s most famous cocktails—a vibrant, tropical mix with a backstory as colorful as the drink itself. Its journey begins in the grand halls of the Raffles Hotel in Singapore during the early 20th century, where colonial elegance met a touch of mischievous creativity.

Ready to learn more? Let’s take a brief journey back in time to explore the fascinating history of the Singapore Sling and where you can try the original recipe today.

The Raffles Hotel in Colonial Singapore

In the early 1900s, the Raffles Hotel was the crown jewel of Singapore’s hospitality scene. Known for its whitewashed walls, high ceilings, and sweeping verandas, it attracted travelers, traders, and dignitaries from all over the world. The Long Bar, a favorite gathering spot for the city’s elite, offered a cool respite from the tropical heat and an air of refined indulgence.

At the time, social norms dictated that women should not be seen drinking alcohol in public. Fruit juices and teas were acceptable, but a lady sipping a gin cocktail would have raised more than a few colonial eyebrows. Enter a clever bartender with a plan to mix a drink that looked innocent (but packed a seriously spirited punch).

The Birth of the Singapore Sling

Around 1915, Ngiam Tong Boon, a Hainanese bartender at the Raffles Hotel’s Long Bar, created what would become the Singapore Sling.

He blended gin, cherry brandy, Cointreau, Bénédictine, pineapple juice, lime juice, grenadine, and a dash of bitters, topping it with club soda for a touch of sparkle. The resulting pink-hued drink looked like a harmless fruit punch—perfect for women to enjoy without scandal, while still delivering the satisfaction of a well-crafted cocktail.

Rising to International Fame

The Singapore Sling quickly became a signature of the Raffles Hotel. Travelers from across the globe would order one while taking in the slow sweep of ceiling fans and the sound of ice clinking in glass. Word spread, recipes traveled, and soon bars around the world were putting their own twist on the drink.

Its fame surged again in the mid-20th century as air travel made Singapore more accessible. Tourists seeking the authentic taste of the city would flock to the Raffles to sip a Sling in the very place it was born. The cocktail’s exotic ingredients and eye-catching color made it a favorite in tropical-themed bars and on cruise ships.

It was also the favorite drink of actress Ava Gardner, who often stayed at the Raffles Hotel while filming movies or traveling on publicity tours.

Today, the Singapore Sling remains a classic in the world of cocktails—equal parts history, theater, and refreshment. While many modern recipes simplify the drink, purists still favor the original Raffles Hotel formula for its layered complexity and old-world charm.

Try the Original at Bombshells American Cantina

At Bombshells American Cantina, we believe every drink should tell a story.

That’s why our Singapore Sling is made using the original Raffles Hotel recipe, including gin, cherry brandy, Cointreau, and Bénédictine. One sip, and you’ll be transported to the colonial verandas of 1915 Singapore, with ceiling fans spinning overhead and history in the glass.

So the next time you’re in beautiful Buffalo, Wyoming, come raise a toast to the legends behind the bar and taste a cocktail that’s been making headlines for over a century!