I had traveled to Singapore for business many times. The Missus was keen to accompany me and experience the Eastern mystique herself. Being a good husband and an even better tour guide, of course I brought her to the original, iconic, and legendary Raffles Hotel. And what better way to acquaint her with this historic venue than to order a “Singapore Sling” while sitting in the posh dining room.
Raffles Hotel – Singapore
Raffles Hotel Dining Room – Singapore
Orchids at every table, a chef in his Touque, and our server wearing a white dinner jacket. Thankfully, I was not required to wear a neck-tie.
Singapore Sling – Raffles Hotel
Supposedly, this hotel invented the “Singapore Sling”. I didn’t have the good fortune to read this history ahead of time, but you can certainly look this up What It’s Like to Drink a Singapore Sling at Its Birthplace
My wife enjoyed her drink, probably because she is fond of Gin. We can thank the British for pushing Gin drinks in the Tropics due to their firm belief that it was a health drink, not unlike an Acai Beveridge today. One “Sling”, so heavy on alcohol was more than enough.
Raffles Hotel – Singapore
If you have slung one-too-many slings, their Turban-wearing door man will surely call you a taxi. Happy drinking, happy traveling, and do look for Chabernet on the drinks menu.
Story by Nick Bredimus.