The Singapore Sling turns 111, but its story still feels surprisingly modern

There was a time when women couldn’t openly order an alcoholic drink in public.

So in 1915, a bartender at Long Bar in Raffles Hotel Singapore came up with a clever solution: a rosy pink cocktail that looked like fruit juice but discreetly contained gin and liqueurs. That drink would go on to become the Singapore Sling, one of Singapore’s most enduring icons.

More than a century later, women no longer need to disguise what they’re drinking. But the Singapore Sling’s story still feels surprisingly relevant. It began as a response to changing social norms and, over the past 111 years, has continued to evolve alongside the people who drink it.

The surprising history of the Singapore Sling cocktail

The Singapore Sling was created by Hainanese bartender Ngiam Tong Boon during a time when women were generally expected to order tea or fruit juice instead of alcohol. By crafting a cocktail that resembled a fruit punch, he created a drink that allowed women to enjoy a cocktail without drawing unwanted attention, making it socially acceptable within the conventions of the day.

“The creation of the Singapore Sling reflected inclusivity, way before the world prioritised and valued inclusivity as we do today,” says Viganis Ramasamy, Assistant Manager at Long Bar. “Today, guests have much greater freedom in how they socialise and what they choose to drink.”

The contrast is striking. Today, women aren’t just enjoying cocktails. They’re shaping the industry too as bartenders, mixologists, beverage professionals and hospitality leaders. What began as a clever workaround has become a reminder of just how much social spaces have changed over the last century.

There’s another common misconception about the Singapore Sling too: that it’s simply a sweet, fruity cocktail.

Its signature rosy hue may suggest exactly that, but the century old recipe is far more layered. The drink combines gin with Benedictine, cherry liqueur, Curacao, pineapple juice, lime juice, bitters and a specially created grenadine made from 100 per cent pomegranate juice, creating a balanced cocktail with tropical, citrusy and gently spiced notes.

An icon that stood the test of time

Perhaps that’s why the Singapore Sling has remained relevant for more than a century.

For visitors, ordering one at Long Bar has become something of a rite of passage. For locals, it’s often the drink they introduce to overseas friends and family as a taste of Singapore. Add in the plantation inspired interiors and the iconic tradition of tossing peanut shells onto the floor, and it’s easy to see why the experience is just as memorable as the cocktail itself.

Few cocktails around the world are as closely tied to a destination as the Singapore Sling is to Singapore. While drinking trends have come and gone, its combination of history, ritual and storytelling has helped it remain a timeless symbol of the city.

How the Singapore Sling continues to evolve for modern drinkers

Just as the original Singapore Sling reflected the changing social landscape of 1915, it’s evolving once again to meet the way people drink today.

More consumers are embracing mindful drinking, whether for health, lifestyle or personal reasons. Rather than simply offering another alcohol free option, Long Bar has introduced Singapore Sling Zero, allowing guests who don’t drink alcohol to still enjoy the tropical, layered flavours and ritual of the iconic cocktail.

“More people are choosing to moderate their alcohol intake or opt for alcohol free alternatives, while still wanting to feel part of the occasion,” says Ramasamy. “Singapore Sling Zero allows more people to experience the story and ritual of the Singapore Sling in a way that suits their preferences.”

For Ramasamy, that’s exactly how the Singapore Sling should continue to evolve.
“The next chapter shouldn’t be about making it unrecognisable,” he says. “It should be about keeping the original meaningful while allowing new generations to experience it in ways that feel relevant to them.”

After all, that’s perhaps the real secret behind the Singapore Sling’s enduring appeal. It has never simply been about what’s in the glass. It’s about reflecting the way people gather, celebrate and connect.

From quietly breaking social norms in 1915 to welcoming today’s mindful drinkers, the Singapore Sling has shown that even the most iconic traditions can evolve without losing what made them special in the first place.