Cocktails are not merely drinks; they are liquid narratives, encapsulating the essence of the cities they represent around the world. These signature concoctions reflect the unique histories, cultural identities, and evolving drinking traditions of their respective locales. With every sip, drinkers are transported to the atmospheric pulse of these urban centers, as each cocktail carries a story deeply intertwined with its city’s past and present. Here, we explore a selection of the world’s most iconic drinks, each serving as a liquid homage to its birthplace.
Singapore Sling
A harmonious balance of sweet and sour, the Singapore Sling is a cocktail that captures the essence of the city-state’s sophisticated yet laid-back charm. Comprising gin, pineapple juice, lime juice, and cherry liqueur, this iconic drink was created in 1915 at the Long Bar of the Raffles Hotel — a colonial-era landmark that has been an integral part of Singapore’s heritage for over two centuries. Originally conceived as a more socially acceptable alcoholic option for women of the time, the Sling’s fruit-forward appearance belies its strong kick. Today, it stands as a symbol of Singapore, embodying both its colonial past and cosmopolitan present.
Fly to Singapore for tasting the original Singapore Sling with Thai Airways!
Manhattan
With a history as rich and layered as the city it hails from; the Manhattan is one of the world’s most enduring classic cocktails. Crafted from rye whiskey and sweet vermouth, this drink’s origins date back to the 1870s, with its creation shrouded in intrigue and legend. Some attribute its invention to a lavish party at the Manhattan Club, while others insist it was the work of a humble bartender in New York. Regardless of its true origins, the Manhattan became synonymous with the opulence and sophistication of New York City, embodying the spirit of luxury and refinement that defines the metropolis to this day.
