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.
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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.
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Long Island Iced Tea
Though it bears the name of a beloved American beverage, the Long Island Iced Tea is anything but a simple brew. Born out of a cocktail competition in 1972 at Oak Beach Inn on Long Island, New York, this rather potent mix of vodka, gin, tequila, rum, triple sec, and cola delivers a surprising kick while masquerading as a harmless iced tea. Served in a tall, cylindrical glass, this drink encapsulates the exuberance and high-energy vibe of New York, making it a perennial party favorite and a symbol of the city’s vibrant nightlife.
Thai Airways, in cooperation with Star Alliance partner provide daily flight from Bangkok to New York via Seoul or Taipei.
Milano Torino
A true Italian classic, the Milano Torino dates back to the mid-19th century, offering a taste of Italy’s rich cultural heritage. The drink’s name reflects the union of two cities: Milan, the birthplace of Campari; and Torino (Turin), where the art of crafting Sweet Vermouth first flourished. This cocktail, with its strikingly bitter flavor profile, offers a sophisticated and timeless taste of Italy. The blend of herbal and citrus notes in Campari, paired with the aromatic depth of Vermouth, delivers an elegant bitterness that recalls the sophisticated charm of Italian culture.
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The Parisian
Evoking the glamour and romance of early 20th-century Paris, the Parisian cocktail is a tribute to the golden age of La Belle Époque. This sophisticated mix of gin, Dry Vermouth, and Crème de Cassis captures the essence of a time when Paris was the cultural and artistic epicenter of the world. The drink’s elegant simplicity mirrors the city’s stylish allure, conjuring images of fashionable soirées, iconic cafés, and the timeless beauty of Parisian streets at twilight.
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