Around the World in 5 Iconic Signature Drinks: Origins and Best Places to Enjoy Them
Pairing cocktails with travel creates unforgettable experiences. Savoring a signature drink in an exotic destination adds romance to your journey and is a perfect way to connect with fellow travelers. Asia-Pacific travel editor Shawn Low explores classic cocktails and their legendary spots worldwide.
The Singapore Sling
Created in the early 20th century by bartender Ngiam Tong Boon at Raffles Hotel's Long Bar in Singapore, this sweet red cocktail blends pineapple juice, gin, Cointreau, and other ingredients.
Despite its touristy vibe, high price, and mass production, the Long Bar at Raffles Hotel remains the ultimate spot. Visitors flock to this colonial gem, munching peanuts and tossing shells on the floorboards while enjoying their $30 drink.
The Martini
This iconic cocktail, traditionally made with gin, dry vermouth, and an olive garnish, originated in the US and soared in fame thanks to Ian Fleming's James Bond. Opt for the classic: stirred, not shaken.
At New York City's Algonquin Hotel bar, indulge in the world's priciest martini—the $1,000 'Martini on the Rock,' featuring a half-carat diamond instead of an olive. Keep an eye out for the legendary bartender Hoy Wong, who served into his 90s.
The Piña Colada
Legend credits Caribe Hilton bartender Ramón 'Monchito' Romero with inventing it after months of experimentation using white rum, pineapple juice, and cream of coconut. Puerto Rico declared it the national drink in 1978.
Visit the Oasis Bar at Caribe Hilton in San Juan, the birthplace of this tropical classic, even if it lacks the 1950s glamour.
The Daiquiri
Cuba's answer to rum-based delights, the daiquiri's origins are debated but trace to American mining engineers in Santiago around 1900, building on 1700s recipes with white rum, lime juice, and syrup. Fans included Hemingway and JFK.
For authenticity, head to El Floridita bar (Calle Obispo 557 esq. a Monserrate) in Havana, a former Hemingway favorite with his bronze statue at the bar.
Beer!
Often hailed as the king of beverages and one of the oldest—with evidence from ancient Mesopotamia—beer leads global production in the US at over 6 billion gallons annually.
Immerse yourself at Munich's Oktoberfest, the world's largest beer festival. Millions attend yearly for wheat beers to dark ales, despite rising stein prices.
Further reading: World's best booze (and where to drink it)
