Happy hour is a ritual in our house and just because we’re traveling is no reason to leave it at home. Often we take the opportunity to sample famous libations in cities we visit. On a recent trip the Singapore Sling at Raffles was unfortunately just too expensive – $70 plus for two drinks was more than our travel budget could handle. CHEERS!
Dublin – The Temple Bar a historic pub in Dublin, Ireland. It is located in the Temple Bar district, which is known for its nightlife and live music. The pub was established in 1840 and is one of the most popular tourist destinations in Dublin. Live music and a couple of Guinness hit the spot.
Singapore – Raffles and the Singapore Sling. Sir Stamford Raffles, a British statesman, founded Singapore in 1819 as a trading post. His name is associated with various landmarks and institutions in the city, including Raffles Hotel with its famous bar. Sorry – just too expensive.
The Singapore Sling is a gin-based cocktail that was created in 1915 by Ngiam Tong Boon at the Raffles Hotel in Singapore. It is a refreshing and flavorful drink that is perfect for any occasion.
To make a Singapore Sling, you will need:
- 1 1/2 ounces gin
- 1 ounce cherry liqueur
- 1 ounce Cointreau
- 1/2 ounce lime juice
- 1/4 ounce grenadine
- 1/4 ounce Benedictine
- Garnish: pineapple wedge, cherry
- Instructions To make a Singapore Sling, follow these steps:
- Combine all ingredients in a cocktail shaker filled with ice.
- Shake vigorously for 10 seconds.
- Strain into a chilled coupe glass.
- Garnish with a pineapple wedge and a cherry.
Key West – Sloppy Joe’s Bar is a historic bar in Key West that is said to be the birthplace of the Sloppy Joe sandwich. The bar was founded in 1933 by Joe Russell, and it quickly became a popular hangout for fishermen, sailors and famous characters.
Everybody should have a beer at Sloppy Joe’s for the experience but we prefer Captain Tony’s.
London – Ye Olde Cheshire Cheese is a pub in Fleet Street, London, England. It is one of the oldest pubs in London, dating back to the 16th century. The pub is known for its traditional atmosphere and its association with famous writers such as Charles Dickens and Mark Twain.
Paris – The oldest bar in Paris is Le Procope, which was founded in 1686. It is located in the Latin Quarter and has been a popular haunt for intellectuals and artists over the centuries.
San Francisco – Buena Vista Cafe for Irish Coffee This classic drink is made with hot coffee, Irish whiskey, and sugar, topped with a layer of whipped cream. It was invented in the 1940s at the Buena Vista Cafe in San Francisco. Worth the bragging rights.
To make the classic Irish Coffee from the Buena Vista Cafe, you’ll need:
- 2 oz Irish whiskey
- 4 oz hot coffee
- 1 tsp brown sugar
- 1/2 oz whipped cream
Tips for Making the Perfect Irish Coffee. For a truly authentic Buena Vista Cafe Irish Coffee, use Tullamore Dew Irish Whiskey and serve it in a preheated glass. Top with freshly whipped cream and grated nutmeg for a touch of elegance.
Washington D.C. – Old . Grill Established in 1856 is the oldest bar in Washington, D.C. It has served notable figures such as Ulysses S. Grant, Theodore Roosevelt, and Franklin D. Roosevelt. The signature drink of Old Ebbitt Grill is the Ramos Gin Fizz. It is a classic gin cocktail made with gin, lemon juice, lime juice, sugar, egg white, and cream. The drink is shaken vigorously and served with a float of soda water. It’s my home town and visiting the Old Ebbitt Grill is like taking a pilgrimage
Hong Kong – In the Wan Chai district of Hong Kong is home to the oldest bar in the city, the Globe Bar. Established in 1921, the Globe Bar has a rich history and has been a popular spot for locals and visitors alike. The signature drink at Globe Bar Hong Kong is called “The Globe.” It is a refreshing and flavorful cocktail made with gin, elderflower liqueur, lime juice, and soda water.
Additional famous bars and their creations
- Mai Tai at Trader Vic’s, California, USA: A rum-based cocktail created in 1944.
- Margarita at Hussong’s Cantina, Mexico: A tequila-based cocktail created in the 1940s.
- Moscow Mule at the Cock ‘n’ Bull, Los Angeles, USA: A vodka-based cocktail created in the 1940s.
- Old Fashioned at the Pendennis Club, Louisville, USA: A whiskey-based cocktail created in the 1880s.
- Manhattan at the Algonquin Hotel, New York City, USA: A whiskey-based cocktail created in the 1870s.
The Intentional Travelers 