October 8, 2021updated May 05, 2023

The Jardin Collins Cocktail by Raffles Singapore

Cocktail of the Week: Home of the Singapore Sling, the hotel is known for inventive recipes.

First opened in 1887, Raffles Singapore has had its fair share of historic moments; so much so that it once had its very own museum, which displayed photographs and relics from numerous famous guests.

The hotel is not just notable for those who have passed through it. It is also known for some of its own history, notably as the birthplace of the Singapore Sling cocktail. The classic recipe was first created in 1915 by Raffles Singapore bartender Ngiam Tong Boon and today adorns cocktail menus all over the world.

Needless to say, when the hotel comes up with a new concoction, it’s worth taking notice. That is why our ears pricked up when we heard about the hotel’s new partnership with Citadelle Gin. Citadelle is a multi-award-winning French gin with over 25 years of experience and a penchant for bold botanical flavors.

Raffles Singapore is famed for its cocktail recipes / ©Raffles

To celebrate the partnership and London Cocktail Month, the Raffles Courtyard bartenders created the Jardin Collins, which puts a modern spin on a traditional Tom Collins. With lemon juice, mandarin orange and melon all in the mix, the Jardin Collins is nothing if not refreshing. The citrusy sweetness is well balanced with a dash of Aperol and, of course, a fragrant gin.

For this unique cocktail recipe, Raffles Singapore makes use of Citadelle’s latest invention: Jardin d’été Gin. This permanent addition to the portfolio has been inspired by a French garden in summer. It offers a lingering scent of oranges and lemons with just a hint of spice akin to yuzu.

The recipe is perfect for Singapore’s tropical climes, but even those currently enduring winter’s steady approach can be transported there with a simple make-at-home version.