There are some nights that feel a little more special than usual… and this was definitely one of them.
I had the chance to attend the launch of the SJ60 Commemorative Matcha Sling at Raffles Hotel Singapore. It felt like stepping into a moment where history, culture, and a little bit of modern creativity all came together in one glass.
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| Opening Address by His Excellency Japanese Ambassador to Singapore - Hiroshi Ishikawa |
Where It All Began (Again)
I attended the launch on 26 March 2026 at the iconic Raffles Hotel, which felt like the perfect setting for such a special occasion. After all, this is the birthplace of the legendary Singapore Sling, so unveiling a new cocktail inspired by 60 years of Singapore-Japan diplomatic relations right here made the moment feel even more symbolic.
Hosted by His Excellency Japanese Ambassador to Singapore - Hiroshi Ishikawa, the evening brought together more than 200 distinguished guests for a first taste of the Matcha Sling. Guest of Honour Mr Heng Swee Kiat, Chairman of the National Research Foundation and former Deputy Prime Minister of Singapore, was also present, adding to the significance of the celebration.
What made the launch especially memorable was how it went beyond just introducing a new drink. It felt like a tribute to a friendship that has grown steadily over the decades — through trade, tourism, technology, cultural exchange and people-to-people ties. In the speeches shared that evening, there was a strong sense of warmth and pride in how Singapore and Japan have continued to deepen relations, especially with the recent elevation of bilateral ties to a Strategic Partnership.
The Matcha Sling: A Cocktail With Meaning
Created to mark 60 years of Singapore–Japan relations, the Matcha Sling is inspired by the principles of “Co-imagine, Co-create, Co-evolve” (共想, 共働, 共進).
This is not just a trendy matcha cocktail made to ride on the green tea wave. The Matcha Sling feels thoughtful, elegant and rooted in both cultures. It takes the heritage of the Singapore Sling and gives it a refined Japanese twist with ceremonial-grade Uji matcha from Kyoto, blended with Brass Lion Singapore Dry Gin and layered with botanical depth.
And yes… I got to taste it and enjoyed 2 glasses of it! 👀
The exact recipe may not be shouted from the rooftop, but on the palate, the matcha comes through clearly without overpowering the drink. It was smooth, citrusy and refreshing, with a gentle umami depth that made it feel more sophisticated than gimmicky. You could tell it took quite a bit of refinement to get that balance right, especially since matcha can easily dominate if not handled carefully.
A Story Behind Every Sip
What I found especially interesting was learning that the Matcha Sling was around a year in the making.
The collaboration between the Embassy of Japan in Singapore and Raffles Hotel was not just about creating a commemorative drink, but also about getting the ingredients and story right. The matcha used comes from Horii Shichimeien, a nearly 150-year-old tea retailer from Uji, Kyoto. That heritage adds another layer of meaning, especially since matcha itself carries such a deep connection to Japanese tea culture and omotenashi, the Japanese spirit of hospitality.
And with global matcha demand skyrocketing (yes, your IG matcha obsession is part of it 😅), securing a sustainable, high-quality source was no small feat. It took about a year of experimentation to get the flavour just right, balancing matcha’s natural bitterness with the bright, fruity DNA of a Singapore Sling. So knowing that the team worked to secure a high-quality and sustainable source made the final result feel even more special.
One foot in history, one foot in the future
What I loved about the Matcha Sling is that it does not try to replace the Singapore Sling. Instead, it feels like a respectful evolution of it. It keeps one foot in history and one foot in the future, which honestly feels like a fitting metaphor not just for this cocktail, but for Singapore-Japan relations too. There is heritage, but also movement. Tradition, but also reinvention.
The drink even comes stamped with a bartender’s impression of the official SJ60 logo, which gives it that extra commemorative touch.
And yes, the whole evening was lovely. Between the elegant setting, the meaningful speeches and the beautiful koto performance by KotoKottoN, the launch had that rare kind of atmosphere that felt both celebratory and heartfelt. It was one of those nights where conversation flowed easily, the mood was warm, and the drink in hand felt like it belonged exactly to the moment.
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| The seasonal Sakura Afternoon Tea at Raffles Hotel. (Image Credit: Raffles Hotel) |
Where to try the Matcha Sling
The SJ60 Commemorative Matcha Sling will be available at Long Bar, Raffles Hotel from 1 April 2026, priced at $38++.
From 6 to 12 April 2026, you can also enjoy it at The Grand Lobby as a $30++ add-on to Raffles Hotel’s Sakura Afternoon Tea.
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| The Matcha Kaya that will be available at the Raffles Boutique. (Image Credit: Raffles Hotel) |
There will also be a non-alcoholic Matcha Sling available, along with a Matcha Kaya from the Raffles Boutique, so there are a few ways to join in the celebration even if cocktails are not your thing.
For me, this was more than just a pretty drink launch. It was a meaningful little toast to history, hospitality and the kind of friendship that continues to evolve with time.
And really, what better way to celebrate 60 years than with matcha, gin and a little bit of Raffles magic?
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