Sax & Slings Summer Series At Raffles Review
Sax & Slings Summer Series at Raffles launched last week. This is a unique collaboration between The Guards Bar with The Royal College of Music and Sipsmith London.
Every Wednesday throughout summer, guests will enjoy a curated menu of signature Raffles Slings, each made using Sipsmith Raffles 1915. Each Sling is paired with canapés from the Raffles kitchen, whilst set to the sound of live saxophonists.
Did you know that the Singapore Sling, widely regarded as the national drink, was first mixed in 1915 in the historic Long Bar at Raffles? In collaboration with the iconic hotel chain, Sipsmith created the Raffles 1915 gin in 2015, marking the 100th anniversary of the iconic cocktail. The result is an aromatic, floral-forward London Dry gin with notes of baked apple, coriander, lemongrass, cardamom, and grapefruit, striking a dry yet subtly sweet balance.
We kicked off the evening with the Singapore Sling, made with Sipsmith Raffles 1915 gin, Soeurs Cherry brandy, roasted pineapple, D.O.M. Bénédictine, Cointreau, lime, pomegranate, and bitters. The mix of fruit and herbal notes worked well, and the roasted pineapple added a caramelised tropical sweetness with a hint of smokiness that gave the drink real depth.
Next up was the London Sling, a more refined take. Also built on the Raffles 1915 gin, this version combined strawberry and oat, Capreolus raspberry eau de vie, Sipello, Schofield’s dry vermouth, linden tea, and cherry bitters. The botanical layers — especially from the linden tea and gin — really came through. It wasn’t overly sweet either, thanks to the tart, bittersweet edge from the Sipello and the dry finish from the vermouth. Balanced and quietly complex.
We also tried the Praline Sling, featuring Raffles 1915 gin, this time mixed with Takamaka white and coconut rum, pineapple, cherry purée, honey, lime, rhubarb soda, and bitters. With so many sweet elements in play, it leaned heavily into dessert territory. For our tastes, it was too sweet and the bitters got lost. But if you’re into sweeter cocktails, this one might hit the spot.
The star of the night was Strawberry and Oat. This used Sipsmith Raffles 1915 gin, strawberry and oat distillate, lemon, strawberry and champagne. There’s creaminess and subtle sweetness but the champagne lifts the drink, making it feel celebratory and light. We enjoyed it so much we went back for seconds, alright you caught me, thirds!
Alongside the cocktails, three food pairings were served — though not always timed perfectly with their matching drinks, so we didn’t get the full effect of the intended pairings. The dishes included crispy chicken with a spicy pepper sauce, a lobster roll served on buttery brioche, and a farinata topped with tapenade, pine nuts, and heritage courgettes.
The music was easy listening, creating a relaxed atmosphere where you could enjoy the tunes while still having a good conversation. We also liked how Raffles supports young, up-and-coming talent.
The location itself of stunning. Raffles is a magnificent Grade II Edwardian Baroque building in Whitehall. The Guards Bar, located on the ground floor, has its own separate entrance facing Horse Guards. You’ll feel sophisticated just walking through the marble entranceway and seeing the staircase lined with red carpet.
Sax & Slings takes place every Wednesday (7-9pm) from June through August, blending the elegance of Raffles with the artistry of live saxophone.
Address: The Guards Bar and Lounge, Raffles London at the OWO, 57 Whitehall London, SW1A 2BX
Website: https://www.raffles.com/london/dining/the-guards-bar-and-lounge/
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/raffleslondon.theowo
Written by Caitlin Neal
