SJ60 Commemorative Matcha Sling Celebrates 60 Years of Singapore - Japan Relations · SJ60特別記念 抹茶カクテル

26 Mar 2026. Presenting the SJ60 Commemorative Matcha Sling.

Attended the launch of the Matcha Sling hosted by the Japanese Embassy in Singapore at Raffles Hotel on 26 Mar 2026.

The auspicious event was held at Raffles Hotel, home of the legendary Long Bar, and birthplace of the iconic Singapore Sling.

Hosted by HE Japanese Ambassador to Singapore Hiroshi Ishikawa with Guest of Honour Mr Heng Swee Kiat, chairman National Research Foundation and former Deputy Prime Minister of Singapore.

In his address, HE Hiroshi Ishikawa highlighted how Japan - Singapore relations have grown from strength to strength in trade, technology, people to people bonds, tourism and how Singaporeans love Japanese cuisine and vice versa.

HE Hiroshi Ishikawa and also Ms Foo Chi Hsia, Ministry of Foreign Affairs, Deputy Secretary (SEA & ASEAN) noted the recent visit to Japan by PM Lawrence Wong and the elevation of Japan - Singapore relations to a Strategic Partnership.

Toast to Singapore - Japan relationship with SJ60 Commemorative Matcha Sling 🙏

The 200 distinguished guests who attended the celebrations got a first taste and preview of the Matcha Sling.

The Matcha Sling is specially created to celebrate the 60th anniversary of Singapore - Japan relations, its achievements and way ahead on the principles of Co-imagine, Co-create,  Co-evolve 共想, 共働, 共進.

The Matcha Sling reflects the onward and upward progress of our warm ties.

Earlier in 2016, a unique cocktail, the Raffles Sakura Sling was launched to celebrate the 50th anniversary of Singapore - Japan diplomatic relations.

At the legendary Long Bar, the Sakura Sling is second in popularity only to the ...

 ..... mother of Singapore cocktails, the iconic Singapore Sling.

So, today we have the Matcha Sling symbolising the continuation of the onward and upward spirit of Singapore - Japan relations.

The exact recipe is a secret, of course, but on the palate there obviously was matcha (traditional Japanese powdered tea leaves), heavy on gin and quite citrussy. 

It's a blend of ceremonial-grade Uji matcha from Kyoto with Brass Lion Singapore Dry Gin.

Nice! I liked it and had two shots on top of other spirits 😬 🫢

SJ60 Commemorative Matcha Sling will be on the menu at the Long Bar from 1 Apr 2026.

We can also taste it at The Grand Lobby during Raffles Hotel’s Sakura Afternoon Tea from 6 to 12 April 2026.

Cheers to more good years of Singapore - Japan relations.

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