Where to Have the Original Singapore Sling in Singapore

This blog post is all about where to find the original Singapore Sling in Singapore.

When in Singapore, there’s one drink you absolutely need to try: the Singapore Sling.

This iconic cocktail, synonymous with the city itself, has been enjoyed by locals and visitors for over a century.

But where can you experience the original Singapore Sling?

The answer is at the Long Bar in Raffles Hotel, where the drink was first created.

I recently tried the original Singapore Sling for myself during my quick visit to Singapore and would highly recommend the experience.

This blog dives into everything you need to know about the original Singapore Sling, its fascinating history, what makes the Long Bar such a must-visit destination, and whether it’s truly worth the hype.

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This blog post is all about the original Singapore Sling at the Long Bar.

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The Original Singapore Sling Recipe

The Singapore Sling is a cocktail with a perfect balance of sweet, fruity, and slightly bitter flavours, making it ideal for Singapore’s tropical weather.

Its ingredients typically include:

• Gin: The base spirit.
• Cherry Liqueur & Benedictine: These add a herbal and fruity sweetness.
• Cointreau: For a touch of citrus.
• Pineapple Juice: The key ingredient that gives the drink its tropical flavour.
• Lime Juice: For a hint of acidity.
• Grenadine: To give the drink its signature pink hue.
• Bitters: To round off the flavours.

Garnished with a slice of pineapple and a maraschino cherry, the original Singapore Sling is a visual and fruity delight.

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The Origins of the Singapore Sling

The story of the Singapore Sling begins in the early 20th century, at a time when Raffles Hotel was the epicentre of high society in Singapore.

The hotel, with its colonial charm and elegant architecture, was a favoured gathering spot for gentlemen of the time.

The Long Bar, in particular, became known as a hub for socializing, where men would gather to discuss business, politics, and world affairs over glasses of gin, whisky, and other strong spirits.

However, the societal norms of the era frowned upon women drinking alcohol in public. For women to sip on whisky or gin alongside men was considered improper and unladylike.

At best, women could drink tea or fruit juices in public, which limited their options significantly.

Ngiam Tong Boon, a creative and observant bartender at the Long Bar, noticed this disparity.

He saw a gap in the market and decided to craft a drink specifically for women. Something that looked innocent and fruity but contained enough alcohol to match the men’s beverages.

His goal was to create a cocktail that would allow women to enjoy a drink without breaching social etiquette.

This led to the invention of the Singapore Sling in 1915. Ngiam’s creation combined gin with cherry liqueur, Benedictine, and grenadine, along with pineapple and lime juices to give it a sweet and tropical flavour.

The vibrant pink hue made the drink appear playful and harmless, resembling a fruit punch.

It quickly became a hit with women visiting the hotel, and soon after, men were ordering it too!

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The Formation of the Long Bar at Raffles

The Long Bar at Raffles Hotel was specifically designed to be a place of casual elegance.

While the rest of the hotel exuded an air of refined luxury, the Long Bar was intentionally relaxed, with its rattan chairs, plantation-inspired décor, and ceiling fans evoking the atmosphere of a laid-back tropical retreat.

Its open and welcoming vibe made it the perfect venue for social gatherings, attracting locals, expatriates, and travelers alike.

Over time, the Long Bar became the heart of Raffles Hotel’s social scene, and with the introduction of the original Singapore Sling, it cemented its status as an iconic spot in Singapore’s history.

The bar’s unique peanut shell tradition (a throwback to colonial customs) adds to its charm.

Even today, guests are encouraged to toss peanut shells onto the floor, a playful reminder of the carefree spirit that defined the Long Bar in its heyday.

The Singapore Sling, born out of a need to bridge societal norms, not only changed the way women experienced bars in Singapore but also became a symbol of the city’s creativity, inclusivity, and timeless hospitality.

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What is it Like at the Long Bar?

Walking into the Long Bar is like stepping back in time. The atmosphere is both elegant and relaxed, with a touch of nostalgia.

One of the most unique traditions at the Long Bar is the peanut shells ritual.

Each table is served a basket of peanuts, and guests are encouraged to throw the shells on the floor, a quirky nod to the colonial days when such behaviour was common.

This practice adds a playful, laid-back vibe to the otherwise refined setting.

When you order an original Singapore Sling, it arrives in all its pink glory, perfectly garnished with a pineapple wedge and cherry.

The presentation is classic, and the taste is refreshing and slightly indulgent.

Yes, the drink is on the pricier side (SGD $41 when I visited), but you’re paying for more than just a cocktail.

You’re paying for the experience of sipping history in one of Singapore’s most iconic locations.

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Is It Worth Going to the Long Bar?

So, is it worth the time (and money) to visit the Long Bar for the original Singapore Sling?

The short answer: absolutely, at least once.

The Long Bar experience is a right of passage when visiting Singapore. Sure, SGD $41 for a drink might feel steep, but think of it as paying admission to an event or an iconic landmark.

You’re not just having a cocktail; you’re immersing yourself in a tradition that dates back over a century.

When you arrive, don’t be surprised if there’s a queue. The Long Bar is a popular spot, but the line moves relatively fast as most people are there for the experience of one drink.

The staff are efficient, and the wait is rarely long enough to deter anyone.

This isn’t the kind of place you’ll likely revisit on a return trip to Singapore, it’s a one-and-done bucket list experience.

But for that first visit? It’s an unmissable way to connect with Singapore’s rich history, enjoy a world-famous drink, and soak in the timeless charm of Raffles Hotel.

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Other Places to Try the Singapore Sling

If you’re looking to explore different takes on this iconic cocktail, Singapore is home to several world-class bars offering their own unique versions:

1. Smoke & Mirrors

Located on the rooftop of the National Gallery Singapore, this bar offers stunning views of Marina Bay and an artful twist on the original Singapore Sling.

2. Atlas Bar

This luxurious art deco bar is known for its jaw-dropping interiors and premium ingredients. Their version of the Singapore Sling is smoother and richer, perfect for a special occasion.

3. Manhattan

Consistently ranked among Asia’s best bars, Manhattan offers a reinvented version of the Singapore Sling that blends tradition with modern mixology.

4. Level33

As the world’s highest urban microbrewery, Level33 pairs incredible city views with a lighter, refreshing take on the original Singapore Sling.

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Where to Have the Original Singapore Sling?

If you’re visiting Singapore, trying the original Singapore Sling at the Long Bar in Raffles Hotel is an experience like no other.

It’s not just about the drink, it’s about immersing yourself in a piece of history, soaking in the nostalgic ambiance, and participating in traditions that have been cherished for over a century.

Once you’ve ticked off the Long Bar, why not explore other spots like Manhattan or Atlas Bar for a modern twist on the classic?

Wherever you go, the original Singapore Sling is more than a cocktail. It’s a taste of Singapore’s rich history and culture.

RELATED Original Singapore Sling blog posts to read:

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