One of the most vital parts of any trip to Singapore is to get yourself a Singapore Sling! For those who don’t know what it is don’t fret, it’s not a sling of more ‘adult’ type.. Hehe! A Singapore Sling is a cocktail! There is so much history behind the Singapore Sling and it is probably one of the most famous gin-based cocktails. It was developed before 1915 by Ngaim Tong Boon, a bartender working at the Long Bar in Raffles Hotel, Singapore. Not only is it a century old drink but you can still have the drink at the very same bar and truly (authentically) partake in a part of Singapore’s history!
Needless to say, after living in Singapore for a few months, we had to go find out the details for ourselves…
First off you arrive at the opulent (and rather impressive) colonial style Raffles Hotel. This is easily one of the most expensive and exclusive hotels out there so be prepared to spend quite a bit if you plan on staying here!
We had no idea where we were going so stopped to ask the hotel staff inside who then directed us through the hotel grounds to the bar. Perfect opportunity to take in the surroundings at the hotel. It’s such a throwback to an old (controversial) era that I half expected a peacock to jump out of the bushes at some point.
Then we found a bar! Looked amazing but it wasn’t the right one – the right one of course being the Long Bar.
Eventually, we found it! Woohoo!!!
While drinks were ordered, we decided to get some food too. Gin being the quintessential British liquor, it felt only right to get some Fish ‘n’ Chips while we were at it. 🙂 Of course, those were accompanied with some buffalo wings… Why buffalo wings as well? Hunger. Full Stop. 🙂
Then the Singapore Slings arrived and trust me – they tasted as good as they look! I’m not a fan of Maraschino cherries but I wolfed it down quite quickly. I feel this is testament to how good the cocktails are.
There was food distraction in the form of roasted peanuts. The way it’s eaten here is to take them out of the shell (as per standard practise) but when you’re done, just chuck everything onto the floor! There were so many nut shells on the floor! I may have started jumping up and down on them at one point just to hear them crunch. I may also have attracted a few confused or maybe even ‘knowing’ stares.
I soon settled down and wolfed my dinner. Turns out if you order food, you get a free shaker souvenir! That was in itself already enough reason to get food as I love keeping souvenirs! I even still have cups from restaurants (which I was given by the restauranteurs) from our road trip across America. They’re not like nice mason jars or fancy glass champagne flutes – most of them are plastic! I never use them – they just get added to the souvenir piles which is brilliant to stare at and rumble through from time to time.
I digress – anyway, there you have it! The full low down on where to and how to get yourself one thing you have to get in Singapore – a Singapore Sling!
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