Singapore Sling In Singapore | An Iconic & Legendary Sip

The Singapore Sling, the iconic cocktail born in Singapore, is a must-try when visiting. Widely regarded as the national drink, this pink-hued, gin-based cocktail was developed by bartender Ngiam Tong Boon at the Raffles Hotel in the early 1900’s. He developed it to look like a fruit punch to adapt to the social etiquette of the time, which discouraged women from drinking alcohol in public. Today, you can still enjoy a traditional Singapore Sling at this historic hotel or try it at trendy bars, bars with stellar views, and a few other unique spots. This post covers the best places to savor the legendary and quintessential, Singapore Sling in Singapore.

Raffles Long Bar

As the birthplace of the Singapore Sling and one of the most famous historical hotels in Singapore, the Long Bar at the Raffles Hotel is the most iconic, and one of the most popular places to have a Singapore Sling. It was opened by Sir Stamford Raffles, the founder of Singapore, in 1887.

Back in the day, there was a row of tables with a vantage point to the alley, a place where men often watched the parade of women walking by. This inspired Ngiam Tong Boon Tom, the creator of the Singapore Sling, to create a drink the women could enjoy without attracting undue attention (since drinking was discouraged).

The Long Bar has a long history here, as plantation owners from Malaya would retreat to Singapore on weekends. Back then, it was known as “Rendezvous of Manters’” and “Planter’s Weekend” became a ritual.

The rich, earthy decor of the two-storey bar is inspired by Malayan life in the 1920s. It has an old world vibe, with rattan decor, while still being elegant, casual, and modern. You are given a cute canvas bag full of peanuts to accompany your Singapore Sling. The shells, of course, go on the floor old-world style.

Sounds wonderful, right? It is very nice, but because it’s so well-known, and it’s the birthplace of the Sling, it gets very busy. There’s usually a queue to get in. It does move fairly fast, but be prepared for a wait. It’s better to arrive before happy hour, or later in the evening as there are no reservations.

It’s also expensive. My Original Singapore Sling in 2025 was S$41 or $35. They do offer a few variations, but the original is the most popular.

Brass Lion Singapura Gin, Bénédictine, Luxardo Cherry Sangue Morlacco, Ferrand Dry Curaçao, Raffles Signature Grenadine, Pineapple Juice, Fresh Lime Juice, Spice Plantation Bitters

Did I think it was worth it? Definitely. Pricey? Yes, but it is THE place to have THE quintessential Singapore Sling.

Tip: Merlion Fountain is a 15-minute walk from the Long Bar and Spectra Light & Sound show is at 8:00 and 9:00 PM nightly (with an added later show at 10:00 PM on Fridays and Saturdays), making it the perfect place to walk to and watch the show after your Singapore Sling.

CÉ LA VI Skybar

The CÉ LA VI Skybar sits on the 57th floor Observation Deck of the Marina Bay Sands hotel and is open to the public with reservations (most of the rooftop is for guests only).

The energy and atmosphere here is electric, and the views of the bay and glittering skyscrapers beyond are breathtaking. I highly recommend visiting even if you do not try their Singapore Sling. It is, however, expensive.

There’s a cover charge of S$38 ($28) as of 2025. It does cover a premium drink, which makes it less expensive than Raffles Long Bar, but still pricey for a drink. This venue is more about the view and the atmosphere than the drink itself.

CÉ LA VI Skybar is on level 57 of the Marina Bay Sands SkyPark, Hotel. Take the elevator at Tower 3.

The Lantern

The Fullerton Bay Hotel Singapore sits across the bay from the Marina Sands and features views of the iconic hotel from its rooftop. They offer a variety of Slings, each with slightly different ingredients, including:

• Fullerton Sling
• Sweet Passion Sling
• Peach Berry Sling
• Sydney Sling
• Virgin Sydney Sling

For more details on the Lantern Bar and the Singapore Sling variations offered, visit their website at fullertonhotels.com. These cocktails are still expensive, but more reasonable than at the Long Bar and CÉ LA VI above.

This hotel is also historic, dating back to the early 1900’s when it was Singapore’s General Post Office. Its rooftop bar, the Lantern, gets its name from nearby Clifford Pier, once known as Red Lantern Pier, for the red oil lamp that used to hang from it.

Tip: Merlion Fountain is just outside the Fullerton, making it another place to watch the Spectra Light & Sound show after your Singapore Sling. It is at 8:00 and 9:00 PM nightly (with an added later show at 10:00 PM on Fridays and Saturdays).

Singapore Flyer

If you want a Singapore Sling with an even better view, savor one while riding the Singapore Flyer.

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They offer a Singapore Sling Experience. This means you get a Singapore Sling while riding in your shared capsule. The ride is 30-minutes with stellar views of Marina Bay Sands, the Supertree Grove, the bay, and surrounding skyline. There are mocktails for those under 18.

The Singapore Flyer offers breathtaking views. It stands at 541’ (165 m), taller than the London Eye. It runs 10:00 AM to 10:00 PM with the last admission at 9:30 PM.

Jigger & Pony

Jigger & Pony offers their own version, called a Singa Sling. This bar wins many awards for its cool, yet comfortable vibe, and the bartenders take excellent care of you. I felt like a Queen here, yet it wasn’t over the top.

It’s been high on the list of the Asia’s 50 Best Bars annually since 2016, high on the list of The World’s 50 Best Bars since 2019, and was awarded the Bar of the Year in 2019.

They have what they call a menuzine, that explains their carefully curated drinks in more detail. The details on their Singa Sling is above. They also have some great appetizers and little dishes. I recommend the Chilli Mac & Cheese or the Black Pepper Crab Dip with Toast with your drink.

Wondering how this bar gets its unusual name? It’s named after that little double-coned measuring device bartenders use (in the photo below). The “pony” is the smaller side, and holds one US fluid ounce. The “jigger” is the other end, and holds 1.5 US fluid ounces. The name jigger dates back to when the daily ration for a sailor was a jigger of rum.

Jigger & Pony is located in the Amara Hotel, not far from Tanjong Pagar MRT Station.

Singapore Airlines

If you didn’t have a chance to try a Singapore Sling in Singapore, and you’re flying home on Singapore Airlines, they offer a complimentary Singapore Sling.

I can’t promise this one will taste as good as the tropical masterpieces in Singapore, but it is one more option. And it’s free!

Where To Stay In Singapore

For a full list of the best places to stay in Singapore, in a variety of areas and at a variety of price points, see my post on The Best Places To Stay in Singapore.

I stayed in a few locations in Singapore and my favorite was definitely the Marina Bay Sands. The rooms are stunning (as is the view), the amenities are top notch, and the location is ideal. I also stayed in Chinatown and the Civic District, which I also really enjoyed.

Want To See More Of Singapore?

For all my favorite places in Singapore, see my posts below.

• Experience The Best Of Marina Bay | Must-See Waterfront Experiences
• Hidden Treasures & Things To Do In Chinatown Singapore
• The Charming Arab Quarter of Singapore
• 7 Must-See Sites in Little India Singapore
• Joo Chiat Road | Colorful Shophouses, Culinary Wonders & Cultural Fusion
• Is It Worth Visiting Sentosa Island?
• Singapore Night Safari Review | Is It Worth It?

Safe Travels!

Julie