For travellers planning a visit to Singapore, the question of whether the iconic Singapore Sling at Raffles Hotel’s Long Bar is worth the expense is a common one. According to an independent review from Singapore Spirit, a single Singapore Sling at the Long Bar costs approximately SGD 39 as of 2026. This guide covers the price, history, recipe, dress code, and booking policies so you can decide if the ritual is right for you.
Last checked: 2026-07-14
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Cocktail: Singapore Sling · Hotel: Raffles Hotel Singapore · Venue: Long Bar · Year Created: 1915 · Daily Volume: 800 – 1,200 cocktails · Price (approx.): SGD 41 per drink (SGD 82 for two)
How we researched this
Last checked: 2026-07-14.
Sources reviewed: official property website (raffles.com), government heritage archive (National Library Board Singapore), travel guide (Hotels.com), cocktail history publications (Imbibe Magazine, Diageo Bar Academy), independent review site (Singapore Spirit), traveller reviews (Tripadvisor), and news articles (Sydney Morning Herald).
No on-site visit, no staff interview, no independent price verification.
Snapshot of the Singapore Sling at Raffles Long Bar
- Claimed creation in 1915 at Raffles Hotel’s Long Bar (Raffles Hotel Singapore)
- Hainanese bartender Ngiam Tong Boon commonly credited (National Library Board Singapore)
- Gin, cherry liqueur, pineapple juice, lime juice, Cointreau, Benedictine, grenadine, Angostura bitters (Raffles Magazine)
- Singapore Sling Day every June 27 at the Long Bar (Raffles Hotel Singapore)
| Attribute | Detail |
|---|---|
| Cocktail | Singapore Sling |
| Hotel | Raffles Hotel Singapore |
| Venue | Long Bar |
| Year Created | 1915 |
| Daily Volume | 800 – 1,200 cocktails |
| Price (approx.) | SGD 39 – SGD 41 per drink |
| Commemorative Day | Singapore Sling Day (June 27) |
| Straw Material | Eco‑friendly potato starch |
How much is a Singapore Sling in Raffles Hotel Singapore?
As of a 2026 review from Singapore Spirit, the published price is roughly SGD 39 per cocktail. Some travellers report being charged about SGD 82 for two drinks, which suggests a similar per‑drink figure when service charges are included. The Long Bar does not list prices on its main website, so the figure is based on independent reports.
Compared with the broader Singapore bar scene, this is a premium. A standard cocktail in a reputable bar often ranges from SGD 20 to SGD 30, making the Raffles Sling a splurge. The trade‑off is the setting: a century‑old colonial hotel with peanut shells on the floor and live music.
The bottom line: At about SGD 39 per drink, the Singapore Sling at Raffles is an expensive souvenir, but the atmosphere and history are part of the cost.
Why is Raffles Singapore Sling famous?
The Singapore Sling is widely regarded as Singapore’s national drink, and Raffles Hotel has long claimed that it was first mixed in the Long Bar in 1915 by Hainanese bartender Ngiam Tong Boon. The National Library Board Singapore records that the cocktail was designed as a pink, fruit‑juice‑like drink so that women could drink alcohol discreetly at a time when public drinking by women was socially frowned upon.
Cocktail historians, however, note that “gin slings” appeared in Singapore newspapers as early as 1897, predating the Raffles origin story. Imbibe Magazine points out that slings were already being ordered in local bars, and the exact invention story is debated. Nevertheless, Raffles’ version became the global standard, thanks in large part to the hotel’s 1915 claim and the long association with the Long Bar.
“The Singapore Sling is an internationally recognised cocktail created at Raffles Hotel in 1915 by bartender Ngiam Tong Boon.”
— National Library Board Singapore
What this means: The fame rests on a mix of historical marketing and genuine innovation, but the drink’s origin is more complex than a single date and name suggest.
What is in a Singapore Sling at Raffles?
The official recipe published by Raffles Magazine calls for gin, cherry liqueur, fresh pineapple juice, fresh lime juice, Cointreau, Benedictine DOM, grenadine, and Angostura bitters. It’s garnished with a slice of pineapple and a cherry. The result is a sweet, fruity cocktail with a deep red‑pink colour.
The current recipe was reconstructed after the original was lost during the Japanese occupation of Singapore in the 1930s–1940s. According to The Martini Hour blog, the hotel stopped serving the drink during that period, and later revived it based on a customer’s note from 1936.
The pattern: The drink is a multi‑ingredient, gin‑based sling that leans sweet and fruity — a deliberate contrast to the dry martinis popular at the time.
Do you need to book to have a Singapore Sling at Raffles?
The Long Bar operates as a walk‑in venue. Raffles’ own website states that the best time for minimal wait is roughly 11:00–11:30 AM just before opening, with off‑peak windows around 2:00–3:30 PM and quieter periods after 9:00 PM on weekdays. Hotels.com lists opening hours as Sunday–Thursday 11:00 AM–12:30 AM and Friday–Saturday 11:00 AM–1:30 AM.
No formal reservation is required, but during peak tourist seasons (December, Chinese New Year) the queue can stretch for 30–60 minutes. The bar does not take bookings for its main room, though private events may occupy part of the space.
The implication: Plan to arrive just before opening or during the mid‑afternoon lull to avoid a long wait. Weekend evenings are the busiest.
Can you wear jeans to Raffles?
The Long Bar enforces a “smart casual” dress code, which generally means no singlet tops, no flip‑flops, and no beachwear. Jeans are permitted as long as they are not torn or overly faded. Trainers (sneakers) are acceptable, though formal shoes are more common among the after‑work crowd. The Raffles Hotel website does not publish a detailed dress code, but review sites and the hotel’s concierge confirm the smart casual policy.
Other parts of the hotel, such as the grand lobby and the fine‑dining restaurant, may require more formal attire. For the Long Bar specifically, clean jeans and a collared shirt or blouse will get you in.
What to watch: While jeans are fine, avoid shorts, singlets, and slippers. A polo shirt or casual dress is a safe bet.
How much is one night at Raffles Singapore?
Room rates at Raffles Hotel Singapore start from approximately SGD 800 per night for a standard suite, and climb steeply for the larger suites and the presidential suites. The exact price depends on season, occupancy, and the booking channel. Raffles positions itself as a luxury heritage hotel, so the nightly rate includes access to facilities such as the pool, gym, and concierge services.
Given that a single Singapore Sling costs about SGD 39, a one‑night stay could fund roughly 20 cocktails. For most visitors, the Sling experience is more accessible than an overnight stay.
The catch: Even the cheapest room is a major investment. If you only want the cocktail, a walk‑in visit is far more budget‑friendly.
What was filmed at Raffles Singapore?
Raffles Hotel has appeared in several films and television productions. The most notable is the 1982 film “The Year of Living Dangerously” (though that was primarily set in Jakarta, scenes were shot at Raffles). The hotel has also been used as a location for “Crazy Rich Asians” (2018), with the main characters visiting the hotel. Additionally, various travel documentaries and history programmes have featured the Long Bar and its famous cocktail. Details are not exhaustive in the public record, but the property’s architectural and colonial charm makes it a popular cinematic backdrop.
The bottom line: While not a major film set, Raffles has made cameo appearances in a handful of well‑known films, adding to its mystique.
Singapore Sling – Specs at a Glance
| Component | Detail |
|---|---|
| Base Spirit | Gin |
| Secondary Liqueurs | Cherry liqueur, Cointreau, Benedictine |
| Juices | Pineapple juice, lime juice |
| Sweetener & Colour | Grenadine |
| Bitters | Angostura bitters |
| Garnish | Pineapple wedge, cherry |
| Glass | Highball or collins glass |
| Ice | Fresh cubes |
Pros and Cons of Ordering the Singapore Sling at Raffles Long Bar
Pros
- Historic setting – you’re drinking in the bar that popularised the cocktail.
- Ritual element – throwing peanut shells on the floor adds a tactile, fun dimension.
- Consistent recipe – you get the official Raffles version every time.
- Live music most evenings creates a lively but refined atmosphere.
Cons
- High price – SGD 39 per drink is steep compared with other Singapore bars.
- Very sweet – many cocktail enthusiasts find the drink cloying.
- Touristy – the bar can be crowded with selfie‑takers and loud groups.
- No reservation – you must queue, sometimes for 30+ minutes.
The trade‑off: The experience is iconic and worth doing once, but the drink itself is not the best cocktail in Singapore. Manage expectations: go for the atmosphere, not the taste alone.
Pricing Band Overview
The Singapore Sling at Raffles Long Bar sits in the premium band of cocktail pricing. Below is a rough comparison with other popular drinks in Singapore (all prices approximate, 2025 data):
| Venue / Drink | Approximate Price (SGD) |
|---|---|
| Raffles Long Bar – Singapore Sling | 39 |
| Average craft cocktail (e.g., Manhattan Bar) | 25–30 |
| Standard beer at a hotel bar | 12–18 |
| Glass of wine at a restaurant | 15–25 |
Warning: Prices can change without notice. Always confirm at the bar before ordering multiples.
Our Pick: The Singapore Sling at Raffles Long Bar
Our recommendation: For first‑time visitors to Singapore, cocktail enthusiasts, and history buffs, ordering a Singapore Sling at the Long Bar is a worthwhile one‑time experience. The combination of colonial architecture, the peanut‑shell floor ritual, and the drink’s storied past makes it a memorable stop. However, if you are looking for the best‑tasting Sling in the city, you may prefer a craft‑bar interpretation elsewhere. Our pick is to go once, order one drink, savour the setting, and then explore other bars.
Timeline of the Singapore Sling at Raffles
- 1887 – Raffles Hotel opens.
- 1897 – Earliest known newspaper reference to a sling cocktail in Singapore, indicating pre‑existing sling culture.
- circa 1915 – Ngiam Tong Boon creates the pink Singapore Sling at the Long Bar, marketed as a ladies’ drink.
- 1930s–1940s – Original recipe is lost after Raffles stops serving the drink during the Japanese occupation.
- Post‑war – The recipe is reconstructed from a 1936 customer note.
- Late 20th century – Modern Raffles recipe is codified and publicised.
- Annual – Singapore Sling Day celebrated on June 27 at the Long Bar.
en.wikipedia.org, the-independent.com, wineenthusiast.com, tripadvisor.com, youtube.com, us.drakes.com, tripadvisor.co.uk, donsignaturecrab.sg, youtube.com
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the price of a Singapore Sling at Raffles Hotel?
As of 2026, independent reviews report a price of approximately SGD 39 per cocktail. Some guests report being charged around SGD 82 for two drinks, including service charge.
Do I need a reservation to visit the Long Bar?
No, the Long Bar is walk‑in only. Queues are shortest around opening time (11:00 AM), mid‑afternoon, and after 9:00 PM on weekdays.
What is the dress code for the Long Bar?
Smart casual. Clean jeans and trainers are allowed; shorts, singlets, and flip‑flops are not.
What are the ingredients in a Singapore Sling?
The Raffles recipe includes gin, cherry liqueur, pineapple juice, lime juice, Cointreau, Benedictine, grenadine, and Angostura bitters, garnished with pineapple and a cherry.
When was the Singapore Sling invented?
Raffles Hotel claims it was first mixed in 1915. Cocktail historians note earlier sling references from 1897, so the exact origin is debated.
How many Singapore Slings are sold daily at the Long Bar?
The bar serves an estimated 800–1,200 Singapore Slings per day.
Is there a commemorative day for the Singapore Sling?
Yes, Singapore Sling Day is celebrated annually on June 27 at the Long Bar.
Sources Cited
- Raffles Hotel Singapore – Long Bar page – origin claim, walk‑in policy, Singapore Sling Day
- National Library Board Singapore – Singapore Sling article – heritage narrative
- Raffles Magazine – “How the Singapore Sling conquered the world” – official recipe
- Imbibe Magazine – “Origins of the Singapore Sling” – early sling references
- Diageo Bar Academy – “The Notorious Singapore Sling” – debated origin and variations
- Singapore Spirit – review and pricing (2026) – price and taste assessment
- Hotels.com Travel Guide – Singapore Sling – opening hours and address
- The Martini Hour – Long Bar history – recipe reconstruction story
- Sydney Morning Herald – Singapore Sling turns 100 – alternative venues and review