Long Bar

The Birthplace of a Legend

Long Bar at Raffles Singapore stands as one of the world’s most historically significant bars, serving as the birthplace of the Singapore Sling cocktail in 1915. This iconic establishment has maintained its colonial charm and traditions for over a century, offering guests an authentic glimpse into Singapore’s colonial past while serving some of the world’s most famous cocktails.

Historical Significance

The Singapore Sling Origin

In 1915, bartender Ngiam Tong Boon created the Singapore Sling at Long Bar, crafting a cocktail that would become synonymous with Singapore itself. The original recipe, closely guarded and still used today, combines gin, cherry brandy, Cointreau, Dom Bénédictine, grenadine, pineapple juice, lime juice, and Angostura bitters.

Colonial Heritage

Long Bar represents one of the last authentic examples of colonial-era hospitality in Southeast Asia. The bar has maintained its original character through Singapore’s transformation from British colony to modern city-state, serving as a living museum of colonial drinking culture.

Celebrity History

The bar’s guest book reads like a who’s who of 20th-century celebrities, including writers Somerset Maugham and Rudyard Kipling, actors Charlie Chaplin and Elizabeth Taylor, and countless other luminaries who have contributed to the bar’s legendary status.

Authentic Colonial Atmosphere

Traditional Design

Long Bar maintains its original 1915 design with dark wood paneling, traditional bar stools, slowly rotating ceiling fans, and colonial-era décor that transports guests back to the height of the British Empire in Southeast Asia.

The Peanut Shell Tradition

One of Long Bar’s most famous traditions is the practice of throwing peanut shells on the floor. This custom, dating back to the colonial era, creates a unique atmosphere and connects modern guests with over a century of bar tradition.

Architectural Heritage

The bar is housed within Raffles Singapore, a UNESCO World Heritage building that represents one of the finest examples of colonial architecture in Southeast Asia. The building’s restoration has carefully preserved the authentic character that makes Long Bar special.

Cocktail Heritage

Original Singapore Sling Recipe

Long Bar serves the original Singapore Sling recipe, unchanged since 1915. The cocktail is prepared with meticulous attention to the original proportions and techniques, ensuring that every guest experiences the drink exactly as it was intended by its creator.

Historic Cocktail Menu

Beyond the Singapore Sling, Long Bar offers a selection of cocktails that reflect the drinking preferences of the colonial era, including gin-based drinks that were popular among British expatriates in tropical climates.

Traditional Preparation

Bartenders at Long Bar are trained in traditional cocktail preparation methods, using techniques and equipment that honor the bar’s heritage while maintaining modern standards of quality and consistency.

Signature Cocktails

Singapore Sling (Original Recipe)

The bar’s most famous creation, served in the traditional manner with a cherry and pineapple garnish. Each Singapore Sling is prepared according to the original 1915 recipe, making it the most authentic version available anywhere in the world.

Million Dollar Cocktail

A classic gin-based cocktail that reflects the opulent lifestyle of colonial-era Singapore, featuring premium gin, sweet vermouth, and pineapple juice.

Raffles Gin Fizz

A refreshing gin-based cocktail perfect for Singapore’s tropical climate, combining gin, lime juice, sugar, and soda water in the traditional colonial style.

Straits Sling

A variation on the Singapore Sling that incorporates local flavors and ingredients, representing the evolution of cocktail culture in Singapore.

Cultural Impact

Global Recognition

Long Bar has achieved global recognition as one of the world’s most important bars, appearing in countless travel guides, cocktail books, and cultural references. The Singapore Sling has become one of the world’s most recognizable cocktails.

Tourism Destination

The bar serves as a major tourist destination, attracting visitors from around the world who come to experience the birthplace of the Singapore Sling and sample authentic colonial-era hospitality.

Cultural Preservation

Long Bar plays an important role in preserving Singapore’s colonial heritage, maintaining traditions and atmosphere that might otherwise be lost to modernization.

Service Excellence

Traditional Hospitality

The service at Long Bar reflects traditional colonial-era hospitality, with staff trained to provide attentive, professional service that honors the bar’s heritage while meeting modern expectations.

Educational Experience

Staff members are knowledgeable about the bar’s history and can share stories about famous guests, the creation of the Singapore Sling, and the colonial era in Singapore.

Authentic Experience

Every aspect of the service is designed to provide an authentic colonial-era experience, from the preparation of cocktails to the presentation of the famous peanut shells.

Practical Information

Reservations

While Long Bar operates on a first-come, first-served basis, reservations can be made for larger groups. The bar can become quite busy, especially during peak tourist seasons.

Dress Code

The bar maintains a smart casual dress code that reflects its upscale heritage while remaining accessible to tourists. Shorts and flip-flops are not permitted.

Photography

Photography is encouraged, and the bar’s historic setting provides countless opportunities for memorable photos. The peanut shell tradition and colonial décor create unique backdrops.

Special Events and Celebrations

Singapore Sling Anniversary

The bar celebrates the anniversary of the Singapore Sling’s creation with special events and promotions that honor the cocktail’s heritage.

Colonial-Themed Events

Special events throughout the year celebrate Singapore’s colonial heritage, often featuring period music, traditional foods, and historical presentations.

Private Functions

Long Bar can be reserved for private functions, providing an exclusive setting for corporate events, celebrations, and special occasions.

Awards and Recognition

• World’s Most Famous Bar - Multiple travel publications
• Heritage Preservation Award - Singapore Tourism Board
• Best Historic Bar - International Bar Association
• Cultural Heritage Recognition - UNESCO
• Cocktail Hall of Fame - Tales of the Cocktail

Preservation and Restoration

Careful Restoration

The recent restoration of Raffles Singapore included meticulous attention to preserving Long Bar’s authentic character while updating infrastructure and safety systems.

Heritage Maintenance

Ongoing maintenance programs ensure that the bar’s historic features are preserved for future generations while maintaining the authentic atmosphere that makes it special.

Traditional Craftsmanship

Restoration work has employed traditional craftsmanship techniques to maintain the authentic character of the colonial-era construction and décor.

The Future of Historic Bars

Long Bar serves as a model for how historic bars can maintain their authentic character while adapting to modern expectations and safety requirements.

Balancing Tradition and Modernity

The bar successfully balances respect for tradition with the need to meet modern standards of service, safety, and accessibility.

Cultural Education

Long Bar continues to serve as an educational resource, teaching visitors about colonial history, cocktail heritage, and the importance of preserving cultural traditions.

Global Influence

The bar’s success has influenced other historic establishments worldwide, demonstrating the value of preserving authentic heritage experiences in an increasingly modernized world.

Long Bar at Raffles Singapore represents more than just a place to drink; it’s a living piece of history that connects modern guests with over a century of cocktail culture and colonial heritage. Whether you’re a cocktail enthusiast, history buff, or simply seeking an authentic cultural experience, Long Bar delivers an encounter with the past that is both educational and enjoyable. The Singapore Sling may have been created here over 100 years ago, but the bar’s commitment to preserving tradition ensures that this piece of cocktail history will continue to delight guests for generations to come.