Cheap Singapore Slings under $20
Just because SG50 is over, doesn’t mean that you should deprive yourself of one of Singapore’s most prized gin cocktails – the Singapore Sling. It ain’t just some glorified alcohol concotion; this national drink packs as much history as flavour, enhanced by Grenadine, Cointreau, Dom Benedictine and other exotic ingredients. The Singapore Sling was reputedly created in 1915, at Long Bar in Raffles Hotel by a bartender named Ngiam Tong Boon. And though you won’t get to shake hands with this ingenious mixologist, you can still sip a Singapore Sling at Long Bar itself – as long as you’re willing to endure a $30++ dent to your wallet. We heard your groans, so we came up with a list of cheap and affordable alternatives, including cafes, bars and restaurants. So whatcha waiting for? Get slingin’!
SINGAPORE SLING FOR $15
Gem Bar
“Give up your unrealistic dreams”, “When in doubt, mumble” – these website-raiding slogans of black humour encompass the tongue-in-cheek ethos of this Ann Siang abode. And that’s why everyone flocks to this nightlife gem – to let loose and have a blast. Its nibbles are great for getting the conversation flowing, but we all know there’s no better social lubricant than booze. With Singapore Slings served at just $15 a pop, you’ll be chattering (and dancing) all night long.
Gem Bar, 8-10 Ann Siang Hill, Singapore 069789, p. 9646 6160
SINGAPORE SLING FOR $16
Original Sin
It ain’t a sin to swear off meat with vegetarian dishes this scumptious. You’ll never complain about empty stomachs with starters like pan-fried haloumi cheese and falafel salad, and mains like moussaka, lasagna rossa and capsicum quinoa. Still sceptical? Loosen those inhibitions and get sloshed with its range of spirits, liquers and cocktails. Sangrias and margaritas are fine and dandy, but $16 for a Singapore Sling is a steal considering the price of its Long Bar counterpart.
Original Sin, 43 Jalan Merah Saga, #01-62 Holland Village Chip Bee Gardens, Singapore 278115, 6745 5605
Blu Jaz Cafe
A go-to haven for hipsters and jazz connoisseurs alike, this sanctuary of Good Times constantly ignites the local music scene with underground gigs and freestyle jazz sessions. We’ve personally seen everything from mind-blowing improv overloads to topless indie musicians, homegrown album launches to all-girl DJ shindigs. It’s usually a lot to take in every time we burrow into Blu Jaz, and we love to let it all settle in while downing one of the cheapest Singapore Slings on the isle.
Blu Jaz Cafe, 11 Bali Lane, Singapore 189848, 6292 3800
Jazz and a Singapore Sling? Sounds like an ace combo at Blu Jaz Cafe.
SINGAPORE SLING FOR $18 AND ABOVE
Barossa
Whether you choose to adjourn to a Barossa establishment at Holland Village or The Esplanade, you’re bound to get a hearty dose of Aussie fare – a good ol’ one up for Down Under. You can easily set yourself up for a feast with kurobuta grain-fed pork racks and blue cheese steak burgers, and its rib eye tasting platter featuring tajima 100% wagyu and grainge Australian Angus cuts is a real knockout. And while its tap selection of locally-brewed Archipelago is impressive, there’s no harm making a detour with a Singapore Sling cocktail.
Barossa, 8 Raffles Avenue, #01-11 Esplanade Mall, Singapore 039802, 6534 5188
Alley Bar
Turns out, Nyonya culture isn’t the only chunk of Singaporean heritage you’ll absorb while making your way to this waterhole at Peranakan Place. Snake through this revamped alley and you’ll stumble upon a habitat of sharable bar bites and cosmopolitan bevvies – including its traditional take on the Singapore Sling. The in-house lounge soundtrack even ups the nostalgia factor, fit for hustling you back to the early 1900s, made complete with a tropical-tinged Sling in hand.
Alley Bar, 180 Orchard Road, Peranakan Place, Singapore 238846, 6738 8818
Brotzeit
We all braced ourselves when Oktoberfest came and went. And those yearning for a slice of authentic German culture would’ve likely ended up at this wunderbar franchise. Besides being able to fill your tums with Bavarian pork sausages, breaded wiener schnitzel and tangy sauerkraut, you can also count on Brotzeit for an abundant assortment of German draft beers. But in case your appetite ain’t calling out for pints of German ale, you can take your pick from beverages like Mojitos, Bloody Marys, and our very own Singapore Sling for just $18.
Brotzeit, 1 Harbourfront Walk, #01-149 VivoCity, Singapore 098585, 6272 8815
Sque
Aside from its kickass picture-sque view of the Singapore River, this Clarke Quay rotisserie also attracts the masses with its meaty culinary direction. Gathering inspiration from skewers – it’s hence pronounced as ‘skew’ – Sque showcases a carnivore-friendly menu of braised lamb shanks, honey mustars-glazed spring chickens and crispy pork knuckles. Naturally, you’re gonna wanna wash all that down with a refreshing tipple, and what better selection than a Singapore Sling ($18.50)? Gin mixed with cherry brandy and pineapple juice – sounds like an absolute perk-me-up.
Sque, 6 Eu Tong Sen Street, #01-70 The Central, Singapore 059817, 6222 1887