The Singapore Sling is Singapore’s unofficial national drink. It was created in 1915 by barworker Ngiam Tong Boon in the Long Bar, part of Raffles Hotel, as a way of allowing women to have an alcoholic drink without causing suspicion (it was over 100 years ago), but is now a popular cocktail found in bars all over the world. Where Beach Road begins, and within view of Marina Bay Sands, the Long Bar welcomes guests to try the original gin-based recipe (including pineapple juice, lime juice, curaçao and Benedictine)

Staying in the Bugis area of Singapore, the centre is a walkable distance away although you do really get the steps in, and crossing roads can be hard work as you often need to find a bridge. However, once there you can’t miss Raffle’s all-white exterior, and its bar’s wooden decor is a throwback to Singapore’s history of rubber and palm-oil plantantion, as well as the country’s trading links with neighbouring Malaysia. A long wooden bar finds its place in front of mirrored shelves stacked tight with bottles of spirits, and wicker chairs sit on tiled floors.

There is also a colonial feel to it. With Britain having been involved in Singapore in the mid 20th century, I noticed similarities with some buildings in Mumbai, for example.

The most novel thing about the whole experience is the portion of monkey nuts served with each drink, and the fact that you’re encouraged to engage in the old custom of throwing the leftover shells on the floor of the bar. Considering Singapore’s strict littering laws, there is something endearing about old traditions such as this being observed.

And now to put a price tag on the experience. A singapore sling from the Long Bar cost me around S$30, around £17 – I’m pretty sure the exchange rate was worse when I was there so I probably paid a bit more. But bearing in mind that you’re paying for the whole experience of ticking off an iconic Singapore tradition while feeling nostalgia for a time you didn’t actually live through, I thought it was all in all good value for money and left me with enough time in the day to walk down to the bay and explore more of the area.