The Writers Bar at Raffles: Literary-Inspired Cocktails

 

A tribute to the literary luminaries who have graced Raffles Singapore for over a century, the Writers Bar offers a sophisticated setting where creativity and elegance intertwine. Nestled in the front corner of the Raffles lobby, the space features a solid brass bar counter, textured walls adorned with charming mementos and books, an elegant chandelier with pearls of light that shimmer with sophistication, and a highly curated drinks list of unique creations inspired by the literary giants who have passed through Raffles over time. Its menu is split into sections headlined by a famed writer, with bespoke cocktails created in their image, including Joseph Conrad, Andre Malaux and Rudyard Kipling, among others. The interior follows suit, with plush furnishings and gilded bar completing the room and aesthetic.

Their signature cocktail is the Million Dollar Cocktail, concocted by Ngiam Tong Boon in 1915, the same legendary bartender who created the Singapore Sling, the classic gin-based cocktail featuring pineapple, sweet vermouth, grenadine, gum arabic, lemon, egg white, and Angostura bitters. Famous for its literary connection to Somerset Maugham’s short story, 'The Letter', one of the many illustrious authors who have resided at our great Grand Dame, we succumbed to the temptation to indulge in both cocktails while staying at Raffles for our glorious week in Singapore.

The No. V Gin and Tonic made with 1915 Sipsmith Gin was my favourite cocktail each evening. Created in celebration to commemorate the 100th anniversary of the iconic Singapore Sling, the Raffles 1915 Gin by Sipsmith is a sensational blend of plants and spices indigenous to Asia - jasmine, pomelo, lemongrass, Kaffir leaf, nutmeg and cardamom - alongside classic gin botanicals. Imbibe this beautiful gin and discover the serendipitous sense of history with Sipsmith's co-founder Sam Galsworthy being a descendant of Sir Stamford Raffles, founder of Singapore and for whom the Raffles Hotel Singapore is named after.

Corner seating in the Writers Bar with view to the grand lobby

The plush leather sofa and marble cocktail tables where we sat each evening

enjoying the Million Dollar Cocktail or No. 5 Gin & Tonic

The bookcase was a treasure trove of books, frames and collection of 

porcelain birds...my favourite!

The Writers bar bar menu 

Bringing our Million Dollar Cocktail

The signature cocktail, concocted by Ngiam Tong Boon in 1915,

shot to fame when it was featured in a short story by Somerset Maugham, 

one of the many illustrious authors who have resided at Raffles Hotel

The Writers Bar No. V Gin and Tonic made with Sipsmith 1915 Gin, 

Fever Tree Sicilian Lemon Tonic and Lime leaf

A handsome fellow with whom I have been exploring the world for almost 25 years
and shared a snazzy cocktail together at The Writer Bar at Raffles

Kalai and the effervescent server at Writers Bar our first evening

www.raffles.com/singapore/dining/writers-bar

The Singapore Sling

Serves 6

Recipe courtesy of Ngiam Tong Boon, 1915

180 ml Gin affiliate link, as all below

90 ml Cherry Heering (or any cherry brandy liqueur)

45 ml D.O.M. Bénédictine

45 ml Cointreau

12 dashes of Angostura Bitters

600 ml Pineapple Juice

90 ml Lime Juice

60 ml Grenadine

24 ice cubes

Sparkling or soda water to top up

Garnish with a slice of pineapple and cherry

Pour the gin, cherry brandy, Bénédictine, Cointreau, Angosturra Bitters, pineapple juice, lime juice and grenadine in a cocktail shaker and mix it all up, or stir everything together in a jug. Drop about 4 ice cubes in a tall, Collins glass and pour the Singapore Sling overtop. Top with soda water, garnish with a slice of pineapple and cherry.