What to drink in Singapore

Due to the hot and humid weather conditions in Singapore, chances are you're going to need a drink or two during your travels. Luckily, Singapore offers a wide range of tasty and refreshing local beverages, ranging from the alcohol-filled Singapore Sling cocktail to a milky bubble tea to the ever-refreshing sugarcane juice to ensure your thirst is properly quenched.

1. Singapore Sling

This infamous cocktail dates back to 1915 when Chinese bartender Ngiam Tong Boon, an employee at the Long Bar at the Raffles Hotel, created this fruity yet complex punch. Fast forward about 100 years, and the drink is more iconic than ever. Made with a combination of gin, cherry liqueur, Benedictine, lime juice, pineapple juice, sweet syrup, and club soda, a Singapore sling is a must-try on a night out.

2. Teh and kopi (tea and coffee) 

These two beverages are some of the most famous and beloved drinks to have while in Singapore. And while you might be thinking, "How could anyone possibly drink warm beverages in a country that averages temperatures of 80°F?" You simply can't ignore these caffeinated pick-me-ups... they're just too tasty.

Whether you prefer a traditional black coffee or want to try out the sweet 'Indian Teh Tarik', these beverages will have you buzzing for hours.

3. Bubble Tea

Bubble tea has taken the world by storm, and the cosmopolitan city of Singapore is no different. Originally made in Taiwan, this milky sensation has quickly found its home among Singaporean teenagers thanks to its trendy look and fruity flavors. This is one drink that actually tastes as good as it looks, with tapioca balls adding a fun textural element to your beverage. From the sweet, earthy flavor of matcha to the lighter, herbal taste of jasmine, sipping on a cold bubble tea is a must when you're in Singapore.

4. Milo dinosaur 

Singapore is milo-obsessed. While the original Australian chocolatey drink can be found in convenience stores and minimarts, this new version of the drink is taking Singaporeans by storm. A Milo dinosaur is a cup of iced milo with a heaping spoonful of milo powder right on top. From food carts to McDonald's restaurants, this drink is everywhere. Don't worry, Milo isn't just a drink for kids but also for adults who are kids at heart. 

5. Bandung

This milky beverage is one of the more popular drinks in Singapore and can be found in local cafes all over the country. Made of rose syrup and condensed or evaporated milk, this pink-colored drink's flavor isn't for everyone, but it does have high nutritional and medicinal properties so it's definitely worth trying when you're wandering the streets and find yourself in need of refreshment. 

6. Sugarcane juice 

Sugarcane juice can be found pretty much anywhere in the world, but it's the quality of Singapore's sugarcane that makes this drink different from all of the rest. Singapore's tropical climate is perfect for sugarcane growth, and once you take a sip of this drink's subtly sweet flavor, you'll instantly be able to tell why Singapore's sugarcane is considered the best of the best. But this drink doesn't just have a pleasing color and refreshing flavor. It's also known to improve energy levels, cool down the body, and improve liver function. Drink up.

7. Tiger Beer

While you can technically drink Tiger beer in 60 countries all over the planet, there's nothing like sipping this domestically brewed beer in its country of origin. Dating back to 1932, this brew has captured the heart (and tastebuds) of locals and travelers alike with its pale, gold color and its hoppy bitterness. Available to order from most restaurants and available to purchase from most supermarkets, you simply can't leave Singapore without making time for a Tiger beer. 

8. Water

Nothing will get you properly hydrated like some good ol' fashioned water, and thankfully, the water in Singapore is perfectly drinkable. While occasionally you might get some tap water that tastes a bit funny due to chlorination, generally, it's safe for drinking. This means that instead of purchasing water from convenience stores or takeaway food places, you can take a reusable drink bottle with you wherever you go and refill it as needed.

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