Singapore Sling Cocktail Recipe
Singapore Sling Nutrition Facts
Calories:220
Fat:0g
Protein:0g
Carbohydrates:25g
Alcohol:12%
Created by
Nic Polotnianko
I fell in love with the art of mixology 6 years ago. Since then, I've honed my skills, crafting a myriad of cocktail recipes, and sharing my passion with other enthusiasts.
Last Updated: August 23, 2024
Contents
History
The Singapore Sling is a classic cocktail that was created in the early 20th century by Ngiam Tong Boon, a bartender at the Raffles Hotel in Singapore. It quickly gained popularity among travelers and locals alike, and has since become a staple in bars around the world.
- Originally created as a ladies' drink
- The original recipe was lost, but the current version is based on historical records and bartender recollections
- The Singapore Sling is now considered a national drink of Singapore
How Singapore Sling Tastes?
The Singapore Sling has a complex, fruity taste with a balance of sweet, sour, and bitter notes. It is refreshing, tangy, and slightly effervescent, with a hint of herbal undertones.
Interesting facts about Singapore Sling
- The original recipe called for cherry brandy, but many modern versions use cherry liqueur
- The Singapore Sling is sometimes referred to as a 'sling' cocktail, which is a category of drinks made with spirit, sugar, and water
- The Raffles Hotel still serves the Singapore Sling, and they sell a pre-mixed version in their gift shop
Ingredients
- Gin: 1 oz(30ml)
- Cherry liqueur: 0.5 oz(15ml)
- Bénédictine: 0.25 oz(8ml)
- Orange curaçao: 0.25 oz(8ml)
- Lime juice: 0.75 oz(23ml)
- Pineapple juice: 2 oz(60ml)
- Grenadine: 0.25 oz(8ml)
- Angostura bitters: 1dash
- Club soda: 1 oz(30ml)
- Garnish: Orange Slice
- Maraschino cherry:
A few good options for Singapore Sling are:
- Brockmans
- Silent Pool Gin
- Hendrick's Gin
Gin
- Why: The backbone of many cocktails, gin adds a complex botanical flavor. Without it: You'd lose the spirit of the drink!
- Perfect amount: 1oz is enough to establish gin's presence without dominating the more delicate flavors.
Emma Rose
Cherry Liqueur
- Why: Adds depth with sweet and tart cherry notes. Without it: You'd miss the fruity undertone that's key to the cocktail's profile.
- Alternatives: A splash of cherry syrup can substitute in a pinch, but it's less complex.
Alex Green
Bénédictine
- Why: An herbal liqueur that gives a hint of spiciness and sweetness. Without it: The cocktail would lack its whisper of herbal mystery.
Mary Mitkina
Orange Curaçao
- Why: A dash brightens the cocktail with its subtle sweet orange flavor. Without it: You'd lose a layer of citrus complexity.
Emma Rose
Lime Juice
- Why: Adds a necessary zesty tang that balances the drink's sweetness. Without it: The cocktail might verge on too sweet.
Alex Green
Pineapple Juice
- Why: Provides tropical sweetness and contributes to the cocktail's body. Without it: The drink would feel less like a sunny escape.
Mary Mitkina
Grenadine
- Why: Just a touch imparts a rich color and a whisper of pomegranate sweetness. Without it: The drink would lack its signature pink hue and subtle fruity finish.
Emma Rose
Angostura Bitters
- Why: The dash offers a layer of complex spices that round out the cocktail. Without it: The drink would miss out on an extra dimension of flavor.
Alex Green
Club Soda
- Why: Its effervescence lightens up the drink and adds a refreshing finish. Without it: The cocktail might feel too heavy.
Mary Mitkina
Garnish: Orange Slice, Maraschino Cherry
- Why: The garnish is the final flourish that adds aroma and appeal. Without it: Your Singapore Sling would miss that photogenic touch!
Emma Rose
Recipe. How to make Singapore Sling Drink
- Fill a cocktail shaker with ice
- Add gin, cherry liqueur, Bénédictine, orange curaçao, lime juice, pineapple juice, grenadine, and Angostura bitters
- Shake well until chilled
- Strain into a tall glass filled with fresh ice
- Top with club soda
- Garnish with an orange slice and a maraschino cherry
Pro Tips
- Shake the cocktail shaker vigorously to ensure all ingredients are well mixed
- Use fresh lime juice for a more vibrant flavor
- Chill the glass before pouring the cocktail to keep it cool for longer
Perfect Pairings
Appetizers
- Dim Sum: The varied flavors of the cocktail complement the assortment of fillings in dim sum.
- Satay: The mix of spices in satay are balanced by the sweet and tart notes of the Singapore Sling.
Main Courses
- Hainanese Chicken Rice: A dish with subtle flavors that won’t overpower the complexity of the cocktail.
- Spicy Curries: The fruity sweetness can cool down the heat from a spicy curry.
Desserts
- Tropical Fruit Salads: Echoes the pineapple juice in the cocktail.
- Pandan-flavored Desserts: The botanical notes from the gin and herbal liqueur complement the unique pandan flavor.
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What you could change in Singapore Sling
- Cherry Brandy can be used instead of Cherry Liqueur
- Lemon Juice can be used as a substitute for Lime Juice
- Simple Syrup can be used instead of Grenadine for a less sweet version
Explore all drinks starting with S here
And of course - twists🍹
Lychee Lush Sling
- Ingredients: Substitute cherry liqueur with lychee liqueur. Add a dash of rose water.
- Taste: This twist would introduce an exotic, floral sweetness with a hint of rose.
Sunset Sling
- Ingredients: Use blood orange juice instead of lime juice and add a float of dark rum.
- Taste: The darker citrus notes and rum give a richer, more sunset-like appearance and taste.
Ginger Zing Sling
- Ingredients: Add a small piece of fresh ginger muddled in the shaker and replace club soda with ginger beer.
- Taste: A spicy kick from the ginger, enhanced by the zest of ginger beer.
In case you forgot basics how to make Singapore Sling
Add your ingredients to the shaker first, then ice. Fill it up to ¾ of its capacity to ensure enough space for shaking. Hold the shaker with both hands (one on the top and one on the bottom) and shake vigorously. The shake should come from your shoulders, not your wrists.
Learn everything on how to shakePlace your chosen strainer on top of the shaker or mixing glass, ensuring a secure fit. Pour the cocktail into a glass through the strainer, which will catch solid ingredients and ice. If double straining, hold the fine mesh strainer between the shaker and the glass.
Learn everything on how to strainGarnishing a bar drink depends on the type of garnish and the cocktail. Generally, it involves preparing the garnish (like cutting a citrus wheel or picking a sprig of mint), and then adding it to the drink in a visually appealing way (like perching it on the rim or floating it on top).
Learn everything on garnishingFind the cocktail you'd love!
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Frequently Asked Questions on Singapore Sling
Can I use a different type of gin for the Singapore Sling?
Yes, you can use any type of gin that you prefer. Each type might slightly alter the taste of the cocktail.
What does the term 'sling' mean in the context of cocktails?
In cocktails, 'sling' originally referred to a North American drink composed of spirit and water, sweetened and flavored.
Is it necessary to use fresh pineapple juice in the Singapore Sling?
While fresh pineapple juice can enhance the taste of the cocktail, packaged juice can also be used.
Can I make my own cherry liqueur at home?
Yes, there are various recipes available online that guide you to make homemade cherry liqueur.
What drinkware is suitable for serving the Singapore Sling?
Traditionally, the Singapore Sling is served in a highball glass.
How does one measure a 'dash' of Angostura Bitters?
In bartending, a 'dash' is a unit of measurement equal to approximately 1 ml.
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