Singapore Sling

Singapore Sling

Alessandro Scire Calabrisotto

Singapore Sling: A Classic Cocktail with Exotic Flair

The Singapore Sling is a cocktail that exudes sophistication and mystery. Born in the early 20th century, this vibrant and complex drink combines the elegance of gin with tropical flavors, resulting in a refreshing yet bold experience. With its iconic pink hue and blend of flavors, the Singapore Sling has become one of the most beloved cocktails in the world. Whether you’re sipping it in a swanky bar or enjoying it at a tropical resort, the Singapore Sling brings a touch of glamour to any occasion.

History of the Singapore Sling Cocktail

The history of the Singapore Sling is as rich and layered as the cocktail itself. It was created in 1915 by Ngiam Tong Boon, a bartender at the legendary Raffles Hotel in Singapore. Originally, the drink was concocted to appeal to the ladies of high society, providing a less potent but still complex alternative to stronger, more masculine cocktails like the gin and tonic.

Ngiam’s creation was a hit, and the Singapore Sling quickly became a signature drink of the hotel, helping cement Raffles' status as a world-renowned destination. The original recipe was a closely guarded secret, but over time, various versions of the drink have emerged, each incorporating slightly different proportions of ingredients.

Although the exact recipe has evolved over the years, the core ingredients—gin, cherry brandy, and fruit juices—remain a constant. The cocktail’s tropical flavors make it the perfect drink for enjoying on warm, sunny days, but its complexity ensures that it also delights those with a more discerning palate.

The Singapore Sling Cocktail Recipe

The Singapore Sling is a cocktail that strikes a balance between sweetness, tartness, and herbal complexity. Here's how you can make this iconic drink:

Ingredients:

  • 1 ½ oz gin
  • ½ oz cherry brandy (or Heering cherry liqueur)
  • ¼ oz Cointreau
  • ¼ oz Benedictine
  • ¾ oz fresh lime juice
  • 1 oz pineapple juice
  • ¼ oz grenadine
  • 2 dashes Angostura bitters
  • Ice cubes
  • Pineapple wedge and cherry for garnish

Execution:

  1. Fill a cocktail shaker with ice cubes.
  2. Add the gin, cherry brandy, Cointreau, Benedictine, lime juice, pineapple juice, grenadine, and bitters to the shaker.
  3. Shake vigorously to combine and chill the ingredients.
  4. Strain the mixture into a highball or sling glass filled with ice cubes.
  5. Garnish with a pineapple wedge and a maraschino cherry.
  6. Serve and enjoy!

Additional Tips

  • Cherry Brandy: Heering cherry liqueur is the most common choice for cherry brandy, though some variations of the recipe may use a different cherry liqueur. The cherry flavor is a key element that gives the Singapore Sling its signature taste.
  • Garnishes: Garnishing the Singapore Sling with a maraschino cherry and a pineapple wedge not only adds to its visual appeal but enhances the tropical flavors of the drink.
  • Customization: Feel free to experiment with the proportions of fruit juices. Some bartenders prefer a slightly more tart version, while others prefer a sweeter, fruit-forward drink. The choice of gin is also important; a London Dry gin will give the cocktail a more herbal, dry finish, while a smoother gin may make it feel more rounded.

Curious Facts About the Singapore Sling

  • The Raffles Connection: While the Raffles Hotel in Singapore is the birthplace of the Singapore Sling, there are several versions of the cocktail floating around, and many bars around the world claim to have their own “authentic” recipe. However, the original version created by Ngiam Tong Boon remains a classic.
  • A Worldwide Icon: The Singapore Sling has become synonymous with tropical sophistication. Whether served in Singapore, Hong Kong, or New York, this cocktail exudes a sense of escapism, offering a little taste of the exotic.
  • Pineapple Juice: The use of pineapple juice in the cocktail adds a refreshing element, perfectly complementing the gin and cherry brandy. In some variations, bartenders may swap pineapple juice for orange juice to tweak the flavor profile.
  • Raffles’ Secret: While the modern-day recipe is widely available, the original formula for the Singapore Sling was kept secret for many years by the Raffles Hotel. Today, the hotel serves a variation of the original drink to guests, continuing the tradition.

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