The Singapore Sling is a classic cocktail with a rich history, originating from the Long Bar at the Raffles Hotel in Singapore. Created in the early 20th century by bartender Ngiam Tong Boon, this drink is a refreshing blend of gin, liqueurs, pineapple juice, and a dash of bitters, topped with club soda. It is a variant of the Gin Sling, a type of single-serving punch, and has evolved over the years, with numerous variations and interpretations.
Ingredients for a Singapore Sling
Here’s a breakdown of the ingredients you’ll need to craft your own Singapore Sling:
- Gin: 30 ml (1 oz) – The base spirit, providing a botanical foundation.
- Cherry Liqueur: 15 ml (0.5 oz) Cherry Sangue Morlacco or Heering Cherry Liqueur adds a fruity sweetness and the drink’s signature red hue.
- Orange Liqueur: 7.5 ml (0.25 oz) Cointreau or Grand Marnier, contributes citrus notes and complexity.
- Herbal Liqueur: 7.5 ml (0.25 oz) DOM Bénédictine, an herbal liqueur that adds depth and spice.
- Pineapple Juice: 120 ml (4 oz) Fresh pineapple juice is essential for the cocktail’s tropical flavor.
- Lime Juice: 15 ml (0.5 oz) Fresh lime juice balances the sweetness with acidity.
- Grenadine: 10 ml (0.33 oz) Adds sweetness and a vibrant color.
- Angostura Bitters: A dash for added complexity.
- Club Soda: To top, providing effervescence.
Alternative ingredient measurements
- Gin: 3/4 ounce
- Benedictine: 1/4 ounce
- Grand Marnier: 1/4 ounce
- Heering cherry liqueur: 1/4 ounce
- Pineapple juice: 1 ounce
- Lime juice: 1/2 ounce
- Angostura bitters: 1 dash
- Club soda: to top
How to Make a Singapore Sling: Step-by-Step Instructions
- Combine Ingredients: Pour all ingredients – gin, cherry liqueur, Cointreau, Bénédictine, pineapple juice, lime juice, grenadine, and Angostura bitters – into a cocktail shaker filled with ice cubes.
- Shake Well: Shake the mixture vigorously until well-chilled.
- Strain: Strain the mixture into a Hurricane glass filled with ice.
- Top with Soda: Top the glass with club soda.
- Garnish: Garnish with a pineapple wedge and a maraschino cherry.
Tips for the Perfect Singapore Sling
- Fresh Ingredients: Using fresh pineapple and lime juice is key to achieving the best flavor.
- Balance: Adjust the amount of grenadine to your preference, depending on how sweet you like your cocktail.
- Chilling: Ensure all ingredients are well-chilled before mixing.
- Shaking: Shake the cocktail shaker vigorously to properly combine and chill the ingredients.
The History and Evolution of the Singapore Sling
The Singapore Sling was first created in the early 20th century at the Long Bar in Singapore’s Raffles Hotel by bartender Ngiam Tong Boon. It was conceived as a way for women to enjoy alcohol in a socially acceptable manner. The original recipe was a variation of the Gin Sling, a type of single-serving punch popular at the time. Over the years, the recipe has evolved, with different versions appearing in various cocktail books and bars.
Early Recipes
The earliest published version of the recipe appeared in “The Savoy Cocktail Book,” a 1930 classic written by Harry Craddock. Subsequent recipes followed, and by 1948, David A. Embury provided another variation. These early recipes often differed in their proportions and ingredients, reflecting the evolving nature of the cocktail.
Modern Interpretations
Today, there are countless variations of the Singapore Sling, with bartenders and enthusiasts putting their own spin on the classic recipe. Some versions use cherry brandy instead of cherry liqueur, while others add a splash of grenadine for sweetness and color. Some modern recipes also call for the addition of a dash of bitters, such as Angostura or orange bitters, to enhance the complexity of the drink.
Variations on the Singapore Sling
- Straits Sling: A variation closer to what is recognized today as a Singapore Sling, using gin, Bénédictine, cherry brandy, lemon juice, Angostura bitters, and orange bitters, topped with soda water.
- Pink Gin Sling: An early 20th-century variation that may have been the precursor to the Singapore Sling, made with gin, grenadine, and pineapple juice.
The Singapore Sling at Raffles Hotel Today
The Raffles Hotel in Singapore still claims the Singapore Sling as its own, attributing its invention to Ngiam Tong Boon. Today, the Long Bar at the Raffles Hotel mixes thousands of Singapore Slings each year, maintaining the cocktail’s legacy and popularity.
