The Singapore Sling is a fruity and fun cocktail that’s sweet, herbaceous and tart. It’s also easy to make at home despite its long laundry list of ingredients.
We were initally skeptical about the Singapore Sling recipe since it has a long list of ingredients. However, as soon as we crafted our first one, we knew we’d want more. Not only is the Singapore Sling super easy to craft despite its many ingredients, but it also tastes great thanks to its mix of tropical and cherry flavors.
What Is the Singapore Sling?
The Singapore Sling takes the sling concept to the next level. While traditional sling recipes include a spirit, a sweetener and water, this classic pre-Prohibition cocktail is crafted with no fewer than eight ingredients plus garnishes. Sure, you could can corners by using fewer ingredients, or even sour mix, but doing so will result in a lesser drink.
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History of the Singapore Sling
Despite its status as a top tiki cocktail, the Singapore Sling’s roots aren’t in the Carribean. Instead, as its name suggest, it was invented in the Asian island nation of Singapore.
Legend has it that bartender Ngaim Tong Boon invented the classic cocktail in 1915 at the Raffles Hotel’s Long Bar. Originally called a Gin Sling, the punch-like drink was a favorite of female customers who didn’t want to to be seen imbibing manly cocktails. Over time, the cocktail achieved global fame and appeared in books like Harry Craddock’s The Savory Cocktail Book and movies like Fear and Loathing in Las Vegas.
While Boon’s original recipe, which was apparently lost at some point during the past century, included just a few ingredients, the Raffles Hotel’s official Singapore Sling recipe now includes eight ingredients plus garnishes. The change hasn’t slowed down sales – crowds flock to the Long Bar to sip Singapore Slings despite the cocktail’s hefty price tag (currently more than the equivalent of $35 USD).
Ingredients
While we shelled out the big bucks to sip a Singapore Sling in Singapore back in 2006, the cheaper and easier option is to make and drink this colorful cocktail at home. Here’s everything you need for this recipe:
Ingredient quantities are detailed in the printable recipe card below.
How to Craft a Singapore Sling
Add a dash of Angustura bitters.
Drop a handful of ice into the shaker and shake until the ingredients are chilled and combined – approximately 10 seconds.
Strain the shaken cocktail into an ice-filled highball or hurricane glass.
Garnish with a pineapple wedge and maraschino cherry.
Top the cocktail with fizzy water.
Add a colorful paper umbrella if you’re feeling festive. Otherwise, simply sip the fun and fruity cocktail.
Variations
Once you craft a classic Singapore Sling cocktail, feel free to tweak the recipe to your liking. Here are some ideas to get you started:
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Frequently Asked Questions
The Singapore Sling is a fruity cocktail that’s crafted with Angostura bitters, Benedictine, Cherry Heering, Cointreau, gin, grenadine, lime juice and pineapple juice . A pineapple wedge and maraschino cherry complete the cocktail.
The Singapore Sling was invented at the Raffles Hotel in Singapore.
Angostura Bitters, Benedictine, Cherry Heering, Cointreau, Gin, Grenadine, Lime Juice, Pineapple Juice, Ice Cubes, Fizzy Water, a Pineapple Wedge and a Maraschino Cherry
The Singapore Sling is shaken, not stirred.
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Add ice to a shaker.
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Pour the Benedictine, Cherry Heering, Cointreau, gin, grenadine, lime juice and pineapple juice into the shaker. Add a dash of Angostura bitters.
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Shake until the liquids are combined and chilled – approximately 10 seconds.
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Strain into an ice-filled highball or hurricane class.
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Garnish with a pineapple wedge and a maraschino cherry. Add a paper umbrella if you’re feeling fancy.
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Top off with fizzy water.
