Singapore Sling

The Singapore Sling is one of the world’s most iconic tropical cocktails, created in the early 20th century at the legendary Raffles Hotel in Singapore. This vibrant pink drink combines gin with tropical fruit juices, cherry liqueur, and a complex blend of liqueurs, creating a sophisticated yet refreshing cocktail that has captivated drinkers for over a century.

With its beautiful color, exotic flavors, and storied history, the Singapore Sling represents the golden age of tropical cocktails and remains a must-try for any cocktail enthusiast.

Instructions

1. Prepare your shaker: Fill a cocktail shaker with ice cubes.

2. Add all ingredients: Pour in the gin, cherry Sangue Morlacco, Cointreau, DOM Bénédictine, fresh pineapple juice, fresh lime juice, grenadine syrup, and a dash of Angostura bitters.

3. Shake vigorously: Shake well for 15-20 seconds until the mixture is thoroughly chilled and combined.

4. Strain: Strain the mixture into a Hurricane glass filled with fresh ice.

5. Garnish: Add a pineapple wedge and a maraschino cherry for the classic presentation.

6. Serve immediately: Enjoy your Singapore Sling while it’s cold and refreshing!

Tips

• Fresh juices are essential: The pineapple and lime juices must be freshly squeezed for the authentic tropical flavor. Bottled juices simply won’t compare.
• Cherry liqueur variations: While Cherry Sangue Morlacco is traditional, Cherry Heering is the most commonly used cherry brandy in Singapore Slings.
• Balance is key: The drink should balance sweet, sour, and bitter notes. Adjust the grenadine if you prefer it less sweet.
• Presentation matters: The Singapore Sling is a showstopper. Use a tall glass and garnish generously for the full experience.
• Make it a Collins: Some bartenders serve it in a Collins glass instead of a Hurricane glass for a more elegant presentation.

Ingredient Spotlight

DOM Bénédictine: This French herbal liqueur adds complexity with its blend of 27 herbs and spices, including hyssop, angelica, and lemon balm. It’s an essential component that sets the Singapore Sling apart from simpler tropical drinks.

Cherry Sangue Morlacco: An authentic Italian cherry liqueur that provides deep cherry flavor without being overly sweet. If unavailable, Cherry Heering is the traditional substitute.

History

The Singapore Sling was created around 1915 by Ngiam Tong Boon, a bartender at the Raffles Hotel’s Long Bar in Singapore. The cocktail was designed to appeal to the sophisticated tastes of the hotel’s international clientele while showcasing tropical ingredients.

The drink quickly gained fame and became synonymous with Singapore’s colonial-era glamour. During the hotel’s heyday, it was sipped by literary giants like Somerset Maugham and Rudyard Kipling.

Interestingly, the original recipe was lost for many years, and what we drink today is a recreation based on bartenders’ memories and historical research. The Raffles Hotel now serves their version to thousands of visitors annually, with peanut shells traditionally scattered on the Long Bar floor as a nod to its casual, colonial atmosphere.

Variations

• Classic Singapore Sling: Uses Cherry Heering instead of Cherry Sangue Morlacco
• Modern Singapore Sling: Some recipes add club soda for extra fizz
• 1915 Original: Historical recipes sometimes included additional bitters and less grenadine

The Singapore Sling is more than a cocktail—it’s a journey to the exotic East, a taste of colonial history, and a masterclass in balanced tropical mixology.

Enjoy this legendary drink!