Authentic Singapore Sling Cocktail Recipe – Classic Tropical Drink

Singapore Sling Cocktail Recipe –  is a legendary tropical drink with roots in early 20th-century colonial Singapore. Invented around 1915 by bartender Ngiam Tong Boon at the iconic Raffles Hotel’s Long Bar, this colorful cocktail was created as a socially acceptable alcoholic beverage for women during a time when it was frowned upon for them to drink in public. Its pink hue and fruity flavors made it a hit, not only in Singapore but across the globe.

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The drink’s history is as complex as its ingredients. Originally a gin-based cocktail mixed with cherry brandy and citrus, it evolved over time into numerous variations. However, modern mixologists have attempted to stay true to its spirit with a blend of herbal, sweet, and sour notes, often topped with soda water to give it a refreshing finish.

Recipe Overview

Prep Time: 5 minutes
Active Time: 5 minutes
Resting Time: 0 minutes
Total Time: 5 minutes
Cuisine: Singaporean
Course: Drinks / Cocktails
Servings: 1
Calories: Approximately 200 kcal per serving

Equipment Needed

• Cocktail shaker

• Jigger or measuring tool

• Bar spoon

• Strainer

• Highball or hurricane glass

• Ice cubes

Ingredients

• 1 1/2 oz gin

• 1/2 oz cherry liqueur (such as Cherry Heering)

• 1/4 oz Cointreau (optional but adds complexity)

• 1/4 oz Bénédictine liqueur (for herbal depth)

• 1 oz pineapple juice

• 1/2 oz lime juice (freshly squeezed)

• 1/3 oz grenadine

• A dash of Angostura bitters

• Club soda (to top)

• Ice cubes

• Garnish: Pineapple wedge and maraschino cherry

Nutrition

Instructions

1. Prepare the shaker:
   Fill a cocktail shaker with ice cubes to chill it.

2. Add the ingredients:
   Pour in the gin, cherry liqueur, Cointreau, Bénédictine, pineapple juice, lime juice, grenadine, and a dash of bitters.

3. Shake well:
   Shake vigorously for about 10–15 seconds to combine and chill all ingredients thoroughly.

4. Strain and serve:
   Strain the cocktail into a highball or hurricane glass filled with fresh ice.

5. Top with soda:
   Top the drink with a splash of club soda for a refreshing finish.

6. Garnish and enjoy:
   Garnish with a pineapple wedge and a maraschino cherry. Serve immediately and enjoy the fruity complexity of this tropical classic.

Flavor Profile

• Sweetness: Medium to high from grenadine and pineapple juice

• Citrus: Balanced tartness from lime juice

• Herbal & floral: Complex layers from Bénédictine and bitters

• Fruity: Bright cherry and pineapple notes

• Finish: Refreshing with a slight bitter edge and soda fizz

Serving Suggestions

Pair your Singapore Sling with:

• Light appetizers like shrimp cocktails or satay skewers

• Tropical fruit platters

• Summer salads with citrus vinaigrette

• Asian fusion dishes like Thai chicken wings or spring rolls

Tips & Variations

• No Bénédictine? You can skip it, but you’ll lose the herbal depth. A touch of herbal liqueur like Dom Bénédictine or Yellow Chartreuse can substitute.

• Sweeter version: Increase grenadine or pineapple juice slightly.

• Tiki twist: Serve in a tiki mug with crushed ice and elaborate garnishes for a festive presentation.

• Batched version: Multiply ingredients by the number of servings, shake in batches, and serve in a punch bowl topped with soda.

Final Thoughts

Whether you’re a cocktail enthusiast or just craving a fruity escape, this Singapore Sling Cocktail Recipe brings a touch of old-world charm and tropical flair right to your glass. Sip, savor, and be transported to the breezy verandas of 1915 Singapore. Cheers!

tisha