Singapore Sling Recipe – The Singapore Sling is one of the most iconic tropical cocktails in the world—a vibrant, fruity, and beautifully layered drink that originated at the historic Raffles Hotel in Singapore in the early 1900s. Known for its striking pink hue and refreshing, complex flavor, this cocktail perfectly balances sweetness, botanical gin notes, citrus brightness, and herbal undertones from liqueurs like Benedictine and cherry brandy.
The Singapore Sling Recipe remains a cornerstone of classic mixology, beloved by bartenders and cocktail enthusiasts for its depth and character.
Recipe Details
Prep Time: 10 minutes
Active Time: 10 minutes
Resting Time: 0 minutes
Total Time: 10 minutes
Cuisine: Singaporean / Cocktail
Course: Drinks / Cocktail
Servings: 1
Calories: ~230 calories per serving
Ingredients
For One Singapore Sling Cocktail:
-
1½ oz gin
-
½ oz cherry brandy
-
¼ oz Cointreau or triple sec
-
¼ oz Benedictine
-
4 oz pineapple juice
-
½ oz fresh lime juice
-
¼ oz grenadine
-
A dash of Angostura bitters
-
Soda water, to top (1–2 oz)
-
Ice
-
Pineapple wedge and cherry, for garnish
Equipment Needed
-
Cocktail shaker
-
Jigger
-
Highball or hurricane glass
-
Strainer
-
Bar spoon
-
Knife and cutting board
-
Ice
Instructions
Step 1: Chill Your Glass
Before mixing the drink, place a highball or hurricane glass in the freezer for a few minutes. A chilled glass helps keep the cocktail refreshing.
Step 2: Add Ingredients to a Shaker
Fill your shaker with ice and add:
-
Gin
-
Cherry brandy
-
Cointreau
-
Benedictine
-
Pineapple juice
-
Lime juice
-
Grenadine
-
Dash of bitters
These ingredients form the complex, fruity, and herbaceous backbone of the cocktail.
Step 3: Shake Thoroughly
Shake vigorously for 10–12 seconds. Pineapple juice froths when shaken, helping create the iconic creamy, foamy head of a Singapore Sling.
Step 4: Strain Into Your Glass
Fill your chilled glass with fresh ice and strain the mixture over it. The drink should display a vibrant red-pink color with a slight frothy top.
Step 5: Top With Soda Water
Add 1–2 oz of soda water to lighten and lengthen the cocktail. Stir gently to combine without disturbing the foam.
Step 6: Garnish and Serve
Add a pineapple wedge and maraschino cherry for a classic tropical look.
Serve immediately and enjoy the refreshing, multi-layered flavor.
Tips for a Perfect Singapore Sling
-
Use fresh lime juice for brightness.
-
Shake long enough to create a frothy top.
-
Don’t oversweeten; balance is key.
-
Add soda last to preserve the fizz.
-
Use clear ice for the best presentation.
-
Garnish generously for a true tropical feel.
Nutrition Information (Per Serving)
| Nutrient | Amount |
|---|---|
| Calories | 230 |
| Total Carbohydrates | 22g |
| Sugars | 19g |
| Protein | 1g |
| Fat | 0g |
| Fiber | 0g |
| Alcohol | ~18–22g |
| Sodium | 7mg |
Why You’ll Love This Cocktail
The Singapore Sling is:
-
Flavor-packed and complex
-
Visually stunning
-
Refreshing for warm weather
-
Ideal for special occasions
-
A timeless classic everyone should try
Its blend of fruit, herbs, sweetness, and spirits makes it one of the most enjoyable, memorable cocktails ever created.
Conclusion
The Singapore Sling is more than just a drink—it’s a piece of cocktail history, a symbol of tropical luxury, and a celebration of layered, vibrant flavors. By combining gin with cherry brandy, pineapple juice, Benedictine, citrus, and a touch of soda, you can create a refreshing, colorful, and timeless beverage that delights the senses from first sip to last.
