The Singapore Sling is more than just a cocktail. It is a mini vacation with a cherry on top. It is got that sweet and tart thing going on. Like a fruity punch that grew up and got a little wild.
One sip and you are transported to some rooftop bar in the middle of Singapore. The city lights bouncing off your glass. The air thick with that tropical heat.
It is got gin for that cool, crisp bite. Cherry brandy to keep things rich. Pineapple juice to keep it juicy and bright.
Whether you are hosting a party or hanging solo, the Singapore Sling is that drink that takes a regular night and turns it into a story.
What It Is and Where It Comes From
The Singapore Sling is not just any cocktail. It is a piece of history poured over ice.
Back in 1915, a bartender at the Raffles Hotel in Singapore whipped it up. The idea was simple. Make a drink that looked like fruit punch but packed a little something extra.
It was all about the ladies. Back then, women were not supposed to be seen drinking booze. So the bartender created this sweet, rosy drink that looked all innocent but had a kick.
The original recipe was all about gin, cherry brandy, and pineapple juice. It was tropical, juicy, a little fancy. Over the years, people added their own spins. A splash of lime juice, a dash of grenadine, a hint of bitters.
Today, the Singapore Sling is a classic. It is bright, bold, a little over the top. A drink that is as much a mood as it is a cocktail.
Tips to Make The Perfect Singapore Sling at Home
Making a Singapore Sling that hits just right is all about balancing those bold flavors. Here is how to get it right:
- Garnish Like You Mean It: Go big with the garnish. A fat pineapple wedge and a bright maraschino cherry are not just for looks. They add that last hit of sweetness and a little tropical flair.
- Choose the Right Gin: Go for a gin that is crisp and not too floral. You want the botanicals to come through without overpowering the other flavors.
- Fresh Pineapple Juice: If you can, use fresh pineapple juice. The canned stuff can taste too sweet and syrupy. Fresh keeps it bright and juicy.
- Grenadine Matters: Go for a real grenadine made from pomegranate juice. It is richer, less candy-sweet, and gives that deep, rosy color without looking fake.
- Get the Fizz Right: Club soda is what gives the drink that lift. Pour it over the top just before serving so the bubbles stay fresh.
- Chill Your Glass: Pop your glass in the freezer for a few minutes before you pour. A frosty glass keeps the Sling cooler longer and makes it look extra sharp.
Singapore Sling Cocktail Food Pairing Ideas
The Singapore Sling is sweet, tart, and just a little boozy. It needs snacks that can stand up to all that flavor. Here is what works:
Spicy Shrimp Skewers: The heat from the shrimp balances the sweet cherry and pineapple notes in the drink.
Sweet and Sour Chicken Wings: Sticky, tangy wings match the sweet and tart vibe without overpowering it.
Coconut Macaroons: The creamy, chewy coconut adds a tropical touch that plays off the fruity flavors.
Mango Salsa and Tortilla Chips: The brightness of the mango and lime keeps things fresh while the salt from the chips cuts through the sweetness.
Crispy Spring Rolls: Light, crunchy, and packed with veggies. They keep it savory without weighing things down.
How to Make a Singapore Sling
This Singapore Sling is a delightful, fruity cocktail that combines the flavors of gin, cherry brandy, and pineapple juice. The taste is refreshingly sweet with a hint of tartness, perfectly complemented by the herbal notes of the bitters.
Ingredients
- 1 1/2 oz Gin
- 1/2 oz Cherry brandy
- 1/4 oz Cointreau
- 1/4 oz Benedictine
- 1 oz Pineapple juice
- 1/2 oz Lime juice
- 1/2 oz Grenadine
- 1 dash Angostura bitters
- Club soda to top
- Garnish: slice of pineapple and maraschino cherry
Zero-Proof Version: Swap the gin for a botanical non-alcoholic spirit like Seedlip Grove or Lyre’s Dry London. Skip the Brandy, Cointreau and Benedictine. Add a dash of alcohol-free bitters and top with sparkling water. Garnish with a pineapple slice and maraschino cherry for that classic Sling look.
Instructions
- Mix Ingredients: In a shaker filled with ice, combine the gin, cherry brandy, Cointreau, Benedictine, pineapple juice, lime juice, grenadine, and bitters.
- Shake: Shake well until the mixture is chilled.
- Strain: Strain into a glass filled with ice.
- Top Off: Top with club soda to your desired fizz level.
- Garnish: Garnish with a slice of pineapple and a maraschino cherry.
Prep Times
- Prep Time: 5 minutes
- Total Time: 5 minutes
Nutrition Information
- Servings: 1 cocktail
- Calories: 339kcal
- Fat: 0g
- Protein: 1g
- Carbohydrates: 38g
Singapore Sling Variations to Try
The Singapore Sling is a classic, but it is easy to remix. Here are a few ways to switch it up:
Tropical Sling: Swap the gin for coconut rum for a sweeter, more tropical vibe.
Berry Sling: Muddle some fresh raspberries or blackberries with the lime juice for a fruity twist.
Spicy Sling: Add a splash of chili-infused simple syrup for a little heat that balances the sweetness.
Minty Sling: Add a few mint leaves to the shaker for a cool, herbal hit that freshens up every sip.
Need inspiration for some other cocktails that use different types of liqueur? Why not try a Sidecar or a Corpse Reviver No 2?
To pin for later:
Singapore Sling Cocktail Recipe
Sip on the original flavors of an authentic Singapore Sling! Perfectly balanced and full of tropical charm, this cocktail is a classic for a reason.
Ingredients
- 45 ml Gin
- 15 ml Cherry brandy
- 8 ml Cointreau
- 18 ml Benedictine
- 30 ml Pineapple juice
- 15 ml Lime juice
- 15 ml Grenadine
- 1 dash Angostura bitters
- Club soda to top
- Garnish: slice of pineapple and maraschino cherry
Instructions
- Mix Ingredients: In a shaker filled with ice, combine the gin, cherry brandy, Cointreau, Benedictine, pineapple juice, lime juice, grenadine, and bitters.
- Shake: Shake well until the mixture is chilled.
- Strain: Strain into a glass filled with ice.
- Top Off: Top with club soda to your desired fizz level.
- Garnish: Garnish with a slice of pineapple and a maraschino cherry.
Notes
Zero-Proof Version: Swap the gin for a botanical non-alcoholic spirit like Seedlip Grove or Lyre’s Dry London. Skip the Brandy, Cointreau and Benedictine. Add a dash of alcohol-free bitters and top with sparkling water. Garnish with a pineapple slice and maraschino cherry for that classic Sling look.
