The Singapore Sling, a mix of gin, Grand Marnier, cherry liqueur, herbal liqueur (often Benedictine), pineapple, lime, bitters, and club soda, originated in the early 20th century at the renowned Long Bar in the Raffles hotel, Singapore.
Made by Raffles bartender Ngiam Tong Boon, the Singapore Sling is a spin-off of the Gin Sling, a popular single-serving punch. Its earliest recorded recipe can be found in “The Savoy Cocktail Book,” authored by Harry Craddock in 1930. Over time, variations emerged, leading David A. Embury to note in his 1948 book, “The Fine Art of Mixing Drinks,” that no two published recipes for the Singapore Sling were identical.
Singapore Sling Ingredients
- Gin (22 ml / 3/4 oz): The base of the cocktail, providing a crisp, botanical base.
- Benedictine (7 ml / 1/4 oz): A French herbal liqueur that adds depth with its blend of 27 herbs and spices.
- Grand Marnier (7 ml / 1/4 oz): A luxurious orange-flavored liqueur that introduces a subtle citrus sweetness.
- Heering Cherry Liqueur (7 ml / 1/4 oz): Gives the cocktail its characteristic fruity undertone and rich color.
- Pineapple Juice (30 ml / 1 oz): Contributes a sweet and tart tropical flavor, enhancing the drink’s complexity.
- Lime Juice, Freshly Squeezed (15 ml / 1/2 oz): Adds freshness and balances the sweetness with its zesty acidity.
- Angostura Bitters (a dash): Adds a layer of spiciness and depth, tying all the flavors together.
- Club Soda (to top): Adds effervescence, lightening the drink and making it more refreshing.
- Garnish: An orange slice and a cherry add visual appeal and a hint of additional fruitiness.
Singapore Sling Recipe
- Combine and Shake: Start by adding the gin, Benedictine, Grand Marnier, Heering cherry liqueur, pineapple juice, lime juice, and bitters into a shaker filled with ice. Shake vigorously to ensure everything is well-blended and chilled to perfection.
- Serve with Finesse: Strain the mixture into a highball glass filled with fresh ice, creating a smooth, cold base for the drink. Top it off with chilled club soda to introduce a lively fizz that elevates the drinking experience.
- Garnish for Glory: Embellish the drink with a slice of orange and a cherry, adding a splash of color and a nod to the cocktail’s fruity undertones.
The Singapore Sling – A Tropical Delight
When mixed with precision, the Singapore Sling offers a tart, revitalizing, and exquisite taste. However, by the 1980s, like many tropical classics, the drink had devolved into a saccharine blend of gin, pre-made sweet-and-sour mix, and grenadine. Some establishments even dispensed a fluorescent red liquid from machines, while others hurriedly prepared inferior imitations for tourists.
Interestingly, even the famed Long Bar serves two versions: one derived from a pre-prepared batch resembling fruit punch and another meticulously crafted with fresh juices and hand-shaken. While opinions on cocktails may vary, the latter, artisanal rendition is regarded as the epitome of a well-balanced cocktail, demonstrating mastery in diverse ingredients without overpowering one another.
