Singapore Sling

This post contains affiliate links. See my disclosure policy here.

Cocktail History

The Singapore Sling is a classic gin cocktail that was created by Ngiam Tong Boon in the early 1900s at the glamorous Raffles Hotel in Singapore. Although more modern recipes for this fruity drink call for fewer ingredients, this one made with gin, pineapple, citrus, cherry, Bénédictine, grenadine, aromatic bitters, and soda water is considered one of the tastiest and most universally liked versions out there.

Cocktail Ingredients

To make this cocktail, you’ll need the following ingredients:

Soda Water: This is a carbonated beverage made with water and dissolved carbon dioxide gas, which gives it a fizzy, neutral flavor.

Gin: This is a spirit made by redistilling a neutral spirit with juniper berries and other botanicals to develop a distinctive, aromatic flavor.

Pineapple Juice: This is the liquid extracted from the flesh of ripe pineapples that has a sweet, tangy tropical flavor and bright yellow color.

Lime Juice: This is the liquid extracted from the flesh of ripe limes that has a zesty, sour flavor and light green color.

Cherry Liqueur: This is a liqueur made with cherries, distilled alcohol, water, and sugar, which are blended and infused to develop a rich, fruity flavor.

Triple Sec: This is a liqueur made with bitter orange peels, distilled alcohol, water, and sugar, which are blended and infused to develop a sweet, bright citrus flavor.

Bènèdictine: This is a liqueur made in France with a blend of 27 herbs and spices, distilled alcohol, water, and sugar, which are blended and infused to develop a rich, herbal flavor.

Grenadine: This is a sweetener made with pomegranate juice and white sugar, which are heated and infused into a syrup with a deep, sweet-tart flavor.

Aromatic Bitters: This is a concentrated flavoring made with a blend of herbs, spices, roots, and botanicals, and distilled alcohol, which are macerated or steeped to develop an aromatic, bittersweet flavor.

Orange Slice: This is a slice of orange that has been cut into a half wheel shape.

Bartending Tools

To make this cocktail, you’ll need the following bar tools:

Jigger: This is used to measure and pour ingredients. I used the Japanese jigger from the A Bar Above 14-Piece Silver Bar Set.

Boston Shaker: This is used to shake ingredients. I used the Boston shaker from the A Bar Above 14-Piece Silver Bar Set.

Hawthorne Strainer: This is used to strain out ice and solid ingredients after the cocktail is shaken. I used the A Bar Above Hawthorne Strainer.

Pineapple Corer: This is used to remove the core of the pineapple before it’s juiced. I used the OXO Good Grips Stainless Steel Pineapple Corer.

Paring Knife: This is used to cut ingredients. I used the OXO Good Grips 3.5 Inch Paring Knife.

Juicer: This is used to juice citrus, fruits, and vegetables. I used the ALEEHAI Manual Fruit Juicer for the lime and the Hamilton Beach Large Juicer for the pineapple.

Tasting Notes

This cocktail has the following flavor profile:

• Appearance: Pink-red color

• Aroma: Fresh citrus and pineapple

• Taste: Slight botanical gin flavor along with tart pomegranate, cherry, and citrus

• Finish: Floral and herbal notes

Kendall’s Take: “I tried a few versions of the Singapore Sling before landing on the one I’m sharing. All of the mixers really mask the taste of the gin, making it a dangerously easy sip, and the carbonation is a refreshing touch I really liked. These have since become a go-to at home bar during the warmer months.”

Recipe

This cocktail recipe was adapted from The Essential Cocktail Book: A Complete Guide to Modern Drinks by the editors of PUNCH and Megan Krigbaum.