Paul Kushner
If you’re a cocktail enthusiast, you’ve probably heard of the Singapore Sling. This classic gin-based cocktail has been around for over a century and is a favorite among drinkers worldwide. The Singapore Sling is a semi-sweet, fruity punch that packs a complex flavor. It’s made with gin, cherry liqueur, Benedictine, pineapple juice, lime juice, and a dash of bitters.
The cocktail is then topped with club soda and garnished with an orange slice and cherry. The result is a refreshing and delicious drink that’s perfect for any occasion, whether you’re sipping it on a hot summer day or enjoying it at a cocktail party with friends. The Singapore Sling has become so popular that it’s been recognized as the official cocktail of the International Bartenders Association (IBA) and is even considered the national drink of Singapore. If you’re looking to impress your guests at your next cocktail party, the Singapore Sling is a must-try. With its delightful combination of sweet and sour flavors, it’s sure to be a crowd-pleaser.
History
If you’re a fan of classic cocktails, you’ve probably heard of the Singapore Sling.
This iconic cocktail has a fascinating history that dates back to the early 1900s. The Singapore Sling was first created in 1915 by Ngiam Tong Boon, a bartender working at the Long Bar in the Raffles Hotel in Singapore. The original recipe for the drink is somewhat of a mystery, as there are many variations of the cocktail. However, it is generally agreed that the drink is a type of sling, which is a type of cocktail made with a spirit, sugar, water, and bitters.
The Singapore Sling gained popularity in the 1920s and 1930s, thanks in part to its inclusion in The Savoy Cocktail Book by Harry Craddock. This book was one of the most influential cocktail books of the time, and helped to establish the Singapore Sling as a classic cocktail. The drink was also popularized by the Raffles Hotel, which became known as the birthplace of the Singapore Sling. The hotel’s Long Bar was a popular spot for locals and tourists alike, and it was here that patrons would toss peanut shells on the floor, a tradition that continues to this day.
Despite its popularity, the Singapore Sling fell out of favor in the mid-20th century. However, in recent years, the cocktail has experienced a resurgence in popularity, thanks in part to the rise of craft cocktails and the popularity of classic cocktails. Today, the Singapore Sling remains a beloved classic cocktail, and it is still served at the Long Bar in the Raffles Hotel. If you’re interested in learning how to make this delicious drink, there are many resources available, including online tutorials and masterclasses.
How to Make It
Making a Singapore Sling cocktail is easy and requires only a few ingredients, most of which are readily available. Here is a step-by-step guide on how to make this classic cocktail.
Singapore Sling
To make a Singapore Sling, you will need the following ingredients:
Ingredients
- 1 1/2 oz. gin
- 1/2 oz. cherry brandy or cherry liqueur
- 1/4 oz. Cointreau or orange liqueur
- 1/4 oz. Bénédictine or any herbal liqueur
- 2 oz. pineapple juice
- 3/4 oz. lime juice
- 1/4 oz. grenadine
- 1 dash Angostura bitters
- Club soda, chilled, to top
- Ice
- Pineapple slice and cherry, for garnish
Instructions
- Fill a hurricane glass with ice and set it aside.
- In a cocktail shaker, add the gin, cherry brandy, Cointreau, Bénédictine, pineapple juice, lime juice, grenadine, and bitters.
- Fill the shaker with ice and shake until well-chilled.
- Strain the mixture into the prepared hurricane glass.
- Top with club soda.
- Garnish with a pineapple slice and a cherry.
That’s it! Your delicious Singapore Sling cocktail is ready to be enjoyed. Remember to drink responsibly and never drink and drive.
Variations
If you’re looking to mix things up with your Singapore Sling, there are plenty of variations to try. Here are a few ideas to get you started:
The Original Singapore Sling
The original recipe for the Singapore Sling includes gin, cherry brandy, Benedictine, Cointreau, pineapple juice, lime juice, grenadine, and Angostura bitters. This classic recipe is still a favorite for many.
The Fruit Punch Sling
For a sweeter take on the classic, try adding fresh pineapple juice and a sweetener like simple syrup or honey to your Singapore Sling. This variation is perfect for those who prefer a fruitier taste.
The Kirsch Sling
For a more complex flavor, try adding Kirsch (a cherry liqueur) to your Singapore Sling. This variation adds a slightly bitter note to the sweet cocktail.
The Triple Sec Sling
If you’re a fan of orange flavors, try adding Triple Sec (an orange-flavored liqueur) to your Singapore Sling. This variation adds a citrusy twist to the classic cocktail.
The Savoy Sling
The Savoy Cocktail Book includes a recipe for the “Savoy Sling,” which adds a few extra ingredients to the classic recipe, including Kirsch, lemon juice, and soda water. This variation is a bit more complex but still delicious.
No matter which variation you choose, be sure to garnish your Singapore Sling with a cherry and an orange slice for the perfect finishing touch.
What are the ingredients in a classic Singapore Sling?
A classic Singapore Sling typically includes gin, cherry liqueur, Cointreau, pineapple juice, lime juice, grenadine, and Angostura bitters. Some variations may include other ingredients like Benedictine, orange bitters, or triple sec.
What is the history behind the Singapore Sling cocktail?
The Singapore Sling was first created in the early 1900s at the Raffles Hotel in Singapore by bartender Ngiam Tong Boon. It was initially called the “Straits Sling” and was made with gin, cherry brandy, and other ingredients. Over time, the recipe evolved into the modern-day Singapore Sling that we know today.
How do you make a non-alcoholic Singapore Sling mocktail?
To make a non-alcoholic Singapore Sling mocktail, simply omit the gin and other alcoholic ingredients and replace them with non-alcoholic alternatives. For example, you can use cranberry juice instead of cherry liqueur and orange juice instead of Cointreau. The rest of the ingredients can remain the same.
What is the alcohol percentage in a Singapore Sling?
The alcohol percentage in a Singapore Sling can vary depending on the recipe and the amount of alcohol used. On average, a classic Singapore Sling contains around 15-20% alcohol by volume (ABV).
What are some variations of the Singapore Sling recipe?
There are many variations of the Singapore Sling recipe, some of which include different ingredients or ratios of ingredients. For example, some recipes may include pineapple juice, lemon juice, or different types of liqueurs. One popular variation is the “Singapore Sling No. 2,” which uses Beefeater gin, pineapple juice, cherry liqueur, triple sec, Benedictine, lime juice, and Angostura bitters.
What does a Singapore Sling taste like?
A Singapore Sling is known for its sweet and fruity taste, with notes of cherry, pineapple, and citrus. The gin adds a subtle herbal flavor and the bitters provide a slightly bitter finish. Overall, it is a refreshing and balanced cocktail that is perfect for warm weather or tropical settings.
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