Singapore Sling

Instructions

1. Fill a cocktail shaker with ice cubes.

2. Add the Gin, Maraschino Liqueur, Cointreau, pineapple juice, lime juice, grenadine, and Angostura bitters to the shaker.

3. Secure the lid and shake vigorously for about 15-20 seconds, until the outside of the shaker feels very cold.

4. Fill a Highball glass with fresh ice cubes.

5. Strain the mixture from the shaker into the prepared glass.

6. Garnish with a fresh pineapple slice and a maraschino cherry.

Trivia

• What is a Singapore Sling?

  The Singapore Sling is a classic gin-based cocktail that originated in the early 20th century at the Long Bar in the Raffles Hotel, Singapore. It's known for its complex flavour profile, combining sweet, sour, fruity, and herbal notes, and its distinctive pink hue.

• What does a Singapore Sling taste like?

  A Singapore Sling offers a multi-layered taste experience. It's primarily sweet and fruity due to the pineapple juice, cherry liqueur, and grenadine, balanced by the tartness of lime juice. The gin provides a botanical backbone, Cointreau adds citrus depth, and Angostura bitters contribute a hint of spice and complexity.

• Where did the Singapore Sling originate?

  The Singapore Sling was created by bartender Ngiam Tong Boon around 1915 at the Long Bar within the famous Raffles Hotel in Singapore. It was designed as a socially acceptable way for women to consume alcohol publicly at a time when etiquette dictated otherwise, cleverly disguised as a simple fruit punch due to its pink colour.

• What gin is best for a Singapore Sling?

  A classic London Dry Gin works excellently in a Singapore Sling, providing the necessary juniper and botanical notes without overpowering the other ingredients. Choose a good quality gin that you enjoy, as it forms the base spirit of the cocktail.

• Is Bénédictine essential for a Singapore Sling?

  While many historical and modern recipes for the Singapore Sling include Bénédictine (an herbal liqueur), it's not strictly essential to make a delicious version, especially if you don't have it available. Our recipe focuses on easily accessible ingredients like Gin, Cherry Liqueur (Maraschino), Cointreau, Pineapple Juice, Lime Juice, Grenadine, and Bitters, which still create a complex and satisfying flavour profile reminiscent of the original.

• What glass is a Singapore Sling traditionally served in?

  The Singapore Sling is traditionally served in a tall glass, typically a Highball or a Hurricane glass. This accommodates the volume of the drink and ice, showcasing its appealing colour and allowing room for the signature pineapple and cherry garnish.