Singapore Sling

Singapore Sling is a bright, elegant classic with juicy pineapple, citrus, and subtle herbal notes. It tastes smooth, refreshing, and lightly spiced, making every sip feel vibrant and balanced. This cocktail recipe is ideal for warm evenings, casual entertaining, or anyone who wants to learn how to enjoy a timeless gin drink with a polished, modern feel.

Glass

Hurricane glass

Prep Time

5 min

Difficulty

Medium

Alchol

Ingredients

1

1 1/2 oz gin

2

1/2 oz Cherry Heering

3

1/4 oz Cointreau

4

1/4 oz Benedictine

5

4 oz pineapple juice

6

1/2 oz lime juice

7

1/3 oz grenadine

8

1 dash Angostura bitters

9

Garnish: pineapple slice

10

Garnish: maraschino cherry

Steps

1

Step 1

Fill a cocktail shaker with ice, then add gin, cherry liqueur, Cointreau, Benedictine, pineapple juice, lime juice, grenadine, and Angostura bitters.
2

Step 2

Shake well until the mixture is thoroughly chilled and properly combined.
3

Step 3

Strain the cocktail into a tall glass filled with fresh ice.
4

Step 4

Garnish with a pineapple slice and a cherry, then serve immediately.

Flavor Profile

History

The Singapore Sling was created in the early 1900s at the Long Bar in Raffles Hotel, Singapore. It is widely credited to bartender Ngiam Tong Boon, who designed it as a stylish and approachable gin cocktail. Over time, the Singapore Sling became one of the most famous tropical cocktails and a lasting symbol of Singapore’s bar culture.

FAQ

What is a Singapore Sling made of?
A classic Singapore Sling is built around gin, cherry liqueur, citrus juice, and pineapple juice, with supporting ingredients like Benedictine, Cointreau, and grenadine. The exact recipe can vary a bit, but it is usually fruity, bright, and lightly herbal.
How strong is a Singapore Sling?
A Singapore Sling is moderately strong, but it often tastes lighter than it is because of the fruit juices and sweeteners. In most versions, it lands somewhere around the strength of a standard cocktail, depending on the pour and recipe.
What does a Singapore Sling taste like?
It tastes fruity, slightly sweet, and citrusy, with a gentle gin backbone and a hint of spice or herbs. Pineapple and cherry notes are usually most noticeable, balanced by a fresh, smooth finish.
Can I make a Singapore Sling without cherry liqueur?
Yes, you can still make a good version without cherry liqueur, though the flavor will be a little different. A small amount of cherry syrup or another fruit liqueur can help keep some of the drink’s signature fruitiness.
What is the best gin for a Singapore Sling?
A classic London dry gin works especially well because it gives the drink structure without overpowering the fruit and citrus. If you prefer a softer profile, a more floral gin can also work, but it may change the overall balance.
Is the Singapore Sling served shaken or stirred?
It is usually shaken with ice to blend the juices, spirits, and liqueurs properly. Shaking also helps give the cocktail its cold, refreshing texture before it is strained or poured over fresh ice.