Singapore Sling

Singapore Sling

The Singapore Sling is a classic cocktail that has been enjoyed for over a century. This gin-based drink was created in the early 1900s at the Raffles Hotel in Singapore, and quickly gained popularity among travelers and locals alike. The drink’s unique combination of flavors, including gin, cherry liqueur, and pineapple juice, has made it a favorite among cocktail enthusiasts for generations.

The origins of the Singapore Sling can be traced back to the early 1900s, when a bartender named Ngiam Tong Boon began working at the Long Bar of the Raffles Hotel in Singapore. Boon was tasked with creating a new cocktail that would appeal to the hotel’s European clientele. After experimenting with different ingredients, he finally settled on a combination of gin, cherry liqueur, pineapple juice, and a dash of grenadine. This drink was named the Singapore Sling, and quickly became a favorite among the hotel’s guests.

Directions

1. Fill a shaker with ice
2. Add 45ml/1.5oz of Gin
3. Add 15ml/.5oz of Cherry Liqueur
4. Add 18ml/.25oz of Cointreau
5. Add 18ml/.25oz of Benedictine
6. Add 60ml/2oz of Pineapple Juice
7. Add 15ml/.5oz of Lime Juice
8. Add 8ml/.25oz of Grenadine
9. Shake well and strain into a chilled Collins glass.
10. Garnish with a Cherry and Pineapple Wedge.

One of the key characteristics of the Singapore Sling is its bright red color, which is due to the grenadine and cherry liqueur. The drink is also known for its complex and balanced flavor, which is the result of the combination of gin, cherry liqueur, pineapple juice, and lime juice. The drink is known for being sweet and fruity, but with a tangy acidity from lime juice.

The Singapore Sling is a versatile cocktail that can be enjoyed any time of the year, but it is particularly popular during the hot summer months. Its tropical flavor and bright color make it the perfect drink to enjoy while lounging by the pool or at the beach.

However, the Singapore Sling is not just limited to summertime enjoyment. The drink can be enjoyed all year round and can be modified to suit different tastes and preferences. For example, if you prefer a sweeter drink, you may add a splash of grenadine or a teaspoon of sugar to the recipe. On the other hand, if you prefer a more tart flavor, you can adjust the ratio of pineapple juice to lime juice to suit your taste.