Singapore Sling — A classic cocktail with a touch of Southeast Asian fruit and vanilla 🍍🍒🌺

The Singapore Sling, a classic Southeast Asian cocktail originating from the Long Bar at Raffles Hotel in Singapore, was created by bartender Ngiam Tong Boon in 1915. Its combination of various fruit juices and Western herbal liqueurs has made it a staple at high-end bars and parties in Southeast Asia and Hong Kong. This multi-layered cocktail boasts a vibrant color and is both sweet and refreshing. Highly recommended for lovers of fruity cocktails and complex Western flavors!

Singapore Sling Classic Recipe

• Gin 30-45 ml

• Cherry Heering/Brandy 15ml

• Cointreau 7.5-10 ml

• Benedictine DOM 7.5-10 ml

• 15ml fresh lemon/lime juice

• 60-120ml pineapple juice (fresh is better for a better flavor)

• Grenadine 10ml

• 1 drop Angostura Bitters

• Soda water/soda water as needed

• Ice cubes

• Pineapple slices, Maraschino cherries, and pineapple leaves for garnish

Preparation method

1. Add all ingredients except soda water and ice to a shaker and shake vigorously until cool and combined.

2. Strain the wine into a long shot glass/commander/hurricane glass filled with ice.

3. Add soda water to fill the glass and stir gently.

4. Decorate the rim of the cup with pineapple slices, cherries and pineapple leaves, and add a small umbrella to add a South Seas holiday style.

Taste and characteristics

The Singapore Sling boasts a unique sweet, fruity, and herbal aroma. Pineapple and pomegranate syrup impart a vibrant sweet and sour flavor, while Cointreau and Benedictine layer orange and herbal notes. The bitters enhance the drink's complexity. It's smooth, fruity, yet refreshing, with a vibrant red color and a refreshing, slightly tart finish. The finish is tinged with a lingering liqueur-style finish, evoking a tropical bar atmosphere.

Historical and cultural interests

• The Singapore Sling was born in the Raffles Hotel. It was originally designed as a "sister wine" to cater to the early female market. It is both eye-catching and easy to drink. The early recipe had less pineapple juice, but later it was added with more fruit juice to make it more popular in the Southeast Asian climate.

• Although there are many versions of the recipe, the most authentic formula uses gin as the base, supplemented by a combination of Eastern and Western fruit aromas and herbs, symbolizing the multicultural nature of Singapore's port.

• Bars around the world may slightly adjust the ratio of pineapple juice to syrup, and may also add orange juice, orange wine, or use different types of cherry wine. Hong Kong people are welcome to try their own innovations!

Editor's Tips

• Pineapple juice must be fresh to bring out the tropical fragrance and instantly double the flavor.

• The proportions of various ingredients can be fine-tuned according to personal taste, and the sour and sweet changes can be controlled by yourself.

• Benedictine and Cointreau add herbal orange notes to the wine, adding a unique depth that is worth trying.

• The colorful decorations can be added with small umbrellas, tropical fruit leaves and other shapes, which are perfect for taking photos and checking in.

• Adding soda water last can enhance the taste and freshness of the drink.

The Singapore Sling isn't just a complex Nanyang cocktail; it's a delicious adventure that transcends Eastern and Western drinking cultures. If Hong Kongers are looking to create a classic cocktail that's vibrant, fruity, and full of holiday flair, the Singapore Sling won't disappoint! 🍍🍒🌺