Papaya Sling Cocktail – Tropical Gin and Papaya Mixed Drink
Unwind with the Papaya Sling Cocktail, a tropical twist on the classic gin sling. Smooth papaya purée, cherry brandy, and a splash of soda deliver a bright, fruit-forward drink that’s equal parts refreshing and adventurous.
Background
A modern offshoot of the Singapore Sling, this tropical version replaces grenadine with lush papaya purée. The result? A fruity island cocktail that keeps the balance of gin botanicals, citrus bite, and sparkling lift that define the original sling tradition.
What You’ll Need
Ingredients
- Gin – the crisp, botanical base.
- Papaya Purée – adds creamy tropical sweetness.
- Cherry Brandy – deep fruit flavor and color.
- Triple Sec – bright orange notes for balance.
- Lime Juice – tart acidity that keeps it lively.
- Pineapple Juice – juicy tropical depth.
- Angostura Bitters – aromatic spice for structure.
- Carbonated Water – light fizz for a refreshing finish.
Equipment
Cocktail shaker • Fine strainer • Collins glass • Bar spoon • Ice
Why You’ll Love It
Tropical Harmony in a Glass
The Papaya Sling bridges old-school elegance and beach-bar fun. Sweet fruit layers meet gin’s herbal edge, with carbonation that keeps each sip crisp instead of heavy.
Substitutions & Variations
- Rum base for a tiki feel.
- Mango purée if papaya isn’t available.
- Grapefruit juice for a sharper citrus cut.
- Mint or basil leaves for an herbal lift.
Helpful Tips
- Fine strain for a silky texture.
- Serve in a chilled Collins glass to keep it bright.
- Batch the base (without soda) ahead and chill.
- Garnish with a lime wheel and cherry.
Papaya Sling Recipe
Type of Glass
Collins Glass
Ingredients
- 1 1/2 oz.
- 1 oz.
- 3/4 oz.
- 1/2 oz.
- 3/4 oz.
- 1 1/2 oz.
- 1 dash
Directions
- If you don't have papaya purée on hand, blend ripe papaya until smooth and fine strain to remove fibers.
- Shake gin, papaya purée, cherry brandy, triple sec, lime juice, pineapple juice, and Angostura bitters with ice.
- Fine strain into a chilled Collins glass filled with ice.
- Top with carbonated water.
- Garnish with a lime wheel and cherry.
Sip the Papaya Sling when you need a mini-vacation in a glass — a balanced, sparkling cocktail that feels like sunshine you can taste.
