Singapore Sling – Classic Gin and Cherry Brandy Mixed Drink
A tropical icon with a history as rich as its color.
The Singapore Sling blends gin, cherry brandy, and pineapple juice into a long, refreshing mixed drink born at Raffles Hotel in 1915. Sweet, tart, and aromatic — it’s a timeless way to taste Singapore’s cocktail heritage.
Background
Created at Singapore’s Raffles Hotel by bartender Ngiam Tong Boon, the Singapore Sling became a signature of colonial-era style and modern tiki inspiration. Its vivid pink hue and balance of gin, fruit, and herbal notes made it an international favorite.
What You’ll Need
Ingredients
- Gin – the crisp botanical base.
- Cherry Brandy – adds sweetness and deep color.
- Bénédictine – layers herbal spice.
- Cointreau – bright citrus lift.
- Pineapple Juice – tropical sweetness and foam.
- Lime Juice – sharp acidity for balance.
- Grenadine – adds color and a touch of pomegranate sweetness.
- Angostura Bitters – aromatic structure and spice.
Equipment
- Cocktail shaker
- Fine strainer
- Collins glass
- Ice
- Pineapple slice + maraschino cherry for garnish
Why It Works
Every element pulls its weight: gin brings structure, fruit juices refresh, and bitters keep it from becoming cloying. Shaken hard, the pineapple forms a light foam — a hallmark of a properly made Sling.
Substitutions & Variations
- Use light rum instead of gin for a Caribbean twist.
- Swap triple sec for Cointreau if needed.
- Try maraschino liqueur in place of cherry brandy for a drier profile.
- Dial lime juice up to ¾ oz if you prefer a tarter finish.
Helpful Tips
- Always shake for 10–12 seconds to aerate the pineapple juice.
- Fine strain to remove pulp and keep a silky texture.
- Garnish generously — presentation is part of its charm.
- Batch up to four servings ahead and chill for easy entertaining.
Singapore Sling Recipe
Type of Glass
Collins Glass
Ingredients
- 1 1/2 oz.
- 1/4 oz. Bénédictine
- 1/2 oz.
- 1/4 oz.
- 4 oz.
- 1/2 oz.
- 1 dash
- 1/4 oz.
Directions
- Shake gin, cherry brandy, Bénédictine, Cointreau, pineapple juice, lime juice, grenadine, and Angostura bitters with ice for about 10–12 seconds.
- Fine strain into a chilled Collins glass filled with ice.
- Garnish with a pineapple slice and a maraschino cherry.
Bright, balanced, and unmistakably tropical — the Singapore Sling proves that classics never go out of style.
