how to make a Singapore Sling cocktail Recipe Guide

Welcome to our guide on how to make the perfect Singapore Sling cocktail. This drink is rich in history and unique flavors. It has been a symbol of Singapore since 1915. That’s when Ngiam Tong Boon created it at the Long Bar in Raffles Hotel. Our goal with this guide is to help anyone, from beginners to pros, make this classic cocktail. We’ll show you how to mix a drink that’s a blend of tradition and taste.

Key Takeaways

• how to make a Singapore Sling cocktail? was created by Ngiam Tong Boon at Raffles Hotel in 1915.
• Raffles Hotel Singapore celebrated its 100th anniversary in 2015, reinforcing its status as Singapore’s national drink.
• Originally a variation of the Gin Sling, the recipe has evolved over time.
• The cocktail typically has an ABV of about 15%, making it lighter compared to other mixed drinks.
• Understanding the essential ingredients and techniques is crucial for crafting an authentic Singapore Sling.

The History of the Singapore Sling Cocktail

The Singapore Sling’s story is full of interesting facts. This famous cocktail came to be in the early 20th century. It was created by Ngiam Tong Boon at the Raffles Hotel Singapore. Though only a slight change from the Gin Sling, it quickly became well-known. This was due to its unique mix of flavors.

The Origin Story

In the early 1900s, the Long Bar at Raffles Hotel Singapore started something special. Ngiam Tong Boon made the Singapore Sling as a classy drink for women. Most drinks then were for men. It soon became the hotel’s special drink. To this day, the Long Bar sells a lot of Singapore Slings, earning lots of money for the bar.

Evolution Over the Years

Like many classic cocktails, the Singapore Sling changed over time. In the 1980s, American versions were quite different. They started using gin, sweet and sour mix, and grenadine. The original recipe got lost after the 1930s. This allowed for a lot of different recipes. Harry Craddock‘s famous book from the 1930s captures these changes.

Today, you can find many new takes on the Singapore Sling. But, many still try to get back to the original flavor. The “Straits Sling” uses ingredients like Bénédictine and bitters. These new versions honor the original drink. Through the years, the Singapore Sling has become a big part of global mixology, all thanks to the Raffles Hotel Singapore.

Authentic Singapore Sling Ingredients

The perfect Singapore Sling is a masterpiece, made up of many key parts. It starts with the spirit, adding in sweetness and then a mix of herbs and citrus. Each part is important for the final iconic flavor. So, let’s look at what makes this drink a classic.

Essential Spirits

At its core, the Singapore Sling uses a great gin as the main spirit. The recipe asks for 1 1/2 ounces of gin, giving it a strong base. Bénédictine, a special herbal liqueur, adds a unique taste. Then, 1/2 ounce of cherry liqueur is mixed in, usually Cherry Heering, for a sweet touch. Cocktail expert David Wondrich notes that since 1897, these spirits were important for a well-balanced drink.

Juices and Sweeteners

The Singapore Sling is famous for its mix of juices and sweet flavors. Pineapple juice is key, often combined with grenadine for extra sweetness. Older versions, like the one in Harry Craddock’s 1930 book, used 1 ounce of lime juice and simple syrup. More recent recipes suggest using various fresh citrus juices for an up-to-date spin.

Herbal and Citrus Additions

This cocktail’s unique taste comes from its herbal and tangy layers. Bénédictine gives it an interesting herbal note. The kick from 1 ounce of lime juice balances the sweet cherry and grenadine. Some recipes use bitters to enhance the overall flavor with a light aromatic touch.

Making the Singapore Sling either for the first time or as a pro involves knowing each ingredient’s role. This is how you capture the true spirit of this classic.

How to Make a Singapore Sling Cocktail

Making a great Singapore Sling means knowing the history and steps to make it right. It was first crafted in the early 1900s at the Long Bar in Singapore’s Raffles Hotel. It’s a mix of high class and adventurous flavors. To make this classic at home, you need to mix the ingredients just right and shake them well.

The original recipe comes from “The Savoy Cocktail Book” in 1930. But, in 1948, David A. Embury pointed out that there are many versions of this drink. Following the basics but adding your own twist is part of the fun. The Singapore Sling mixology allows for some creative freedom, within certain guidelines.

• 3/4 oz Gin
• 1/4 oz Benedictine
• 1/4 oz Grand Marnier
• 1/4 oz Heering cherry liqueur
• 1 oz Pineapple juice
• 1/2 oz Freshly squeezed lime juice
• A dash of Angostura bitters
• Club soda

Start by mixing the spirits and pineapple juice in a shaker with ice. Shake hard. This makes the drink smoother and cooler, thanks to aeration.

Next, pour the mix into a tall glass. Add club soda and a nice garnish, like a cherry and pineapple slice.

If you’re new to making cocktails or just love the Singapore Sling mixology, learn about each ingredient. Mixing them right is key. And feel free to add a personal touch to this well-loved favorite.

Step-by-Step Singapore Sling Recipe

Creating the perfect Singapore Sling is a true art, developed over a century. This guide will help both beginners and pros make this classic cocktail. We’ll first look at what tools you need for a great Singapore Sling.

Here are the steps you should follow:

1. Start by measuring 3/4 ounce gin, 1/4 ounce Bénédictine, 1/4 ounce Grand Marnier, and 1/4 ounce Heering cherry liqueur.
2. Then, add in 1 ounce pineapple juice and 1/2 ounce lime juice freshly squeezed.
3. Also, put in a dash of Angostura bitters and 1/4 ounce simple syrup (more if you like it sweeter).
4. Put everything in a shaker with ice.
5. Shake the mix well to combine and cool it down.
6. Now, pour the mix into a highball glass with more ice.
7. Finally, fill the glass with club soda for a fizzy ending.
8. Don’t forget to top it with a lemon slice and a maraschino cherry to make it look special.

This guide makes the Singapore Sling easy to make for everyone. It doesn’t matter if you’re getting ready for a party or are just a spirits enthusiast, learning to make this drink is fun and fulfilling.

Common Variations of the Singapore Sling

The Singapore Sling is a unique cocktail known for how it can change. Every recipe you find will be a little different. This makes the drink fun for those who love to try new things. We will look at different types of the Singapore Sling. These include tropical versions and newer, modern takes on the classic recipe.

Tropical Twist with Pineapple

The Tropical Twist with Pineapple is a favorite. It makes the cocktail feel like a taste of the islands. Pineapple juice adds a lot to the drink’s tropical vibe. The mix still includes gin, Bénédictine Liqueur, cherry liqueur, lime juice, and simple syrup. But, it gets an extra dose of pineapple juice for more fruitiness. The final result is a well-balanced, fruity cocktail.

Modern Takes and Unique Twists

Many bartenders today put their own spin on the Singapore Sling. They mix it in new and interesting ways. For example, instead of the usual grenadine and pineapple juice, they might use different herbs and fresh citrus. This balances the flavor in a new way. It maintains the drink’s charm while adding a modern touch.

The Long Bar in Raffles Hotel offers different Singapore Slings. They have a fruity, pre-mixed version and one made by hand with fresh fruits. Even with all these versions, the basics of the drink stay the same. It usually has gin, Bénédictine, cherry liqueur, and lime. But, bartenders change things up to fit what people like today. This keeps the cocktail exciting and a favorite around the world.

Mixology Tips for a Perfect Singapore Sling

To make the perfect Singapore Sling, certain mixology tips are vital. It all starts with using the right amounts of each ingredient. Adding ice to your shaker is key too. This helps mix and chill your drink perfectly.

Measuring Ingredients Accurately

Getting the measurements right is critical for a great Singapore Sling. Use the exact amounts of gin, cherry brandy, and more, as the recipe asks. Changing the amounts can change the taste a lot.

Shaking Techniques

Shaking your cocktail well is essential. Fill your shaker with ice, then add your ingredients. Shake for about 10 seconds. This mixes the drink without making it too watery.

Serving Suggestions

How you serve your cocktail is as important as how you mix it. Choose a highball glass and add a pineapple slice and a cherry on top. A mint sprig also makes your drink look and taste better. These small touches make your drink more enjoyable.

The Best Occasions to Serve a Singapore Sling

The Singapore Sling is among the top cocktail recipes for any occasion. It is perfect for both casual gatherings and elegant affairs. This cocktail is a hit for those who love fruity and refreshing drinks.

Perfect for Summer Gatherings

The Singapore Sling is ideal for summer events. Its tropical origins in Singapore are clear in every sip. It combines pineapple juice, grenadine, and more for a taste that screams summer.

With an alcohol content of about 15 percent ABV, it’s a light and fun choice. Enjoy it with friends under the summer sun.

Elegance in Any Cocktail Party

Not just for summer, the Singapore Sling fits right in at cocktail parties. Its mix of gin, Bénédictine, lime juice, and cherry brandy is both complex and balanced. This makes it a great choice for elegant events.

Versions of this cocktail go way back to 1897. Even today, it remains popular, showing its timeless appeal. Its history is celebrated in books like Harry Craddock’s “The Savoy Cocktail Book.”

For any event, from a sunny day to a sophisticated soirée, the Singapore Sling is a winning choice. It offers a mix of elegance and refreshment. The cocktail is loved for its ability to fit various occasions, from simple gatherings to grand parties.

Health and Nutritional Information

For those who love cocktails and care about health, understanding the cocktail nutritional facts of the Singapore Sling is eye-opening. It was first shaken up by Ngiam Tong Boon at Raffles Hotel’s Long Bar in Singapore. Even as it has changed over time, it continues to enchant us with its exotic flavors.

The well-loved Singapore Sling contains 186.35 kcal per glass. This falls in the middle for caloric cocktails, making it a fairly okay choice for those watching their intake. Let’s dive into its nutrition details:

If you’re into health-conscious cocktail recipes, the Singapore Sling is a good choice. It holds not too many calories and carbs, plus it’s rich in vitamin C from the lime juice. Enjoy this balanced drink as part of your overall healthy diet.

Conclusion

The Singapore Sling was first made in the 1900s by Ngiam Tong Boon at the Raffles Hotel in Singapore. It became famous for its mix of gin, cherry brandy, and more. By the 1920s and 30s, it was known around the world. Making cocktails isn’t just about the recipe. It’s also about what makes each one special.

Our guide goes deep into the Singapore Sling’s history and ingredients. We also give clear steps on how to make it perfectly. We cover variations too, like the Gin Sling, so you can enjoy the drink in different ways.

Making a great Singapore Sling is about the small things. Choose fresh ingredients and the right glassware. This way, you’ll get the true taste of this famous cocktail. It’s great for any event, showing the timeless appeal of a good recipe. This guide helps you understand and make the Singapore Sling like a pro.