Singapore Sling

Singapore Sling

Raffles Hotel's iconic rosy gin punch—layering cherry brandy, Bénédictine, citrus, and pineapple for a frothy tropical sling.

16%

ABV

medium

Difficulty

hurricane

Glass

Flavor Profile

History & Heritage

Ngiam Tong Boon is credited with crafting the Singapore Sling at Raffles Hotel around 1915 as a way for women to discreetly enjoy a gin drink. The original recipe was lost, leading the hotel to serve simplified versions for decades until bartenders reconstructed a 1930s formula featuring gin, cherry brandy, Bénédictine, and fresh pineapple. Today the sling endures as Singapore's liquid postcard, though modern bars often rein in its sweetness.

Ingredients

Quality ingredients make all the difference. Each component plays a crucial role.

Method

Technique transforms ingredients into something extraordinary.

1

Add all ingredients to a shaker filled with ice

2

Shake until well chilled

3

Strain into a hurricane glass filled with ice

4

Garnish with pineapple wedge and cherry

Glassware

hurricane

Served over ice in a hurricane glass

Garnish

Pineapple wedge

Fresh pineapple wedge

Maraschino cherry

Cherry on pick

Master's Tips

Professional insights to elevate your craft

Shake hard to aerate the pineapple juice for a frothy head

Chill the glass and top with a splash of soda if desired

Flavor Journey

Every great cocktail tells a story through its flavors. Here's the sensory experience you can expect.

6

Sweet

out of 10

4

Sour

out of 10

2

Bitter

out of 10

5

Strong

out of 10

Variations & Riffs

Classic cocktails inspire countless variations. Here are some popular riffs on the Singapore Sling.

Less Sweet Sling

Minor Tweak

Cuts pineapple and grenadine for a drier, gin-forward profile.

Changes
Pineapple Juice:2 oz1.5 oz
Grenadine:0.3 oz0.1 oz

Straits Sling

Major Variation

Early cousin with gin, kirsch and Bénédictine topped with soda.

Changes
Cherry BrandyKirsch(0.5 oz)
CointreauSoda Water(1 oz)

Jigger & Pony Sling

Major Variation

Modern Singapore riff infusing pineapple and lapsang tea into the gin.

Changes
GinPineapple & Lapsang Infused Gin(1 oz)

More to Explore

If you enjoyed this cocktail, these similar creations might capture your interest.

Singapore Sling Cocktail Recipe - medium 16% ABV | Garnish