Step into the vibrant streets of Singapore with the Singapore sling drink
Welcome to Shake, Sip, Serve, your one-stop shop for all things bartending.
I’m your host, KAD, and I’ve been slinging drinks and navigating the world of hospitality for over two decades.
The past 15 years, I’ve perfected my bartending skills, experimented with countless flavor combinations, and learning a thing or two about how to keep the party going behind the bar.
Whether you’re a seasoned bartender like me just looking for some fresh inspiration or a complete beginner who is eager to whip up impressive cocktails at home, Shake, Sip, Serve is here to be your guide.
In the below blog, I’ll be sharing my knowledge and experience on everything from classic cocktails and innovative new creations to essential bartending techniques and industry secrets. I’ll also be offering tips on stocking your home bar, mastering the art of presentation, and creating a memorable experience for your guests.
So, grab your shaker, dust off your favorite glassware, and get ready to embark on a delicious journey into the world of bartending!
Let’s Shake, Sip, and Serve up something amazing together.
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The Singapore Sling Drink: A Journey Back in Time
The Singapore Sling, a name that conjures up images of Raffles Hotel grandeur and tropical nights, is more than just a drink; it’s a bit of a legend. Born in the early 20th century at the iconic Raffles Hotel in Singapore, this cocktail has a story as rich as its flavour. Back in the day, around 1915, a clever bartender named Ngiam Tong Boon, a Hainanese fella working at the Raffles, whipped up this concoction. At the time, it wasn’t considered proper for women to be seen drinking hard liquor in public. So, Ngiam created a drink that looked innocent enough—like a fruity juice—but packed a decent punch.
This sneaky little number quickly became a hit with both blokes and sheilas, and over the years, the Singapore Sling has become synonymous with elegance and a touch of the exotic. Imagine colonial-era charm mixed with the hustle and bustle of tropical markets and the lush greenery of a rainforest. That’s the vibe you get with every sip.
Crafting a Cracking Singapore Sling: Your Home Guide
So, what’s the secret to a good Singapore Sling? It’s all about balance, a harmonious blend of sweet, sour, and aromatic flavours. Here’s how to make your own at home:
Ingredients:
- 45ml (1 ½ oz) gin (a good London Dry style works best)
- 15ml (½ oz) cherry brandy (Cherry Heering is the classic choice)
- 7.5ml (¼ oz) Cointreau (or another good quality orange liqueur)
- 7.5ml (¼ oz) Benedictine D.O.M. (this adds a unique herbal sweetness)
- 120ml (4 oz) pineapple juice (freshly squeezed if you’re feeling fancy)
- 15ml (½ oz) lime juice (freshly squeezed, of course)
- 10ml (⅓ oz) grenadine (this adds sweetness and that lovely red colour)
- A dash of Angostura bitters (just a couple of drops)
- Garnish: a pineapple wedge and a Maraschino cherry (for that classic look)
Gear You’ll Need:
- A cocktail shaker (a Boston shaker or cobbler shaker will do)
- A jigger or measuring spoons (for accurate measurements – don’t wing it!)
- A strainer (Hawthorne or fine-mesh)
- A highball glass
Method:
- Combine the Good Stuff: In your cocktail shaker, chuck in the gin, cherry brandy, Cointreau, Benedictine, pineapple juice, lime juice, grenadine, and bitters.
- Shake it Up: Fill the shaker with ice and give it a good, hard shake for about 10-15 seconds. You want it nice and frosty.
- Strain and Pour: Strain the mixture into a highball glass filled with fresh ice.
- Garnish and Admire: Garnish with a pineapple wedge and a Maraschino cherry. Now you’ve got yourself a proper Singapore Sling.
The Story Behind the Sling: More Than Just a Drink
There’s more to this cocktail than just the recipe. Let’s dive into some of the interesting facts and stories that make the Singapore Sling so captivating.
Sweet or Tart? Finding Your Perfect Balance:
The beauty of the Singapore Sling is that you can adjust it to your liking. Feeling like you’re lounging on a tropical beach? Go easy on the grenadine for a more refreshing, tart drink. Want something a bit sweeter and more decadent? Add a bit more grenadine.
- Grenadine is Key: Grenadine is what controls the sweetness. Less grenadine means a tarter drink, more means sweeter.
- Experiment and Enjoy: Start with the recipe and adjust the grenadine to find your perfect balance. The best Sling is the one you enjoy the most.
A Few Extra Tips for a Top-Notch Sling:
- Fresh Juice is a Must: Freshly squeezed pineapple and lime juice make a huge difference in flavour. Don’t use the stuff from a carton if you can help it.
- Good Quality Spirits: Using decent quality spirits will elevate your Sling. You don’t need the top-shelf stuff, but avoid the bottom-shelf rotgut.
- Ice is Your Friend: Use plenty of ice in the shaker and in your glass. This keeps the drink nice and cold.
- Don’t Over-Shake: While you want to shake it well, don’t overdo it. About 10-15 seconds is usually enough.
Savouring the Exotic Experience: A Taste of Paradise
Now, with your perfectly crafted Singapore Sling in hand, close your eyes and let the flavours transport you to the vibrant streets of Singapore. The blend of gin, cherry brandy, and tropical juices creates a symphony of exotic flavours.
Imagine yourself at the Long Bar at Raffles Hotel, surrounded by the echoes of conversations and the clinking of glasses. The aroma of pineapple and cherry fills the air. It’s a taste of tropical sophistication, a blend of old-world charm and modern vibrancy.
A Toast to Adventure: More Than Just a Cocktail
Whether you’re enjoying a Singapore Sling before dinner or toasting with mates, this cocktail is sure to add a touch of tropical flair to any occasion. It’s more than just a drink; it’s a journey, an invitation to experience the exotic flavours and culture of Southeast Asia.
Conclusion: A Timeless Classic with a Tropical Twist
The Singapore Sling is a true blue classic with a fascinating history and a flavour that’s both refreshing and complex. So, raise your glass, toast to Singapore, and enjoy every sip of your exotic creation. Cheers to adventure, good times, and the timeless elegance of the Singapore Sling! It’s a fair dinkum ripper of a cocktail.
Thanks for joining us behind the bar!
The bartending community is a vibrant and supportive one, and I’m excited to build that community here on Shake, Sip, Serve. I’d love to hear your thoughts, questions, and experiences in the comments below. What are you shaking up these days? What topics would you like to see covered in future posts? Let’s connect and continue the conversation!
Liquor & Gaming NSW: This website provides information on liquor licensing, responsible service of alcohol (RSA) training, and regulations for serving alcohol in NSW. It’s essential for anyone working in the hospitality industry in NSW. You can find it here: https://www.liquorandgaming.nsw.gov.au/