Step into the vibrant streets of Singapore with the Singapore sling drink
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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. In the last 15 years, I’ve honed my craft behind countless bars, experimented with flavour, and learned a thing or two about what keeps a cocktail timeless.
Whether you’re a seasoned bartender chasing fresh inspiration or a beginner keen to impress friends at home, Shake, Sip, Serve is here to be your guide.
So, dust off your favourite glassware, grab that shaker, and let’s shake, sip, and serve up something amazing together.
Disclaimer: This post contains affiliate links. If you purchase through these links, I may earn a small commission at no additional cost to you.
🌴 The Origins of a Legend
The Singapore Sling isn’t just a cocktail—it’s a cultural icon. Born in 1915 at the grand Raffles Hotel in Singapore, this drink was the brainchild of bartender Ngiam Tong Boon. At the time, it was frowned upon for women to sip neat spirits in public. To get around this, Ngiam created a drink that looked like harmless fruit punch—bright, colourful, and playful—but with a cheeky kick of gin and liqueurs hiding beneath.
It quickly became the toast of colonial Singapore, sipped by travellers, expats, and locals alike. Today, it remains a symbol of tropical sophistication: a drink that bridges East and West, elegance and adventure.
How to Craft a Classic Singapore Sling
The heart of a great Sling is balance—sweet, sour, herbal, and fruity flavours woven into one. Here’s the recipe I recommend for an at-home version that does the original justice.
Ingredients
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45 mL gin (London Dry style is perfect)
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15 mL cherry brandy (Cherry Heering is traditional)
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7.5 mL Cointreau (quality orange liqueur)
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7.5 mL Bénédictine D.O.M. (adds subtle herbal depth)
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120 mL fresh pineapple juice
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15 mL fresh lime juice
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10 mL grenadine (for sweetness and colour)
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1–2 dashes Angostura bitters
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Garnish: pineapple wedge + maraschino cherry
Gear You’ll Need
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Cocktail shaker (Boston or cobbler)
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Jigger (for precise pours—accuracy matters here)
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Strainer (Hawthorne or fine mesh)
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Highball glass
Method
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Combine: Add gin, cherry brandy, Cointreau, Bénédictine, pineapple juice, lime juice, grenadine, and bitters to your shaker.
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Shake: Fill with ice and shake hard for 10–15 seconds until the shaker feels icy cold.
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Serve: Strain into a highball glass filled with fresh ice.
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Garnish: Crown with a pineapple wedge and cherry.
Tips from Behind the Bar
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Fresh juice wins: Fresh pineapple and lime give brightness that bottled juice just can’t match.
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Grenadine is your lever: Less = tart and refreshing, more = sweet and indulgent. Adjust to your taste.
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Don’t skimp on ice: Both in the shaker and the glass—temperature makes or breaks this drink.
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Mid-shelf spirits shine: No need to splurge, but avoid bottom-shelf liqueurs—they’ll muddy the flavour.
Sling Stories: More Than Just a Drink
The Singapore Sling is more than liquid in a glass—it’s theatre. Picture yourself at the Long Bar in Raffles, rattan fans whirring overhead, peanut shells crunching underfoot, tropical breezes rolling in. One sip and you’re transported: gin botanicals, cherry sweetness, pineapple tartness, and herbal whispers all playing together.
It’s not just a cocktail. It’s a postcard in a glass.
A Toast to Timeless Adventure
From its cheeky origins as a “ladies’ cocktail” to its current status as a global icon, the Singapore Sling has stood the test of time. Make it at home, tweak it to your preference, and let it whisk you away to the tropics.
Whether you’re mixing one for friends, sipping solo, or adding flair to your next dinner party, this cocktail is a fair dinkum ripper—equal parts history, flavour, and fun.
Join the Conversation
Thanks for joining me behind the bar! I’d love to hear your take:
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Have you tried the Singapore Sling at Raffles?
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Do you prefer yours tart or sweet?
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What other classics should I break down here on Shake, Sip, Serve?
Pop your thoughts in the comments—we’re building a community of cocktail lovers, and your stories matter.
📌 RSA Reminder (NSW): Always enjoy cocktails responsibly. For more on responsible service of alcohol in NSW, visit Liquor & Gaming NSW
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