The Singapore Sling is among the most famous cocktails in the world which is colored bright, has a complicated taste and has a long history. Being as refreshing and exotic as it is, it has become a permanent part of cocktail culture and is a favourite of many bartenders and cocktail lovers. Regardless of the fact that you are already interested in reproducing the iconic beverage at the comfort of your home or you are just interested in knowing more about the product and its origins, this guide will take you through all that you need to know about the Singapore Sling, its ingredients, and how to make the best possible replica of this famous cocktail.
What is a Singapore Sling?
Singapore Sling is a classic cocktail that has its origins in the early 20th century. It was developed by Ngiam Tong Boon, a bartender of the well-known Raffles Hotel in Singapore sometime in 1915. The drink was an immediate success when it was initially designed as a refresher among the male customers that were majorly the guests in the hotel due to its colourful structure and complicated taste.
This is a cocktail that is a mixture of gin, cherry liqueur, pineapple juice, lime juice and a splash of bitters. The pleasant but bitter and bright pink colour of the Singapore Sling and its delicious taste makes it a memorable experience whenever you get to take it. There are numerous variations over the years and the original recipe is still used as part of the cocktail diet by lovers of the cocktail across the globe.
Key Ingredients in the Singapore Sling
The Singapore Sling is a magic drink with a unique combination of ingredients. Every component makes the drink have the signature flavour and looks. A closer look at the primary ingredients of Singapore Sling is to be made:
- Gin: Gin is a spirit that forms the foundation of the drink as it delivers its herbal and botanical tastes. The cocktail will be made deeper by a quality gin.
- Cherry Heering Liqueur: This fruit liqueur is rich and gives to the Singapore Sling its unique cherry taste that can differentiate among other cocktails.
- Pineapple Juice: Pineapple juice adds the cocktail a fresh and tropical flavour reducing the other strong tastes.
- Lime Juice: A splash of lime juice is a nice addition that brings in the much needed tanginess into the drink that cuts the sweetness of fruit juices and liqueurs.
- Cointreau or Triple Sec: Add a touch of orange liqueur: a touch of sweetness and sophistication, and it completes the flavour profile.
- Angostura Bitters: A Few dashes of the bitter gives the beverage some balance in terms of sweetness and depth.
- Soda Water: Soda water is usually added to the cocktail to make it light and give it some fizz.
Recipe for Make a Classic Singapore Sling
Preparing a Singapore Sling at home cannot be complicated when one has all the required ingredients. The following is a basic recipe to follow:
Ingredients:
- 1.5 oz gin
- 0.5 oz cherry Heering liqueur
- 0.25 oz Cointreau or triple sec
- 0.25 oz grenadine
- 1 oz pineapple juice
- 0.5 oz lime juice
- 1 dash of Angostura bitters
- Soda water (to top)
Instructions:
1. Preparation Pour ice into a cocktail shaker.
2. Add gin, cherry Heering, cointreau (or triple sec), grenadine, pineapple juice, lime juice and Angostura bitters.
3. Tilt the mixture approximately 10-15 seconds.
4. Shake the cocktail in an ice-filled tall glass.
5. Add ice-cream Finish with a fizz of soda water.
6. Top with a bunch of pineapple and a cherry of Maraschino to make it a very colourful and joyful one.
The Singapore Sling recipe can be made to fit your taste buds and have it a sweeter or a more tart drink. Playing with ingredients is also a part of the fun, but the traditional recipe will guarantee the traditional taste that has made this cocktail one of the well-known ones.
The Significance of the Singapore Sling
Beyond its appealing flavor and vibrant appearance, The Singapore Sling has both cultural and historical significance. At the time of its founding, it was meant to provide women with a more elegant and less vulgar means to partake in cocktails when mixed drinks had only been viewed as the preserve of men. The Singapore Sling has over the years, become associated with the high-quality of the Raffles Hotel and the richness and colonialism that the drink exudes and this has made people around the world visit Singapore to take part in drinking this mythical beverage at its place of origin.
Variations of the Singapore Sling
The most known is the classic variant of the Singapore Sling, however, there are twenty different ways and variations to this recipe to experiment with. Other bartenders will replace the gin with either rum or vodka, and/or they will use various juices of different fruits or liquors to make something original. Should you feel like experimenting you may want to add a hint of mint or even infuse the beverage with a hint of spice in order to have a modern approach to the classic recipe.
Pairing the Singapore Sling with Snacks
An ideal cocktail is one which is matched with an ideal type of pairing and the Singapore Sling is not any exception. The tropical flavour of it is why it is an excellent partner with light and cool snacks. Here are a few ideas:
- Shrimp Cocktail: Shrimp is so fresh and delicate and the Singapore Sling combines delightfully with the sour and sweet tastes of the tropical brandy.
- Grilled Chicken Skewers: This is a savory snack such as grilled chicken flavour that accompanies the sweetness of the cocktail.
- Tropical Fruit Platter: A plate of fresh tropical fruits such as mango, pineapple and papaya goes hand in hand with the fruity overtures of the Singapore Sling.
Whether one is serving it at a party or just having a relaxing evening, the Singapore Sling is flexible enough to match most of the light dishes.
Where to Get the Best Singapore Sling Cocktail
Although you can always concoct a Singapore Sling in your own home, it is a bit different to have one in a place where it was made. Raffles Hotel in Singapore is the best known place to have a classic Singapore Sling. Tourists all over the world rush to this historical hotel, where the cocktail is served in the very original way, which makes a perception of the past and tradition.
In case you would not be able to come to Singapore, do not worry. These days, there are numerous bars and restaurants all over the world that sell their own tastes on the Singapore Sling and therefore you can have this iconic cocktail in any place.
The Right Tools for Making a Perfect Singapore Sling
In order to prepare the ultimate version of the Singapore Sling, it is important to possess the appropriate bar tools. A cocktail shaker of high quality is the important element of making all the ingredients mixed and chilled properly. A strainer will also be required to make the texture of the drink smooth and pleasant.
In case you need some bar tools, then check our Cocktail Shakers page where you can choose some high-quality shaker items suited both to novice mixologists and professional mixologist.
Why the Singapore Sling is Timeless
Singapore Sling is a symbol of creativity and innovation of bartenders over time. It has become an iconic blend of beer and cocktail that appeals to any cocktail fancier with its sophisticated taste profile, refreshing effect, and vivid appearance. One can be a lover of history, a drink expert or a bar resonant, or just a person who wants to enjoy some fun with friends, the Singapore Sling will impress anyone.
When you are travelling in the world of cocktails, in your list, do not leave a chance to taste the great history and the very specific taste of the Singapore Sling- the drink that has made its way to the hearts of people all over the world during the last century. Regardless of whether you are making your own variant at home or drinking one in a bar, this is a classic cocktail that everyone who loves the art of mixology has to have tried.
