There’s something special about the Singapore Sling-it’s bright, tropical, and full of personality. A little sweet, a little tart, and just the right amount of boozy, it’s the kind of cocktail that instantly feels like a vacation in a glass. I’ve made this drink countless times, and it never fails to impress. Whether you’re hosting a summer gathering or winding down after a long day, this one’s a crowd-pleaser.
Singapore Sling
What You’ll Need
Prep Time: 5 minutes
Serves: 1 cocktail
Glass: Tall glass (like a highball or hurricane)
Ingredients
– 1.5 oz (45 ml) gin
– 0.5 oz (15 ml) cherry liqueur (like Cherry Heering)
– 0.5 oz (15 ml) Cointreau or triple sec
– 0.25 oz (7.5 ml) Bénédictine (a herbal liqueur, optional but adds depth)
– 0.25 oz (7.5 ml) grenadine
– 4 oz (120 ml) pineapple juice
– 0.5 oz (15 ml) fresh lime juice
– 1 dash Angostura bitters
– Splash of club soda
– Ice
– Garnish: pineapple slice and maraschino cherry
Method
- Fill a cocktail shaker with ice. Add the gin, cherry liqueur, Cointreau, Bénédictine, and grenadine.
- Shake it well-about 15 seconds-until it’s nicely chilled.
- Fill your tall glass with fresh ice. Strain the shaken mix over the ice.
- Pour in the pineapple juice, lime juice, and a dash of bitters. Give it a quick stir.
- Top it off with a splash of club soda. Don’t stir too much-you want to keep the fizz.
- Add your garnishes: a slice of pineapple and a maraschino cherry on top.
Tips for Success
– Use fresh lime juice-it really brightens the drink.
– Chill your glass ahead of time for an extra refreshing finish.
– Measure carefully. This drink has a lot going on, and keeping the balance makes all the difference.
– If you don’t have Bénédictine, you can skip it or replace it with a splash of honey syrup for a smoother, simpler version.
– For a less sweet version, use less grenadine or opt for a sugar-free alternative.
Make-Ahead Notes
You can mix all the ingredients except the club soda and garnishes ahead of time. Store the mix in the fridge for up to 24 hours. When you’re ready to serve, just give it a quick shake or stir, pour over ice, and top with soda and garnishes.
Storage
If you’ve made extra, store the cocktail base (without ice or soda) in the fridge in a sealed jar or bottle. It’ll keep for a day or two, but it’s best enjoyed fresh.
Serving Suggestions
This cocktail shines on its own, but pairing it with the right food takes it to another level. Here are a few of my favorite matches:
Spicy Asian Dishes
The sweetness from the pineapple and grenadine cools down spicy noodles, Thai curries, or Szechuan stir-fries.
Grilled Meats
Think skewers, BBQ chicken, or pork chops-the smoky, savory flavors go beautifully with the fruity zing of the drink.
Light Desserts
Pair it with fruit sorbet, coconut pudding, or a tropical fruit salad to keep things refreshing and light.
This has been my go-to cocktail for summer nights on the patio-just enough sweetness, and always a conversation starter.
Variations to Try
Strawberry Sling
Muddle a couple of fresh strawberries in the shaker before adding the rest of the ingredients. Add a splash of cranberry juice for a berry-forward twist.
Passionfruit Sling
Swap the pineapple juice with passionfruit juice and add a few fresh mint leaves before shaking. It’s punchy and refreshing.
Raffles 1915 Sling
A crisper, drier version using London dry gin, Cherry Heering, fresh lemon juice, and soda water. Great if you prefer less sweetness.
Malay Sling
Try dark rum instead of gin and add a splash of coconut liqueur. Finish with ginger ale instead of club soda for a spicy tropical twist.
Virgin Singapore Sling
Skip the alcohol and double the pineapple juice. Add a little extra lime juice and grenadine, then top with soda. It’s fruity, fun, and kid-friendly.
FAQs
What gives the Singapore Sling its pink color?
The pink hue comes from grenadine and cherry liqueur. They also add sweetness and a fruity note.
Can I make it without alcohol?
Yes! The virgin version is just as tasty. See the variation above for details.
Is the Singapore Sling very strong?
It can sneak up on you. It tastes light and fruity, but there’s a good amount of alcohol in there. Sip slowly and enjoy responsibly.
How do I make it less sweet?
Cut back on the grenadine or cherry liqueur. You can also add a little extra lime juice to balance things out.
What if I don’t have Bénédictine?
No problem. It adds complexity, but the drink is still great without it. You can sub in a splash of honey syrup or even skip it entirely.
What’s the difference between a Singapore Sling and a Gin Sling?
A Gin Sling is a simpler drink-usually just gin, sugar, lemon, and soda. The Singapore Sling is a more elaborate version with multiple liqueurs and juices.
Final Thoughts
The Singapore Sling is a little tropical, a little vintage, and totally fun. It’s a drink with history and flair, but it’s also easy enough to make at home. Whether you stick with the classic or try one of the variations, it’s sure to bring a little sunshine to your glass. Cheers!
