Singapore sling

Singapore Sling

(1 ratings)

The classic tropical gin cocktail created at Singapore’s Raffles Hotel, featuring gin, cherry liqueur, herbal notes, and fresh fruit juices.

SUGGESTED GLASSWARE

Collins Glass

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Recipe

1 cocktail (275ml)
  • London Dry Gin 
    30 ml
  • Cherry Liqueur 
    15 ml
  • DOM Bénédictine 
    7.5 ml
  • Cointreau 
    7.5 ml
  • Pineapple Juice 
    60 ml
  • Lime Juice 
    15 ml
  • Grenadine 
    15 ml
  • Angostura Aromatic Bitters 
    2 dashes
  • Soda Water 
    30 ml
  • Pineapple 
    1 slice
  • Brandied Cherry Flag 
    1
Recipe credit: Ngiam Tong Boon, Raffles Hotel Singapore (1899-1915)

Instructions

Step

Fill a Collins glass with fresh ice cubes and set aside to chill.

Step

Add gin, Cherry Heering, Bénédictine, Cointreau, fresh pineapple juice, fresh lime juice, grenadine, and Angostura bitters to a cocktail shaker filled with ice.

Step

Shake vigorously for 15-20 seconds until well chilled and properly diluted.

Step

Strain the mixture through a fine strainer into the chilled Collins glass over fresh ice.

Step

Top with soda water, leaving about 1cm from the rim.

Step

Garnish with a fresh pineapple slice and maraschino cherry on a cocktail pick.

Step

Serve immediately with a straw for easy sipping.

Equipment

Shaker
Jigger
Fine Mesh Strainer
Bar spoon

Description

The Singapore Sling is one of the world’s most famous cocktails, created at the Long Bar in Raffles Hotel, Singapore. This complex, ingredient-heavy cocktail combines gin with cherry liqueur, herbal Bénédictine, orange liqueur, fresh tropical juices, and bitters for a harmonious blend of herbal, fruity, and citrus notes with refreshing effervescence.

Nutritional information

1 cocktail (275ml)
Calories
245
ABV
8.2 %
Alcohol
18.5 g
Carbs
28 g
Carbs from Sugar
26 g
Fat
0.2 g
Protein
0.8 g
Sodium
8 mg
Nutritional information is approximate and includes estimated 30% dilution from ice. Values may vary based on specific brands and preparation methods.
Allergens
Sulfites

Tips & Notes

  • Use only fresh pineapple and lime juice - canned or bottled juices will significantly impact the cocktail's vibrant flavor profile.

  • Invest in quality liqueurs - authentic Cherry Heering and D.O.M. Bénédictine make a noticeable difference in depth and complexity compared to cheaper alternatives.

  • Measure ingredients precisely with a jigger - the Singapore Sling's balance depends on exact proportions of its many components.

  • Double strain if desired to remove any pulp from fresh juices for a cleaner presentation.

  • Adjust sweetness to taste by slightly increasing or decreasing the lime juice - some prefer a more tart version.

While you can substitute with other cherry brandies or cherry liqueurs, Cherry Heering has a unique flavor profile that’s integral to the authentic Singapore Sling. It’s less sweet and more complex than many alternatives, so your cocktail may taste different.

The quality and brands of ingredients, particularly the gin and liqueurs, significantly affect the final taste. Also, variations in recipe proportions exist – ensure you’re following the authentic Raffles Hotel proportions and using fresh juices.

You can pre-mix all ingredients except the soda water up to 4 hours ahead and keep chilled. Add soda water and garnishes just before serving to maintain effervescence and fresh appearance.

Yes, you can create a virgin version using pineapple juice, lime juice, grenadine, ginger ale for complexity, and a splash of cherry syrup. While it won’t replicate the herbal complexity, it captures the tropical fruit flavors.

Related Fruity, Herbal, Sweet, Tropical cocktails

Barracuda

A vibrant tropical sparkling cocktail featuring gold rum, Galliano, fresh pineapple juice, lime, and Prosecco - an IBA-recognized celebration of Tiki culture with modern refinement.

Barracuda

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Cocktail Difficulty Levels

We’ve added a difficulty rating to every cocktail so you’ll know what to expect before you start mixing. It’s not about being “hard” or “easy” in the strict sense—it’s about how much preparation, skill, and hunting for ingredients you’ll need.

  • Beginner – Quick builds or simple shakes with common ingredients you’ll likely already have at home. Perfect for beginners or a casual evening.

  • Intermediate – A bit more technique (stirring, shaking, muddling, layering) and a few extra ingredients. You might need to buy one or two bottles or garnishes you don’t already stock.

  • Advanced – Multiple steps, specialty techniques (infusions, syrups, foams), or rare ingredients. These drinks take more effort and planning, but reward you with something truly impressive.

The rating is based on things like the number of ingredients, how rare they are, and the skills needed to bring the cocktail together.

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Recipe notes

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Quick recipe

Ingredients

  • London Dry Gin
    30 ml
  • Cherry Liqueur
    15 ml
  • DOM Bénédictine
    7.5 ml
  • Cointreau
    7.5 ml
  • Pineapple Juice
    60 ml
  • Lime Juice
    15 ml
  • Grenadine
    15 ml
  • Angostura Aromatic Bitters
    2 dashes
  • Soda Water
    30 ml
  • Pineapple
    1 slice
  • Brandied Cherry Flag
    1

Method

  1. Fill a Collins glass with fresh ice cubes and set aside to chill.
  2. Add gin, Cherry Heering, Bénédictine, Cointreau, fresh pineapple juice, fresh lime juice, grenadine, and Angostura bitters to a cocktail shaker filled with ice.
  3. Shake vigorously for 15-20 seconds until well chilled and properly diluted.
  4. Strain the mixture through a fine strainer into the chilled Collins glass over fresh ice.
  5. Top with soda water, leaving about 1cm from the rim.
  6. Garnish with a fresh pineapple slice and maraschino cherry on a cocktail pick.
  7. Serve immediately with a straw for easy sipping.