Singapore Sling
A sophisticated and refreshing classic cocktail, famously originating from the Raffles Hotel in Singapore. This long drink combines the botanical crispness of gin with the sweet complexity of cherry brandy and grenadine, balanced by tart citrus notes and finished with a sparkling top of soda.
What it tastes like
The aroma is dominated by sugary cherry and lemon citrus. It tastes primarily of candied red fruit and grenadine, with the botanical gin notes largely masked by the sweet and sour mix. The mouthfeel is carbonated and light, though it leaves a syrupy coating on the tongue. The finish is short and sugary with a lingering red berry aftertaste.
Flavour profile
Ingredients
- Gin1 oz
- Cherry Brandy0.5 oz
- Grenadine0.5 oz
- Sweet and Sour Mix2 oz
- Carbonated Water3 oz
- Pineapple1 slice
- Cocktail Cherry1 whole
Preparation
- 1
Pour the gin, cherry brandy, grenadine, and sweet and sour mix into a cocktail shaker filled with ice cubes.
- 2
Shake vigorously to chill and dilute the mixture.
- 3
Strain the mixture into a Hurricane glass filled with fresh ice.
- 4
Top with carbonated water.
- 5
Garnish with a slice of pineapple and a cocktail cherry.
Substitutions
- Cherry BrandyMaraschino Liqueur — This makes the drink drier and adds a subtle nutty, floral quality compared to the syrup-heavy brandy.
- Sweet and Sour MixFresh lemon juice and simple syrup — Using fresh citrus provides a brighter acidity and removes the artificial aftertaste found in commercial mixes.
- Carbonated WaterClub Soda — Club soda maintains the carbonation while adding a slight mineral saltiness that helps balance the sugar content.
- GinVodka — This removes the herbal juniper notes entirely, making the fruit and sugar the primary focus of the drink.
Variations
Tropical Sling
Replace the carbonated water with pineapple juice to create a denser, fruitier texture with increased tartness.
Bitter Sling
Add two dashes of Angostura bitters to introduce a spicy, herbal depth that cuts through the high sugar level.