15 Astounding Facts About Singapore Sling Cocktail

The Singapore Sling is a world-famous gin-based cocktail that was invented in Singapore in the early 1900s. This iconic drink has an intriguing history and its refreshing, fruity taste has captivated cocktail lovers for over a century.

Here are 15 astounding facts you need to know about the legendary Singapore Sling cocktail:

Introduction

The Singapore Sling is often called the national drink of Singapore. This pink-colored, fruity cocktail was created sometime before 1915 at the famous Raffles Hotel in Singapore.

For over 100 years, this refreshing gin drink has been delighting cocktail fans with its unique mix of sweet and sour flavors. Keep reading to uncover fascinating details about the origins and ingredients behind the Singapore Sling.

Facts and History

1. Inventor: The Singapore Sling was invented by a Raffles Hotel bartender named Ngiam Tong Boon sometime between 1900 and 1915.
2. Original recipe: The original recipe used gin, cherry brandy, Cointreau, Dom Benedictine, grenadine, pineapple juice, lime juice, and Angostura bitters.
3. Pink color: The distinct pink color comes from the grenadine syrup ingredient.
4. Glassware: The cocktail is traditionally served in a tall glass to accommodate all the ingredients.
5. True origin: There are competing tales about the exact origin of the drink. One story credits it being invented for women, while another links it to an American businessman.
6. The Raffles Hotel in Singapore still serves the drink according to Ngiam Tong Boon’s original recipe in its famous Long Bar.
7. It was designated an Intangible Cultural Heritage by the Singapore government in 2015 for its cultural significance.
8. Over 2 million Singapore Slings are estimated to be consumed around the world each year.
9. Multiple variations exist, often tweaking the ingredients like the gin or liqueurs while keeping the fruity flavor profile.
10. Some recipes omit the Benedictine to cut costs or reduce sweetness. Cointreau is sometimes replaced with other triple sec liqueurs.

Ingredients

The Singapore Sling has a complex blend of several ingredients. Here is what goes into making this famous cocktail:

Base Spirit

• Gin: The base spirit providing the alcoholic punch. Can use regular London dry gin or premium brands.

Mixers

• Cherry brandy
• Cointreau: Orange liqueur provides sweetness.
• Benedictine: Herbal French liqueur adds spice.
• Grenadine: Sweet syrup gives vibrant pink color.
• Pineapple juice: Provides tropical flavor.
• Lime juice: Adds sour citrus kick.

Seasoning

• Angostura bitters: Flavor enhancer.
• Club soda: Lengthens drink.

Garnishes

• Cherry
• Pineapple slice

Making the Cocktail

Follow these steps to make an authentic Singapore Sling cocktail:

1. Fill a tall glass with ice cubes
2. Pour 1.5 oz gin
3. Add 0.5 oz cherry brandy
4. Add 0.25 oz Cointreau
5. Add 0.25 oz Benedictine
6. Add 0.25 oz grenadine
7. Add 2 oz pineapple juice
8. Add 1 oz lime juice
9. Add 2 dashes Angostura bitters
10. Top with 1-2 oz club soda
11. Gently stir and do not shake
12. Garnish with a maraschino cherry and pineapple slice

Tip: Use freshly squeezed pineapple and lime juice for best results.

Conclusion

With its tangy, sweet flavors and alluring pink color, the captivating Singapore Sling has earned its reputation as one of the world’s most popular gin cocktails. Sipped leisurely in tropical Singapore or mixed by home bartenders globally, this drink continues to win over new generations of cocktail connoisseurs.

The Singapore Sling’s rich history from its origins inside the Raffles Hotel to modern re-interpretations only adds to its legendary status. So next time you crave a refreshingly fruity gin drink, be sure to try this classic Singaporean libation.