Singapore Sling Cocktail: Classic Raffles Hotel Recipe
The Singapore Sling is a cocktail that embodies the vibrant and eclectic spirit of Singapore. Originally created by Ngiam Tong Boon at the Raffles Hotel in the early 20th century, this cocktail has become iconic in its blend of sweet, sour, and herbal flavors. Its signature pink hue and exotic ingredients create a festive, tropical atmosphere for any occasion.
Equipment
- Cocktail shaker
- Hawthorne strainer
- Jigger (1 oz / 2 oz)
- Tall glass (12 oz / 350ml minimum)
- Citrus Juicer
Ingredients
- 1 ½ oz London dry gin 45ml
- ½ oz Cherry Heering 15ml; a Danish cherry liqueur that adds depth and sweetness
- ¼ oz Cointreau 7.5ml; orange liqueur
- ¼ oz Benedictine 7.5ml; herbal liqueur for complexity
- 4 oz pineapple juice 120ml; fresh juice preferred
- ½ oz lime juice 15ml; freshly squeezed
- ⅓ oz grenadine 10ml
- 1 dash Angostura bitters for aromatic balance
- 12 pieces ice cubes enough to fill the shaker three-quarters full, plus more for the serving glass
Garnish
- 1 slice pineapple
- 1 piece maraschino cherry
Instructions
- Fill a cocktail shaker three-quarters full with ice cubes.12 pieces ice cubes
- Add gin, Cherry Heering, Cointreau, Benedictine, pineapple juice, lime juice, and grenadine to the shaker.1 1/2 oz London dry gin, 1/2 oz Cherry Heering, 1/4 oz Cointreau, 1/4 oz Benedictine, 4 oz pineapple juice, 1/2 oz lime juice, 1/3 oz grenadine
- Shake vigorously for about 10 seconds until the mixture is well-chilled and frothy.
- Strain the mixture into a tall glass (hurricane glass or Collins glass, at least 12 oz / 350ml) filled with fresh ice cubes.12 pieces ice cubes
- Add a dash of Angostura bitters directly into the glass and give it one gentle stir.1 dash Angostura bitters
- Garnish with a pineapple slice and a maraschino cherry on the rim of the glass.1 slice pineapple, 1 piece maraschino cherry
Notes
Storage: This cocktail does not keep once made — the pineapple juice oxidises and the froth dissipates within 20 minutes. Serve immediately after shaking.
Make-Ahead: Combine gin, Cherry Heering, Cointreau, Benedictine, pineapple juice, lime juice, and grenadine in a pitcher and refrigerate for up to 4 hours. Shake individual portions with ice and add bitters fresh to each glass when serving. Do not freeze the pre-mixed batch — citrus juice turns bitter once frozen and thawed.
Substitutions: Swap pineapple juice for fresh guava juice for a different tropical twist. Reduce grenadine by half if you prefer a less sweet drink. Luxardo Cherry Liqueur can replace Cherry Heering for a slightly drier profile.
Pro Tip: Use plenty of ice in the shaker (fill it at least three-quarters full). More ice means faster chilling and less dilution, giving you a colder, more concentrated drink. Shake for a full 10 seconds and strain immediately — the foam dissipates quickly.
Serving Suggestion: Serve alongside satay skewers, prawn crackers, or fresh spring rolls with sweet chilli sauce for a Singaporean-themed cocktail hour.
Nutrition
Serving: 1servingCalories: 277kcalCarbohydrates: 32gProtein: 0.5gFat: 0.2gSaturated Fat: 0.01gPolyunsaturated Fat: 0.1gMonounsaturated Fat: 0.02gSodium: 6mgPotassium: 170mgFiber: 0.5gSugar: 25gVitamin A: 16IUVitamin C: 16mgCalcium: 21mgIron: 0.4mg
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