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Secrets of the Singapore Sling
Raffles Hotel Singapore Sling & Recipe
The Singapore Sling is arguably the most famous cocktail in Singapore.
Many tourists head to the Long Bar above Raffles Hotel to enjoy this gin-based beverage.
The Long Bar is probably the most expensive venue to enjoy the Singapore Sling (approximately $30 including taxes), but, it may be considered worth the extra cost for the high-quality ingredients and to enjoy the nostalgia and ambience of the stunning Long Bar.
Don’t worry, not every drink in Singapore is that expensive. Check out how to see Singapore on a budget.
You even feel transported back in time thanks to the string-pulled ceiling fans, complimentary peanuts and their shells scattered over the floor.
Peanut plantations were abundant in the vicinity at that time.
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History
The Singapore Sling was first conceived at the distinguished Raffles Hotel around 1915 by a Hainanese barman called Ngiam Tong Boon.
During this era, females were not supposed to drink straight spirits (like the men) and had to choose between some dull options like fruit juices and teas. #FunFactNo.10
Ngiam experimented with ingredients to make the first Singapore Sling in order to create a tasty and pretty cocktail that appeared like juice for the female patrons.
There is another version of this story that eludes to the idea that in the early 1900s Ngiam created this delicious cocktail for a young British officer who wanted to buy a drink for a lone lady.
The officer was in awe in her presence and noticed the vibrant red colour of her lips when she smiled ever so slightly in his direction.
The woman was Lady Chin, the youngest child of a wealthy silk merchant.
The officer asked the barman to create a cocktail befitting the allure of her lipstick.
Yes, ultimately, the officer won the heart of the lovely lady!
The Singapore Sling was instantly welcomed and has grown in popularity over the decades by both men and women.
This semi-sweet liquid refreshment now appears on the cocktail menus of many other bars around Singapore.
Ingredients of a Singapore Sling
The recipe of the Singapore Sling varies depending on your sources, but, most agree to eight main ingredients are:
| Ingredients |
|---|
| 25mL dry gin |
| 25mL cherry brandy |
| 25mL benedictine |
| 10mL cointreau |
| 50mL pineapple juice |
| 25mL lime juice |
| 10mL grenadine |
| 3 drops of angostura bitters |
| Garnish |
|---|
| Slice of fresh pineapple |
| Cocktail cherry |
(Courtesy of the Australian Good Food Guide)
How to Make a Singapore Sling
In a Collins glass, fill it with one cup of ice and set it aside in the freezer.
Combine gin, cherry-flavoured brandy, Cointreau, Benedictine, pineapple juice, lime juice and Grenadine in a cocktail shaker.
Add one cup of ice and three drops of bitters, cover and shake until chilled—strain into the prepared glass.
Garnish with a slice of pineapple and a cherry.
Possible Original Recipe:
Excerpt from The Gentleman’s Companion Volume 2 Exotic Drink (1946)
Whatever story you believe, the Singapore Sling is steeped in history and is a must-try when visiting Singapore.
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FAQ
How much does a Singapore sling cost at Raffles?
The Long Bar at Raffles Hotel sells their Singapore Sling for approximately $30 SGD ($21 USD) including taxes
What goes in a Singapore Sling?
Ingredients in the Singapore Sling are: dry gin, cherry brandy, benedictine, cointreau, pineapple juice, lime juice, grenadine, Angostura bitters, fresh pineapple and a cocktail cherry
What alcohol is in a singapore sling?
Alcohol in Singapore Sling is dry gin, cherry brandy, benedictine and cointreau.
Where to buy Singapore sling?
Every bar in Singapore will sell you a Singapore Sling. However, there is much debate over where to find the best Singapore Sling in Singapore. For the nostalgia of the very first bar to serve the drink, go to the Raffles Hotel!
How do you make a Singapore Sling cocktail?
In a Collins glass, fill it with one cup of ice and set it aside in the freezer.
Combine gin, cherry-flavoured brandy, Cointreau, Benedictine, pineapple juice, lime juice and Grenadine in a cocktail shaker.
Add one cup of ice and three drops of bitters, cover and shake until chilled—strain into the prepared glass.
Garnish with a slice of pineapple and a cherry.
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