The Singapore Sling is not a simple fruit cocktail, but a balanced interplay of herbs, acidity, and sweetness. Its secret lies in layering the aromas: the London Dry Gin provides the dry base, while Bénédictine and cherry liqueur contribute an almost syrupy complexity. The pineapple acts not only as juice but also as a texture enhancer – freshly pressed, not from a can. When mixed correctly, one can feel the difference between a drink and an experience.
And this is what you need for the Raffles Hotel Singapore Sling
5 cl London Dry Gin
1 cl cherry liqueur
1 cl Bénédictine (French herbal liqueur)
1 cl orange liqueur
2.5 cl freshly pressed lemon juice
2 drops Angostura bitters
10 cl freshly pressed pineapple juice
ice cubes
crushed ice for topping up
1/4 slice of fresh pineapple (for garnish)
1 cocktail cherry (for garnish)
What matters
The Singapore Sling depends on the freshness of the pineapple juice. Use ripe, sweet pineapple and press it directly before mixing – pasteurized juice from a carton tastes flat and metallic. Important: the lemon juice must be fresh, otherwise the acidity will dominate unpleasantly. A bartender’s trick: add the two drops of Angostura bitters *after* shaking in the shaker, just before straining. This keeps the bitterness precise and prevents it from dissipating during mixing.
Variations
- Singapore Sling with grenadine — Replace 1 cl of the pineapple juice with grenadine for more intense sweetness and a reddish color. Works well if the drink should be less tart, but loses some of the original balance.
- Dry Singapore Sling — Reduce the orange liqueur to 0.5 cl and add 0.5 cl dry vermouth. The result is less sweet but more aromatic – ideal for gin lovers who want to emphasize the herbal notes.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I make the Singapore Sling without cherry liqueur?
Yes, but the drink loses its characteristic depth. The cherry liqueur doesn’t just add sweetness, but also a slightly marzipan-like note that harmonizes with the Bénédictine. If necessary, replace it with 0.5 cl maraschino liqueur and 0.5 cl simple syrup – but taste it first to see if you like it.
Why is the drink served with crushed ice?
Crushed ice cools faster and dilutes the cocktail more evenly than large ice cubes. This is important because the Singapore Sling contains a lot of fruit juice – without dilution, it would be too sweet. Additionally, it keeps the temperature stable for longer as the guest drinks.
Can I replace the pineapple juice with pineapple syrup?
No. Pineapple syrup is far too sweet and has an artificial note. Fresh juice is essential for the balance – it brings not only sweetness but also acidity and natural creaminess. If no fresh pineapple is available, use high-quality direct juice (no concentrate).
