A Sling that tastes of the Far East: Bourbon Whiskey meets Cherry Brandy, lime and pineapple – not too sweet, not too tart, with a dash of Angostura as its secret. The heat comes from the fresh pineapple, which isn’t just a garnish but also pulls through in the glass. Perfect for warm evenings when you want something complex yet refreshing.
And here’s what you need for the Thai Cocktail Sling
3 cl Bourbon Whiskey
1.5 cl Cherry Brandy
1.5 cl orange liqueur
1.5 cl lime juice
1 teaspoon brown sugar
1 dash Angostura bitters
crushed ice
2 ice cubes
125 ml pineapple juice
1 small pineapple wedge (fresh, with skin)
This is what matters
The pineapple wedge is no decorative gimmick: cut it so the hard skin stays on the outside and the fruit fibres are exposed. As you drink, the tongue rubs against it – this releases extra aromas and intensifies the fruity heat. For an even more intense experience, rub the pineapple slice briefly over the rim of the glass before serving, so the enzymes lightly bite into the sugar lip. Do not moisten the rim beforehand, or the sugar won’t stick properly.
Variations
- Thai Sling Light — Replace the Bourbon Whiskey with 3 cl white rum and reduce the Cherry Brandy to 1 cl. Add 1 cl coconut syrup – it tastes like holiday, without being too heavy.
- Spicy Thai Sling — Add 2 thin slices of fresh ginger to the shaker and let it steep in the lime juice for 10 minutes before adding the other ingredients. Strain through a sieve before pouring. Pairs well with spicy food.
Frequently asked questions
Can I replace the brown sugar with regular sugar?
Yes, but brown sugar adds a subtle caramel note that supports the whisky. If you only have white sugar, dissolve it in 1 cl warm water first – this prevents lumps in the shaker.
Why use crushed ice in the shaker?
Crushed ice chills faster and dilutes the drink less than cubes. This keeps the flavour concentrated while the temperature is just right. If you don’t have crushed ice, chop cubes with a kitchen towel and a rolling pin.
Can I use canned pineapple juice?
Fresh juice is ideal, but in an emergency canned juice will do – just make sure to choose a high-quality brand without added sugar. The difference lies in the acid profile: fresh pineapple has more citric acid, which better carries the whisky.
