What is the Singapore Sling?

The Singapore Sling is a gin-based sling cocktail from Singapore, created by bartender Ngiam Tong Boon at the Long Bar in Raffles Hotel. It was originally called the Gin Sling.

When and where was the Singapore Sling created?

The Singapore Sling was created around 1915 at the Long Bar in Raffles Hotel, Singapore, by bartender Ngiam Tong Boon.

Why was the Singapore Sling popular with women?

The cocktail was designed to be socially acceptable for women to drink in public, which was unusual at the time, while also being refreshing in the tropical heat.

What are the main ingredients of a Singapore Sling?

The Singapore Sling includes London Dry Gin, cherry brandy, Benedictine, pineapple juice, lime juice, Angostura bitters, ice, sparkling water, and is garnished with fresh pineapple and a cocktail cherry.

How is a Singapore Sling prepared?

Pour gin, cherry brandy, and Benedictine into a mixing glass or jug, add ice and Angostura bitters, stir until chilled, then add pineapple juice and lime juice. Stir gently, top with sparkling water, and garnish with pineapple and a cocktail cherry.

Why is the Singapore Sling historically significant?

It became an iconic cocktail representing colonial elegance, tropical leisure, and Singapore itself, gaining international fame by the mid-20th century.

Does the Singapore Sling have modern variations?

Yes, modern mixologists sometimes adjust ingredient ratios or add sparkling elements, though the classic Raffles Hotel recipe remains the benchmark for authenticity.

Singapore Sling Cocktail Recipe

Wayne Munday
Jan 26, 2021
2 min read

Updated: Dec 12

The Singapore Sling is a gin-based sling cocktail from Singapore created by bartender Ngiam Tong Boon working at the Long Bar in Raffles Hotel, Singapore. It was initially called the Gin Sling.

The Singapore Sling is one of the most iconic gin-based cocktails, originating in the early 20th century at Singapore’s famed Raffles Hotel. Created around 1915 by bartender Ngiam Tong Boon, the drink was designed to be both refreshing in the tropical heat and socially acceptable for women in public, a rarity at the time. Served initially in the Long Bar, the Singapore Sling quickly became a signature of colonial elegance and tropical leisure.

The cocktail is renowned for its vivid pink hue and balanced flavour profile, combining gin, Cherry Heering, Benedictine, pineapple juice, lime juice, simple syrup, and a dash of bitters. This combination produces a drink that is fruity, slightly herbal, and refreshingly tropical, perfectly suited to Singapore’s climate and the refined tastes of early 20th-century expatriates and travellers.

By the mid-20th century, the Singapore Sling had gained international fame, appearing in cocktail guides worldwide and becoming synonymous with Singapore itself. Modern mixologists continue to experiment with variations, sometimes adjusting ratios or adding sparkling elements, yet the classic Raffles Hotel recipe remains the benchmark for authenticity.

Today, the Singapore Sling is celebrated not only for its historic colonial roots but also for its enduring appeal as a vibrant, sophisticated cocktail. Whether enjoyed at the original Raffles Long Bar or recreated at home, it embodies the elegance, tropical charm, and rich cocktail heritage that have made it a timeless classic.

Singapore Sling

Ingredients

¾ oz of London Dry Gin
¾ oz of cherry brandy
¾ oz Benedictine
Ice to serve
Angostura bitters
1 ¾ pineapple juice
¾ oz of Lime juice
Sparkling water to top the drink
Garnish with fresh pineapple and a cocktail cherry

Assembly Pour the gin, cherry brandy, and Benedictine into a mixing glass or a jug. Add the ice and Angostura bitters. Stir well until chilled. Pour the mix into a tall glass, then add the pineapple juice and lime juice and stir gently. Top up with sparkling water and garnish.