The Straits Sling Cocktail Recipe

The refreshingly bitter Straits Sling originated at the Long Bar of Singapore's Raffles Hotel around 1915 and was the forerunner to the sweeter, more tropical Singapore Sling. The Straits Sling is a timeless gin cocktail with origins in early 20th-century Singapore, crafted to suit the tropical climate while offering a sophisticated, refreshing taste. Created by Ngiam Tong Boon at the iconic Long Bar of the Raffles Hotel, it belongs to the historic family of “sling” drinks, combining spirits with sweet and sour elements. Unlike its more elaborate cousin, the Singapore Sling, the Straits Sling focuses on clean gin flavours enhanced by cherry liqueur, citrus, and a splash of soda. Its colonial-era roots, aromatic balance, and long drink format make it an enduring favourite for cocktail enthusiasts. Today, it is celebrated worldwide as a heritage drink reflecting tropical elegance and mixological innovation.

The Straits Sling cocktail emerged in Singapore during the early 1910s at the Long Bar of the Raffles Hotel, created by bartender Ngiam Tong Boon. As a long drink, it was designed to refresh and energize in the tropical heat while offering a refined flavour profile. This classic gin-based cocktail combines 45 ml of London Dry gin, 15 ml of cherry liqueur, 15 ml of lime juice, 10 ml of simple syrup or grenadine, and a splash of soda water. Optional aromatic bitters can add depth, while a maraschino cherry or citrus twist completes the garnish.

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Preparation involves shaking the gin, cherry liqueur, lime juice, and syrup with ice before straining into a highball glass filled with fresh ice. Top with soda water for effervescence and gently stir to preserve the layered flavours. The result is a vibrant, lightly sweet, and citrus-forward drink with subtle cherry undertones and a refreshing finish.

The Straits Sling’s historical significance lies in its status as a precursor to the Singapore Sling, reflecting early 20th-century colonial taste and Southeast Asian innovation in mixology. Its simple yet elegant recipe has inspired modern variations, allowing bartenders to experiment with tropical fruits, aromatic syrups, or infused gins. Served chilled in a highball glass, the Straits Sling remains a sophisticated choice for summer cocktails, heritage mixology enthusiasts, and tropical-inspired gatherings. Its enduring popularity is a testament to the balance, versatility, and historic charm of this Southeast Asian classic.

The Straits Sling Cocktail Recipe

Ingredients

• 2 oz of gin

• ½ oz of kirsch

• ½ oz of Bénédictine

• 2 dashes of orange bitters

• 2 dashes of Angostura bitters

• 1 ½ oz of chilled club soda

• ¼ of an orange wheel

• 1 brandied cherry

• Ice

​Assembly Fill a cocktail shaker with ice and add the gin, kirsch, Bénédictine and both bitters and shake well until chilled. Strain into an ice-filled Collins glass. Stir in the chilled club soda and garnish with the orange wheel quarter and the brandied cherry.