The Singapore Sling is a long, fruit-forward gin cocktail with more structure than its pink color suggests. Gin, cherry liqueur, orange liqueur, Bénédictine, pineapple, lime, grenadine and bitters all contribute, so accurate measurement is essential.
IBA Singapore Sling recipe
- 30 ml gin
- 15 ml cherry liqueur
- 7.5 ml orange liqueur
- 7.5 ml Bénédictine
- 120 ml fresh pineapple juice
- 15 ml fresh lime juice
- 10 ml grenadine
- 1 dash aromatic bitters
Shake all ingredients well with ice, strain into a tall or Hurricane-style glass and garnish with pineapple and a cherry.
Why the recipe works
Gin provides the dry botanical base. Cherry liqueur, Bénédictine and orange liqueur add fruit, herbs and spice. Lime supplies acidity, pineapple creates body and foam, and bitters keep the drink from becoming one-dimensional.
Choose a gin with enough character
A balanced London Dry or botanical gin can stand up to the fruit and liqueurs. Very delicate gin may disappear. Browse the gin collection and avoid changing several ingredients at once when testing.
Common mistakes
- Using too much grenadine for color
- Skipping fresh lime
- Under-shaking the pineapple juice
- Free-pouring the liqueurs
- Serving over weak, rapidly melting ice
Source
International Bartenders Association: Singapore Sling
This is a substantial cocktail and may contain more than one standard drink. Measure carefully and serve responsibly.
