About the Singapore Sling cocktail

The Singapore Sling is one of the world’s most famous gin cocktails, hailing from the legendary Long Bar at the Raffles Hotel in Singapore.

Created around 1915 by bartender Ngiam Tong Boon, it was originally intended as a socially acceptable way for women to enjoy a mixed drink in public — disguised as a fruit punch.

Over the years, the recipe has shifted and evolved, with some versions leaning sweet and tropical while others stay truer to the balanced, herbal original.

Regardless of the variation, the Singapore Sling has secured its place as a global classic — a drink that’s both refreshing and full of history.

What Makes the Singapore Sling Cocktail Special

The Singapore Sling cocktail recipe blends gin with cherry brandy, Cointreau, Bénédictine, and fresh citrus, then stretches it with pineapple juice and a dash of soda.

The result is a long, complex drink that balances fruitiness, herbal depth, and a gentle sparkle.

It’s essentially part punch, part sour, part spritz — making it one of the most versatile cocktails of the early 20th century.

Its vibrant pink-red hue and tall glass presentation give it unmistakable tropical appeal, whether served at a hotel bar or on a sunny patio.

Spirit Swaps and Food Pairings

The Singapore Sling welcomes a little experimentation:

• Swap London Dry gin for a more floral New Western gin to soften the herbal edge

• Use cherry liqueur instead of cherry brandy for a slightly sweeter finish

• Dial back the pineapple juice if you prefer less fruit and more spirit-forward balance

For food pairings, think Asian-inspired flavors or tropical menus. It’s excellent with satay skewers, fried spring rolls, coconut shrimp, or even spicy noodles.

On the lighter side, it pairs beautifully with fruit platters and tangy cheeses.

Why the Singapore Sling Endures

The Singapore Sling is more than a cocktail — it’s an icon of travel, history, and hospitality. Sipping one feels like stepping back in time to colonial-era Singapore, where a brightly colored drink could carry both style and substance.

Even if recipes vary from bar to bar, its reputation as a bold, tropical gin classic keeps it alive on menus worldwide.