How to Make a Singapore Sling

The Singapore Sling. Just the name makes you think of fancy hotels, warm nights, and adventure. This pink drink is famous! People have loved its yummy taste for over 100 years. Guess what? You don't have to go to Singapore to try it. You can learn how to make a Singapore Sling at home. It's easier than you think!

What's a Singapore Sling Anyway?

Before we make it, let's talk about what it is. Back in 1915, a bartender named Ngiam Tong Boon made it at a hotel bar. It's made with gin and has a sweet, fruity, and sour taste. The real recipe is a secret. But today, people usually use gin, cherry brandy, Cointreau, Bénédictine, pineapple juice, lime juice, grenadine, and bitters. Some people even add soda.

Here's the thing: there's no one right way to make it. Over time, the recipe has changed. But it always has gin, cherry, citrus, and a mix of sweet and bitter flavors.

Why Make It Yourself?

Going to the hotel where it was invented is cool. But making a Singapore Sling at home is even better. Here’s why:

• It's cheaper! Buying the stuff to make it yourself saves money.
• Make it how you like it! Want it sweeter? More sour? You can change it.
• Easy peasy! You can have one anytime you want. No need to leave home.
• Impress your friends! Show off your bartending skills.

What You Need to Make It

Here's what you need. Try to get the best stuff you can. It makes a difference:

• Gin: Use London Dry Gin. It's the classic choice.
• Cherry Brandy: This makes it sweet and cherry-flavored.
• Cointreau: This orange drink adds a citrus taste.
• Bénédictine: A special drink with lots of herbs and spices. It makes it rich.
• Pineapple Juice: Makes it sweet and tropical. Fresh juice is best.
• Lime Juice: Adds a sour taste. Fresh is a must.
• Grenadine: A syrup that makes it red and sweet.
• Angostura Bitters: Just a little bit adds a special taste.
• Soda Water: This is optional. It makes it lighter.
• Garnish: A pineapple slice and a cherry on top!

Don't Have It? Use This!

No problem! You can switch some things out. Here are some ideas:

• No Cherry Brandy? Use cherry liqueur.
• No Bénédictine? Try another herb drink.
• No Fresh Pineapple Juice? Canned is okay.

Let's Make a Singapore Sling!

Okay, let's do it! Here's how to make a Singapore Sling, step by step:

1. Cool Your Glass: Put ice in a tall glass. Let it sit.
2. Mix It Up: In a shaker, put:
   • 1 ½ oz Gin
   • ½ oz Cherry Brandy
   • ¼ oz Cointreau
   • ¼ oz Bénédictine
   • 4 oz Pineapple Juice
   • ½ oz Lime Juice
   • ¼ oz Grenadine
   • 1 dash Angostura Bitters
3. Add Ice: Fill the shaker with ice.
4. Shake, Shake, Shake! Shake it hard for about 20 seconds.
5. Pour It: Take the ice out of the glass. Pour the drink in.
6. Soda Time? Add a splash of soda if you want.
7. Make It Pretty: Put a pineapple slice and a cherry on top.
8. Drink Up! Enjoy your Singapore Sling!

Tips for the Best Drink

Want to make it perfect? Here are some tips:

• Fresh is best! Use fresh lime and pineapple juice.
• Don't shake too much! Too much shaking makes it watery.
• Make it yours! Add more grenadine if you like it sweet.
• Cool the glass! It keeps the drink cold.
• Get creative! Try different fruit for the garnish.

Change It Up!

Want to try something different? Here are some ideas:

• The Real Raffles Hotel One: Some people try to make it like they do at the hotel.
• Spicy One: Add some ginger or chili.
• Tropical One: Use mango or passion fruit juice.
• No Alcohol? Leave out the alcohol. Use more juice.

Other Drinks You'll Love

If you like learning how to make a Singapore Sling, try these cocktails:

• Mojito: Made with rum and mint.
• Margarita: Made with tequila and lime.
• Old Fashioned: Made with whiskey.
• Daiquiri: Made with rum and lime.
• Negroni: A strong drink made with gin.

You Did It!

The Singapore Sling is more than just a drink. It's fun! It has a great taste and a cool story. Now you know how to make a Singapore Sling at home. Enjoy!

The Story Behind the Drink

The Singapore Sling has a cool history. Remember Ngiam Tong Boon? He made it at the hotel bar because women weren't supposed to drink alcohol. So, he made a drink that looked like fruit punch. That way, women could drink it without anyone knowing!

The real recipe was a secret. So, people made it different ways over time. During the war, it was hard to get the right stuff. So, it changed even more. Today, there are lots of recipes. But it always has gin, cherry, citrus, and a mix of sweet and sour.

Singapore Sling in Movies and Books

The Singapore Sling is famous! It's in movies and books. It makes people think of fancy places and adventure. The hotel makes it even more special. People want to try it to feel fancy!

It's a drink that takes you somewhere else. It makes you think of warm places and fancy times. People have loved it for years!

Make It Look Good!

How it looks is as important as how it tastes. A pretty drink makes it even better. Here's how to make it look great:

• Use the right glass! A tall, skinny glass is best.
• Make the garnish count! Use a fresh pineapple slice and a bright red cherry.
• Sugar on the rim? This makes it look extra fancy.
• Umbrella? A little umbrella is fun, too!

Different Gins for Different Tastes

London Dry Gin is the normal choice. But you can try different gins! Here are some ideas:

• Old Tom Gin: This is a little sweeter.
• Navy Strength Gin: This is stronger! Use less.
• Floral Gin: This has a flower taste.
• Citrus Gin: This has a citrus taste.

Now you know all about the Singapore Sling. You can make it and change it how you like. Learning how to make a Singapore Sling is just the start. Have fun trying new things!