Singapore Sling Cocktail Recipe

The Singapore Sling isn’t just any cocktail. It’s a piece of history with a refreshing mix of gin, fruit juices, and herbal notes. We love how this bright pink drink delivers the perfect balance of sweet, tart, and smooth flavors. Created in 1915 by Ngiam Tong Boon, a bartender at the Raffles Hotel in Singapore, it has remained a classic for over a century.

Over the years, bartenders have put their own spin on the recipe, but many bar-made versions end up too sweet. The original blend of gin, cherry liqueur, herbal liqueur, and pineapple juice creates the ideal tropical flavor.

That is why we prefer making it at home. With fresh pineapple juice, gin, cherry brandy, lime juice, and a few other key ingredients, you get a well-balanced cocktail that tastes even better than most bar versions. The recipe might look a bit complex, but the effort pays off with that first refreshing sip. If you have never tried a homemade Singapore Sling cocktail recipe, now is the perfect time.

What's in a Singapore Sling?

The Singapore Sling cocktail recipe is a mix of spirits, fruit juices, and herbal notes, creating a refreshing balance of sweet, tart, and botanical flavors. Here’s what you’ll need:

• Gin – A good London Dry gin keeps it crisp, while Plymouth gin brings a softer, more floral touch.
• Cherry Liqueur – Cherry Heering is the classic choice, adding deep cherry flavor and that signature pink hue.
• Cointreau – Brings in bright citrus notes. Grand Marnier works too if you prefer a richer, cognac-based twist.
• Bénédictine – The secret ingredient that adds herbal depth and keeps everything balanced.
• Pineapple Juice – Fresh juice makes all the difference, giving the drink its tropical feel and silky texture.
• Lime Juice – A splash of fresh lime cuts through the sweetness and keeps it refreshing.
• Grenadine – Just a little enhances the color and sweetness, but too much can overpower the drink.
• Angostura Bitters – A few dashes add spice and complexity.
• Club Soda – A splash gives it some fizz and lightens things up. Adjust to your taste.
• Garnish – A maraschino cherry and pineapple wedge bring everything together.

Related: 17 Best Grenadine Cocktails to Try | Best Gin Mixers to Try

How to Make a Singapore Sling Cocktail

Ready to mix up a Singapore Sling? This classic cocktail blends gin with fruity and herbal flavors for a refreshing, well-balanced drink. We love how the pineapple juice adds a tropical twist!

First, gather your ingredients:

What You’ll Need

• 2 oz gin
• ½ oz cherry brandy
• ¼ oz Bénédictine
• ¼ oz Grand Marnier or triple sec
• 4 oz pineapple juice
• ½ oz fresh lime juice
• ¼ oz grenadine
• Club soda (to top)
• Ice cubes
• Cherry and pineapple slice (for garnish)

Steps to Make It

1. Prep your glass – Fill a highball glass with ice to keep your drink nice and cold.
2. Mix it up – Add everything except the club soda to a cocktail shaker with ice. Shake for about 15 seconds until chilled.
3. Strain & serve – Pour the mixture into your glass over fresh ice.
4. Add some fizz – Top with a splash of club soda for a light, refreshing finish.
5. Garnish & enjoy – A cherry and pineapple slice make the perfect finishing touch. Use a cocktail pick to keep them in place.

That’s it! A classic Singapore Sling that’s fresh, flavorful, and easy to make at home. Want a quick reference? Check out the full recipe card below.

Popular Variations of the Singapore Sling

The Singapore Sling has changed quite a bit since its creation at the Raffles Hotel. Over the years, bartenders have put their own spin on this iconic pink drink. If you’re curious to explore different takes, here are some of the most popular versions.

The Raffles Hotel Original

This is the version that started it all. It combines gin, cherry brandy, Cointreau, Bénédictine, and fresh lime juice. In the 1970s, the hotel switched to a premixed base, but the classic recipe remains the gold standard.

The Pre-1930s Version

Before the 1930s, bartenders made a different take on the drink. It included kirschwasser (cherry brandy) and even had a float of red wine on top. This one was more ruby red than the bright pink we see today.

The Tropical Singapore Sling

Love fruity drinks? This version adds extra pineapple juice while cutting back on the herbal notes from Bénédictine. It’s sweeter and perfect for those who find the classic a bit too bitter.

The Classic Dry Version

This one skips pineapple juice completely and increases the gin and bitters. The result is a stronger, less sweet cocktail that’s perfect for gin lovers who prefer a more spirit-forward drink.

Bartenders today keep reinventing the Singapore Sling. Some add egg whites for a silky foam, while others go all out with unique garnishes.

There’s no single right way to enjoy this cocktail, so we say—try a few versions and find your favorite!

More Classic Cocktails to Try

Now that we’ve mastered the Singapore Sling, why stop there? Here are some other classic cocktails worth trying:

• Tom Collins
• Negroni
• Gin Sling
• Mai Tai
• Hurricane
• Zombie
• Jungle Bird
• Clover Club

There’s a whole world of cocktails out there, each with its own unique charm. Try a few and find your next favorite!

Frequently Asked Questions

What is a Singapore Sling made of?

The Singapore Sling contains gin, cherry liqueur, and herbal elements that create its unique taste. A classic recipe includes gin, cherry brandy, lime juice, and pineapple juice. You'll also need grenadine, triple sec, and Bénédictine to make this colorful drink.

Other versions may include Cointreau instead of triple sec or add club soda for fizz. The mix of sweet, sour, and herbal notes makes this cocktail special.

Why is it called Singapore Sling?

The Singapore Sling was born at the Raffles Hotel in Singapore around 1915. A bartender named Ngiam Tong Boon created it for the hotel's guests.

The "sling" part comes from an old drink type that mixed spirits with water and sugar. This drink put Singapore on the cocktail map and became famous worldwide.

What does a Singapore Sling taste like?

A Singapore Sling tastes fruity with a nice balance of sweet and tart flavors. The pineapple and cherry give it a tropical sweetness that many people love.

The gin adds a hint of juniper, while the herbal notes from Bénédictine add depth. Lime juice gives it a fresh zing that cuts through the sweetness.

We find it fruity but not too sweet, with enough complexity to make it interesting.

How strong is a Singapore Sling?

The Singapore Sling sits in the middle range of cocktail strength. With multiple liquors including gin and cherry brandy, it packs more punch than it tastes.

The fruit juices help mask the alcohol, making it dangerously easy to drink. We'd put it around 15% alcohol by volume, similar to a strong glass of wine.

It's not as strong as a martini but has more kick than a spritz or mimosa.

What is the original Singapore Sling recipe?

The true original recipe remains a bit of a mystery as it wasn't written down. The Raffles Hotel version combines gin with cherry liqueur and herbal liqueur.

Most historians agree it contained gin, cherry brandy, Bénédictine, lime juice, and bitters. Over time, pineapple juice became a standard ingredient that gives the drink its signature look.

The recipe has changed over the decades, with each bartender adding their own twist.

Can I make a Singapore Sling without pineapple juice?

Yes, you can skip the pineapple juice and still make a tasty Singapore Sling. Early versions of the drink may not have even included it.

Without pineapple, you'll get a more gin-forward cocktail with less sweetness. Try adding a bit more grenadine or cherry liqueur to balance the drink.

You might also increase the club soda for a lighter, more refreshing version.

What's the best gin for a Singapore Sling?

We recommend using London Dry gin for its crisp, juniper-forward taste. Brands like Beefeater or Tanqueray work perfectly in this cocktail.

Plymouth gin offers a smoother option if you prefer less juniper bite. For a unique twist, try a citrus-forward gin that will complement the fruit juices.

Avoid gins with strong unusual botanicals as they might clash with the complex flavors.

Singapore Sling Cocktail Recipe

The Singapore Sling is a fruity gin-based cocktail with a rich history dating back to 1915. We love this drink for its perfect balance of sweet, sour, and bitter notes. It's bright, refreshing, and carries a subtle kick that makes it perfect for warm evenings.

Print Recipe Pin Recipe

Prep Time 5 minutes mins

Total Time 5 minutes mins

Course Cocktails, Drinks

Servings 1

Equipment

• Cocktail shaker
• Jigger or measuring tool
• Hawthorne Strainer
• Hurricane glass or Collins glass
• Bar Spoon
• Citrus juicer

Ingredients

  

• 1 oz pineapple juice
• ½ oz fresh lime juice
• ½ oz cherry liqueur Cherry Heering
• ¼ oz Bénédictine liqueur
• ¼ oz Cointreau or Grand Marnier
• ¼ oz grenadine
• 1 dash Angostura bitters
• 2 oz club soda
• Fresh pineapple slice and maraschino cherry for garnish

Instructions

 

• Fill a hurricane or Collins glass with ice to keep the drink cold.
• Add gin, pineapple juice, lime juice, cherry liqueur, Bénédictine, Cointreau, grenadine, and bitters to a shaker.
• Fill the shaker with ice and shake for 10-15 seconds until well chilled.
• Strain into your prepared glass over fresh ice.
• Top with club soda and stir lightly.
• Add a pineapple slice and maraschino cherry for the perfect finishing touch.

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