Greetings, cocktail lovers! Today, we'll embark on a journey to Southeast Asia with the classic Singapore Sling cocktail, a national drink of Singapore and a staple at the Raffles Hotel. This colorful, gin-based cocktail boasts a delightful combination of sweet, sour, and fruity flavors that are sure to whisk you away to the bustling streets and lively bars of Singapore.
Though the exact original recipe remains a point of debate, we've come up with a version that captures the spirit of the classic Singapore Sling—balanced, complex, and incredibly refreshing. So, grab your shaker and let's begin!
Ingredients:
1 1/2 ounces gin
1/2 ounce cherry brandy (also known as Cherry Heering)
1/4 ounce Cointreau (or triple sec)
1/4 ounce Benedictine
3 ounces pineapple juice
1/2 ounce lime juice
1/3 ounce grenadine
1 dash Angostura bitters
Garnish: pineapple slice and cherry
Instructions:
- Prepare Your Glassware: Begin by chilling your glass. A chilled glass will keep your cocktail cooler for longer and enhance the overall experience. Simply fill your hurricane glass (or any tall glass) with ice and set it aside.
- Combine Your Ingredients: In a cocktail shaker filled with ice, pour in the gin, cherry brandy, Cointreau, Benedictine, pineapple juice, lime juice, and grenadine. Remember, fresh juices always elevate a cocktail, so, if possible, opt for freshly squeezed lime juice and pure pineapple juice.
- Shake It Up: Now, the fun part! Close your shaker and give it a vigorous shake. Aim for about 10 to 15 seconds of shaking, or until the outside of the shaker becomes frosty. This not only chills the drink but also ensures that all the ingredients are well-integrated.
- Strain and Pour: Discard the ice from your pre-chilled glass. Strain the cocktail into the glass, making sure to catch any ice shards or pulp.
- Add the Finishing Touches: Now, for the final touch: a dash of Angostura bitters over the top to add depth and complexity. Finally, garnish your Singapore Sling with a slice of pineapple and a cherry.
- Enjoy: Voila! You've just made a classic Singapore Sling. All that's left is to sip, enjoy, and imagine yourself in the vibrant city of Singapore.
The Singapore Sling is a perfect example of a cocktail that not only tastes great but also has a rich history. It's the kind of drink that's meant to be savored and enjoyed with friends, just as it has been for over a hundred years in its homeland.
Remember, the beauty of cocktail-making lies in experimentation, so feel free to play around with the proportions or ingredients to suit your taste. Perhaps a little more gin for a stronger kick or a tad less grenadine if you prefer less sweetness. The choice is yours.
