The Singapore Sling: A Tale of Two Recipes and One Legendary Cocktail

Singapore Sling Cocktail

Few cocktails are as shrouded in mystery and debate as the Singapore Sling. It’s a drink with an iconic name, a deep history, and—depending on who you ask—two completely different ways to make it. One version uses pineapple juice, creating a tropical, slightly creamy cocktail, while the other swaps the juice for soda water, resulting in a lighter, more refreshing fizz.

So, which one is the “real” Singapore Sling? Well, pull up a barstool, and let’s dive into the story.

The Birth of the Singapore Sling

The Singapore Sling was born in the early 1900s at the world-famous Raffles Hotel in Singapore. A bartender named Ngiam Tong Boon is credited with creating it as a way to give women a socially acceptable way to drink alcohol. At the time, etiquette frowned upon ladies openly sipping spirits, so he crafted a pink, fruity drink that looked harmless but packed a punch.

The original recipe was lost to time, and over the years, bartenders have attempted to reconstruct it from notes, memories, and speculation. This has led to the great divide:

1. The Pineapple Juice Version – The most common modern take, featuring gin, cherry liqueur, Bénédictine, Cointreau, lime juice, grenadine, and pineapple juice, which adds a slightly creamy, tropical texture.

1. The Soda Water Version – Some historians argue that the original drink was more of a gin sling, meaning it was a simple mix of gin, citrus, sugar, cherry brandy, and soda water, making it a drier, more refreshing highball-style drink.

   
   

The version served at Raffles today is the pineapple-heavy one, but older cocktail books often list recipes that look more like a traditional gin sling—hence the confusion.

How to Make the Singapore Sling (Both Ways!)

Because I believe in giving the people what they want, here are both versions of the drink. Try them side by side and decide for yourself which one deserves the crown.

Version 1: The Raffles Hotel (Pineapple) Singapore Sling

🍸 30ml gin🍍 120ml fresh pineapple juice🍋 15ml lime juice🍒 15ml cherry liqueur (e.g., Heering)🍯 7.5ml Bénédictine🍊 7.5ml Cointreau❤️ 5ml grenadine💦 Dash of Angostura bitters🧊 Ice🍹 Garnish: Cherry & pineapple wedge

Method:

1. Add all ingredients to a shaker with ice and shake well.

2. Strain into a tall glass filled with ice.

3. Garnish with a cherry and pineapple wedge.

   
   
   
   

Version 2: The Classic (Soda Water) Singapore Sling

🍸 45ml gin🍋 20ml fresh lemon juice🍒 15ml cherry liqueur (e.g., Heering)🍯 7.5ml Bénédictine🍊 7.5ml Cointreau💦 Soda water (to top)🧊 Ice🍋 Garnish: Lemon twist

Method:

1. Add all ingredients except soda water to a shaker with ice and shake well.

2. Strain into a highball glass filled with ice.

3. Top with soda water and stir gently.

4. Garnish with a lemon twist.

   
   
   
   
   
   

Which One Wins?

There’s no right or wrong answer—both versions have their fans. The pineapple-heavy Singapore Sling is sweet, tropical, and lush, while the soda water version is more crisp, dry, and classic.

Watch my latest video where I make the Singapore Sling

Singapore Sling Cocktail Video

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