Singapore Sling Cocktail: Ingredients, History & How to Make It
The Singapore Sling is a cocktail rich in flavour, history, and legend. First created in the early 1900s at Singapore’s iconic Raffles Hotel by bartender Ngiam Tong Boon, the drink was designed to offer a cooling reprieve in a hot and humid climate. Today, it stands as a complex and refreshing gin-based cocktail with countless variations — and we’ve created one that includes a uniquely Irish twist with Muckross Irish Gin.
What’s in a Singapore Sling?
The Singapore Sling ingredients vary by recipe, but a typical version will include:
- Gin – The essential base spirit, offering a floral, citrusy, and herbaceous foundation
- Cherry liqueur – Adds sweetness and depth (Cherry Heering is a classic)
- Bénédictine – A herbal liqueur that adds complexity
- Cointreau or triple sec – A citrusy element
- Pineapple juice – For fruitiness and body
- Lime juice – Adds acidity to balance the sweetness
- Grenadine – For colour and added sweetness
- Angostura bitters – Optional, but adds a gentle spice
- Club soda – Sometimes used to lighten the drink
Garnish with a pineapple slice and a maraschino cherry for a vibrant tropical finish.
Three Ways to Make a Singapore Sling at Home
There’s no universal “true” recipe for the Singapore Sling. Here are three approaches to try at home, based on skill level — all using Muckross Irish Gin as the heart of the drink:
1. Beginner – Simple & Refreshing
- 50ml Muckross Irish Gin
- 20ml Cherry liqueur
- 20ml Lime juice
- Top with soda water
Method: Shake the first three ingredients with ice, strain into a highball with fresh ice, and top with soda. Garnish and serve.
2. Classic (IBA Style) – Full Flavour
- 30ml Muckross Irish Gin
- 15ml Cherry liqueur
- 7.5ml Cointreau
- 7.5ml Bénédictine
- 120ml Pineapple juice
- 15ml Lime juice
- 10ml Grenadine
- 1 dash Angostura bitters
Method: Shake with ice and strain into a hurricane or highball glass filled with ice. Garnish with pineapple and cherry.
3. Muckross Irish Twist – Sophisticated & Herbal
- 50ml Muckross Irish Gin
- 15ml Cherry liqueur
- 10ml Bénédictine
- 30ml Pineapple juice
- 10ml Lime juice
- 5ml Grenadine
- 1 dash bitters
Method: Shake all ingredients with ice. Strain into a chilled glass with ice and garnish. This version is lighter, fresher, and highlights the botanicals in Muckross Irish Gin.
Flavour Profile: What to Expect
The Singapore Sling balances sweet cherry and pineapple notes with herbal complexity and sharp citrus. When well made, it’s refreshing, layered, and never cloying. The pineapple juice gives a soft froth when shaken, while the herbal notes from Bénédictine and bitters linger on the finish. It’s a cocktail to sip slowly and savour — not slam back in a hurry.
Why the Singapore Sling Is So Varied
There’s no universal “true” recipe. Even Raffles Hotel updated its formula in 2018 to reflect a drier, more refined profile. Over the decades, different cultures, eras, and bartenders have put their own spin on it — from fruit-forward party punches to sharp, aromatic classics.
Whether you prefer a simple gin-and-cherry build or a richly layered version, the Singapore Sling is a cocktail that evolves with your palate.
Pro Tips for the Perfect Sling
- Use fresh lime juice – Bottled versions often taste artificial
- Go easy on grenadine – Too much makes it cloying
- Always use Muckross Irish Gin – Its floral and herbaceous profile is a perfect match
- Shake hard – This helps emulsify the pineapple juice and aerate the drink
FAQs
What is the original Singapore Sling recipe?
The original recipe from Raffles included gin, cherry brandy, Bénédictine, lime juice, and soda water — no pineapple juice. Modern versions include fruit juice for added body and sweetness.
What’s the best gin for a Singapore Sling?
Muckross Irish Gin is ideal thanks to its smooth floral and citrus-forward profile, which blends beautifully with cherry and tropical flavours.
Can I make a Singapore Sling without Bénédictine?
Yes, but it changes the drink’s complexity. Try the beginner version for a simplified approach, or go with the Muckross Irish Gin twist to keep it fresh and vibrant.
Looking for more cocktail recipes? Visit our Suggested Serves section and subscribe to our newsletter for seasonal updates, cocktail tips, and more ways to enjoy Muckross Irish Gin.
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