{"id":157348,"date":"2025-09-09T18:38:03","date_gmt":"2025-09-09T16:38:03","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.altamuradistilleries.com\/?p=157348"},"modified":"2025-10-29T16:51:34","modified_gmt":"2025-10-29T14:51:34","slug":"singapore-sling-cocktail-history","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.altamuradistilleries.com\/en\/cocktails\/singapore-sling-cocktail-history\/","title":{"rendered":"Singapore Sling cocktail: History, recipe, and more"},"content":{"rendered":"

[vc_row row_height_percent=”100″ override_padding=”yes” h_padding=”2″ top_padding=”5″ bottom_padding=”5″ back_color=”color-nhtu” back_image=”157349″ back_image_auto=”yes” kburns=”zoom” overlay_color=”color-jevc” overlay_alpha=”20″ gutter_size=”3″ column_width_percent=”100″ shift_y=”0″ z_index=”0″ enable_bottom_divider=”default” bottom_divider=”gradient” shape_bottom_h_use_pixel=”true” shape_bottom_height_percent=”100″ shape_bottom_color=”color-jevc” shape_bottom_opacity=”30″ shape_bottom_index=”0″ content_parallax=”0″ uncode_shortcode_id=”171120″ back_color_type=”uncode-palette” overlay_color_type=”uncode-palette” shape_bottom_color_type=”uncode-palette”][vc_column column_width_percent=”100″ position_vertical=”middle” align_horizontal=”align_center” gutter_size=”2″ style=”dark” overlay_alpha=”50″ shift_x=”0″ shift_y=”0″ shift_y_down=”0″ z_index=”0″ medium_width=”0″ mobile_width=”0″ width=”1\/1″ uncode_shortcode_id=”762827″][uncode_info_box items=”Categories,Date” text_size=”h4″ separator=”bullet”][vc_column_text uncode_shortcode_id=”191347″ el_class=”new-class-00″]<\/p>\n

Singapore Sling cocktail<\/h3>\n

[\/vc_column_text][\/vc_column][\/vc_row][vc_row row_height_percent=”0″ overlay_alpha=”50″ gutter_size=”3″ column_width_percent=”100″ shift_y=”0″ z_index=”0″ content_parallax=”0″ uncode_shortcode_id=”535986″][vc_column column_width_percent=”100″ align_horizontal=”align_center” gutter_size=”3″ overlay_alpha=”50″ shift_x=”0″ shift_y=”0″ shift_y_down=”0″ z_index=”0″ medium_width=”0″ mobile_width=”0″ width=”1\/1″ uncode_shortcode_id=”777078″][vc_empty_space empty_h=”3″ mobile_visibility=”yes”][vc_column_text uncode_shortcode_id=”349160″ el_class=”new-class-01″]<\/p>\n

Singapore Sling cocktail
\nHistory, recipe, and more<\/h1>\n

In the early 1900s, women were discouraged from drinking in public. Of course, they didn\u2019t let a little discouragement stop them. Bartenders quietly catered to their female clientele with drinks that appeared to be non-alcoholic\u2014often resembling bright-colored fruit juices. The British colonial era in southeast Asia was no different. Enter bartender Ngiam Tong Boon and his Singapore Sling cocktail.[\/vc_column_text][vc_empty_space empty_h=”2″ mobile_visibility=”yes”][\/vc_column][\/vc_row][vc_row unlock_row_content=”yes” row_height_percent=”0″ override_padding=”yes” h_padding=”2″ top_padding=”0″ bottom_padding=”2″ overlay_alpha=”50″ gutter_size=”3″ column_width_percent=”100″ shift_y=”0″ z_index=”0″ mobile_visibility=”yes” content_parallax=”0″ uncode_shortcode_id=”120833″][vc_column column_width_percent=”100″ position_vertical=”middle” align_horizontal=”align_center” gutter_size=”3″ overlay_alpha=”50″ shift_x=”0″ shift_y=”0″ shift_y_down=”0″ z_index=”0″ medium_width=”0″ mobile_width=”0″ width=”1\/2″ uncode_shortcode_id=”506396″][vc_column_text uncode_shortcode_id=”191306″ el_class=”new-class-02″]<\/p>\n

History of the Singapore Sling<\/h3>\n

Singapore was a bustling port city, playing a key role in Britain\u2019s global empire and serving as a bit of a playground for colonial elites. The Long Bar<\/a> in the Raffles Hotel<\/a> was considered a social hub for the likes of colonial officials, plantation owners from nearby Malaysia, as well as European and American tourists. And Ngiam Tong Boon, a Hainanese-Chinese bartender, had worked his way up to bar captain at the Long Bar.<\/p>\n

While the exact details are hazy (and even Ngiam\u2019s own family<\/a> is unclear on the truth), Raffles gives Ngiam credit for the creation of the Singapore Sling around 1915. The hotel explains that Ngiam cleverly gave the cocktail a pretty pink hue, which made it look like a fruit juice and attracted everyone\u2019s attention. While the history of the Sling may be imprecise, one thing is clear: once Raffles proclaimed the Long Bar as its birthplace, patrons couldn\u2019t get enough.[\/vc_column_text][\/vc_column][vc_column width=”1\/2″][vc_single_image media=”157353″ media_width_use_pixel=”yes” alignment=”center” uncode_shortcode_id=”166950″ media_width_pixel=”900″][\/vc_column][\/vc_row][vc_row unlock_row_content=”yes” row_height_percent=”0″ override_padding=”yes” h_padding=”2″ top_padding=”0″ bottom_padding=”2″ overlay_alpha=”50″ gutter_size=”3″ column_width_percent=”100″ shift_y=”0″ z_index=”0″ desktop_visibility=”yes” medium_visibility=”yes” auto_height_device=”yes” content_parallax=”0″ uncode_shortcode_id=”983503″][vc_column column_width_percent=”100″ position_vertical=”middle” align_horizontal=”align_center” gutter_size=”3″ overlay_alpha=”50″ shift_x=”0″ shift_y=”0″ shift_y_down=”0″ z_index=”0″ medium_width=”0″ mobile_width=”0″ width=”1\/1″ uncode_shortcode_id=”506396″][vc_single_image media=”157353″ media_width_percent=”100″ alignment=”center” uncode_shortcode_id=”164179″ el_class=”new-class-02″][vc_column_text uncode_shortcode_id=”446301″ el_class=”new-class-02″]<\/p>\n

History of the Singapore Sling<\/h3>\n

Singapore was a bustling port city, playing a key role in Britain\u2019s global empire and serving as a bit of a playground for colonial elites. The Long Bar<\/a> in the Raffles Hotel<\/a> was considered a social hub for the likes of colonial officials, plantation owners from nearby Malaysia, as well as European and American tourists. And Ngiam Tong Boon, a Hainanese-Chinese bartender, had worked his way up to bar captain at the Long Bar.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

While the exact details are hazy (and even Ngiam\u2019s own family<\/a> is unclear on the truth), Raffles gives Ngiam credit for the creation of the Singapore Sling around 1915. The hotel explains that Ngiam cleverly gave the cocktail a pretty pink hue, which made it look like a fruit juice and attracted everyone\u2019s attention. While the history of the Sling may be imprecise, one thing is clear: once Raffles proclaimed the Long Bar as its birthplace, patrons couldn\u2019t get enough.[\/vc_column_text][\/vc_column][\/vc_row][vc_row unlock_row_content=”yes” row_height_percent=”0″ overlay_alpha=”50″ equal_height=”yes” gutter_size=”2″ column_width_percent=”100″ shift_y=”0″ z_index=”0″ content_parallax=”0″ uncode_shortcode_id=”259244″ row_name=”next-02″][vc_column column_width_percent=”100″ position_vertical=”middle” gutter_size=”3″ overlay_alpha=”50″ shift_x=”0″ shift_y=”0″ shift_y_down=”0″ z_index=”0″ medium_width=”0″ mobile_width=”0″ width=”1\/3″ uncode_shortcode_id=”130262″ el_class=”new-moduli-recipe”][vc_column_text uncode_shortcode_id=”317756″ el_class=”new-class-15″]<\/p>\n

Original Singapore Sling recipe<\/h3>\n

Unfortunately, the exact recipe for the original Sling was lost (none of Boon\u2019s original recipes survived). But the Long Bar was able to recreate its signature cocktail with a 1936 note that resurfaced from a visitor to the bar. This patron had asked one of the bartenders how to make the Singapore Sling\u2014and thankfully scrawled down the recipe. Raffles currently describes the Singapore Sling as a delightful combination of gin, pineapple juice, lime juice, cura\u00e7ao, Benedictine, grenadine, and cherry liqueur.[\/vc_column_text][\/vc_column][vc_column column_width_percent=”100″ gutter_size=”3″ overlay_alpha=”50″ shift_x=”0″ shift_y=”0″ shift_y_down=”0″ z_index=”0″ medium_width=”0″ mobile_width=”0″ width=”1\/3″ uncode_shortcode_id=”662935″ back_color_type=”uncode-solid” back_color_solid=”#f1f1f1″][vc_column_text uncode_shortcode_id=”197494″ el_class=”new-cock-04″]<\/p>\n

Ingredients:<\/h4>\n
    \n
  • 1.5 oz London dry gin<\/span><\/li>\n
  • .5 oz Heering cherry liqueur<\/span><\/li>\n
  • .25 oz B\u00e9n\u00e9dictine liqueur<\/span><\/li>\n
  • .25 oz Cointreau<\/span><\/li>\n
  • 4 oz pineapple juice<\/span><\/li>\n
  • .5 oz fresh lime juice <\/span><\/li>\n
  • .33 oz grenadine<\/span><\/li>\n
  • 1 dash bitters<\/span><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n

    [\/vc_column_text][\/vc_column][vc_column column_width_percent=”100″ gutter_size=”3″ overlay_alpha=”50″ shift_x=”0″ shift_y=”0″ shift_y_down=”0″ z_index=”0″ medium_width=”0″ mobile_width=”0″ width=”1\/3″ uncode_shortcode_id=”202201″ back_color_type=”uncode-solid” back_color_solid=”#ededed”][vc_column_text uncode_shortcode_id=”208358″ el_class=”new-cock-04″]<\/p>\n

    Directions<\/h4>\n
      \n
    • Combine ingredients in a cocktail shaker and shake.<\/span><\/li>\n
    • Pour into a hurricane glass.
      \n<\/span><\/li>\n
    • Garnish with a pineapple wedge and maraschino cherry.
      \n<\/span><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n

      [\/vc_column_text][\/vc_column][\/vc_row][vc_row unlock_row_content=”yes” row_height_percent=”0″ overlay_alpha=”50″ equal_height=”yes” gutter_size=”2″ column_width_percent=”100″ shift_y=”0″ z_index=”0″ content_parallax=”0″ uncode_shortcode_id=”259244″ row_name=”next-02″][vc_column column_width_percent=”100″ position_vertical=”middle” gutter_size=”3″ overlay_alpha=”50″ shift_x=”0″ shift_y=”0″ shift_y_down=”0″ z_index=”0″ medium_width=”0″ mobile_width=”0″ width=”1\/2″ uncode_shortcode_id=”130262″ el_class=”new-moduli-recipe”][vc_column_text uncode_shortcode_id=”199819″ el_class=”new-class-15″]<\/p>\n

      Our favourite twist<\/h3>\n

      If the original sling recipe is a tad too sweet, we recommend Dale DeGroff\u2019s take. DeGroff’s version emphasizes balance and freshness, reducing the sweetness often found in other variations. Thanks to fresh pineapple juice and precise measurements, this rendition offers a more refined and approachable take on the classic.[\/vc_column_text][\/vc_column][vc_column column_width_percent=”100″ gutter_size=”3″ overlay_alpha=”50″ shift_x=”0″ shift_y=”0″ shift_y_down=”0″ z_index=”0″ medium_width=”0″ mobile_width=”0″ width=”1\/2″ uncode_shortcode_id=”662935″ back_color_type=”uncode-solid” back_color_solid=”#f1f1f1″][vc_column_text uncode_shortcode_id=”857177″ el_class=”new-cock-04″]<\/p>\n

      Ingredients:<\/h4>\n
        \n
      • 1.5 oz Gin<\/li>\n
      • .5 oz cherry Heering<\/li>\n
      • .25 oz B\u00e9n\u00e9dictine<\/span><\/li>\n
      • .25 oz Cointreau<\/li>\n
      • 2 oz fresh pineapple juice<\/li>\n
      • .5 oz fresh lime juice<\/li>\n
      • Dash of Angostura Bitters<\/li>\n
      • Soda Water (to top)<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n

        [\/vc_column_text][\/vc_column][\/vc_row][vc_row unlock_row_content=”yes” row_height_percent=”0″ override_padding=”yes” h_padding=”2″ top_padding=”1″ bottom_padding=”0″ overlay_alpha=”50″ gutter_size=”3″ column_width_percent=”100″ shift_y=”0″ z_index=”0″ content_parallax=”0″ uncode_shortcode_id=”272392″ row_height_pixel=”450px”][vc_column column_width_percent=”100″ position_vertical=”middle” align_horizontal=”align_center” gutter_size=”3″ overlay_alpha=”50″ shift_x=”0″ shift_y=”0″ shift_y_down=”0″ z_index=”0″ medium_width=”0″ mobile_width=”0″ width=”1\/1″ uncode_shortcode_id=”903265″][vc_column_text uncode_shortcode_id=”109497″ el_class=”new-class-01″]<\/p>\n

        Tips to make a great Sling<\/h2>\n

        In our experience, you\u2019ll mix the best cocktail if you:
        \n[\/vc_column_text][vc_column_text uncode_shortcode_id=”142000″ el_class=”new-class-14″]<\/p>\n

          \n
        • \n

          \u00a0Tip #1<\/h4>\n

          Use fresh pineapple juice and quality cherry liqueur.<\/li>\n

        • \n

          \u00a0Tip #2<\/h4>\n

          Use a dry, juniper-forward gin.<\/li>\n

        • \n

          Tip #3<\/h4>\n

          Chill everything, shake hard, and garnish generously.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n

          [\/vc_column_text][\/vc_column][\/vc_row][vc_row row_height_percent=”0″ override_padding=”yes” h_padding=”2″ top_padding=”0″ bottom_padding=”1″ overlay_alpha=”50″ gutter_size=”3″ column_width_percent=”100″ shift_y=”0″ z_index=”0″ content_parallax=”0″ uncode_shortcode_id=”192938″ row_height_pixel=”250″][vc_column column_width_percent=”100″ position_vertical=”middle” align_horizontal=”align_center” gutter_size=”3″ overlay_alpha=”50″ shift_x=”0″ shift_y=”0″ shift_y_down=”0″ z_index=”0″ medium_width=”0″ mobile_width=”0″ width=”1\/1″ uncode_shortcode_id=”530333″][vc_column_text uncode_shortcode_id=”119811″ el_class=”new-class-01″]<\/p>\n

          Fun fact about the Singapore Sling cocktail<\/h3>\n

          Ngiam is rumored to have kept his Singapore Sling cocktail recipe in a safe. When his family retrieved his safe after his death, however, it was already open and its contents gone.
          \n[\/vc_column_text][\/vc_column][\/vc_row][vc_row row_height_percent=”0″ overlay_alpha=”50″ gutter_size=”3″ column_width_percent=”100″ shift_y=”0″ z_index=”0″ content_parallax=”0″ uncode_shortcode_id=”979789″ back_color_type=”uncode-solid” back_color_solid=”#f3eee7″][vc_column column_width_percent=”100″ align_horizontal=”align_center” gutter_size=”3″ overlay_alpha=”50″ shift_x=”0″ shift_y=”0″ shift_y_down=”0″ z_index=”0″ align_medium=”align_center_tablet” medium_width=”0″ align_mobile=”align_center_mobile” mobile_width=”0″ width=”1\/1″ uncode_shortcode_id=”152948″][vc_single_image media=”156422″ media_width_use_pixel=”yes” media_ratio=”one-one” alignment=”center” shape=”img-circle” uncode_shortcode_id=”122179″ media_width_pixel=”100″][vc_column_text uncode_shortcode_id=”994256″ el_class=”new-class-01″]<\/p>\n

          Nicole Bump<\/h2>\n

          Nicole is a seasoned content strategist and writer with 15+ years of experience turning complex ideas into compelling stories. As founder of Bump Inbound, she helps brands connect with audiences through thoughtful strategy, sharp planning, and standout writing.[\/vc_column_text][\/vc_column][\/vc_row]<\/p>\n<\/div>","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"

          In the early 1900s, women were discouraged from drinking in public. Of course, they didn\u2019t let a little discouragement stop them…<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":34,"featured_media":157349,"comment_status":"closed","ping_status":"closed","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"footnotes":""},"categories":[195,191],"tags":[196],"class_list":["post-157348","post","type-post","status-publish","format-standard","has-post-thumbnail","hentry","category-cocktails","category-editorials","tag-cocktails"],"_links":{"self":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.altamuradistilleries.com\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/157348","targetHints":{"allow":["GET"]}}],"collection":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.altamuradistilleries.com\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts"}],"about":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.altamuradistilleries.com\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/types\/post"}],"author":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.altamuradistilleries.com\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/users\/34"}],"replies":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.altamuradistilleries.com\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/comments?post=157348"}],"version-history":[{"count":13,"href":"https:\/\/www.altamuradistilleries.com\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/157348\/revisions"}],"predecessor-version":[{"id":157728,"href":"https:\/\/www.altamuradistilleries.com\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/157348\/revisions\/157728"}],"wp:featuredmedia":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.altamuradistilleries.com\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media\/157349"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.altamuradistilleries.com\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media?parent=157348"}],"wp:term":[{"taxonomy":"category","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.altamuradistilleries.com\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/categories?post=157348"},{"taxonomy":"post_tag","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.altamuradistilleries.com\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/tags?post=157348"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}