Finally, a pink drink you can order in peace. The Singapore Sling is a strong yet balanced cocktail that’s earned its place in the respectable cocktail hall of fame. The sling cocktail has many different variations, but at its core, a sling is just a drink made with a spirit (gin in this case), sugar, water, and nutmeg. This version is named for its place of origin: The Long Bar at the Raffles Hotel in Singapore at the hands of a bartender named Ngiam Tong Boon.
The Singapore Sling is a bit elaborate, but I can guarantee it’s worth the effort. Each ingredient plays a crucial role in creating a balanced drink that doesn’t taste as sweet (or pink) as it looks. You’ll also get a chance to stock your bar cart with a few new bottles and experiment with different cocktails. In the mood for more pink drinks? Try the pink señorita or the Dirty Shirley.
Can you use Cointreau or Grand Marnier instead of triple sec?
Definitely. They're all orange liqueurs. Cointreau is a type of triple sec, but there are a few differences that will slightly change the flavor of your drink. While triple sec has a straightforward orange flavor, Cointreau is a bit more complex, offering hints of bitterness to balance the sweetness. Grand Marnier is a blend of triple sec and cognac that will give the drink a slightly darker hue and a rich oaky flavor. They’re also stronger than triple sec, so you’ll need fewer drinks to get the party started.
Can I customize a Singapore Sling?
Look, everyone else already has, so you might as well do it too. Instead of the classic grenadine, try some of the liquid from the Luxardo cherries to amp up the flavor from the cherry liqueur. Swap in Drambuie for Bénédictine or top the drink with lime seltzer instead of club soda. Get crazy, you’re the bartender.
