Singapore Sling Through the Years

More than just a cocktail, the Singapore Sling is a cultural institution that is beloved by locals and tourists alike. Delve into the rich history of this timeless tipple and learn more about the beginnings of the Singapore Sling.

 

The First Singapore Sling

Born amidst the vibrant tapestry of colonial Singapore, the Singapore Sling was created by Ngiam Tong Boon in 1915, who worked as a bartender at a local hotel.

With its blushing pink hue, this internationally recognised cocktail is a discreet yet delightful indulgence at a time when women were discouraged from openly consuming alcohol. Though the exact ingredients of the Singapore Sling is a guarded secret, it is primarily a gin-based cocktail concocted with a dash of pineapple juice, cherry brandy and grenadine. The result was a refreshing, boozy drink characterised by its intense, reddish-pink tint. A harmonious interplay of sweet, tart and herbal notes, the Singapore Sling offered a refreshing escape, particularly appealing in Singapore’s tropical climate.

Singapore Sling in a tall glass, topped with pineapple

The Modern Singapore Sling

While the Singapore Sling was originally created as a ladies’ drink, the cocktail has since evolved into a bar staple in Singapore. While most bars have adhered to the classic recipe that has stood the test of time, some bars have reimagined the Singapore Sling to craft modern interpretations that infuse unconventional ingredients and exotic flavours.

Bars with the Classic Singapore Sling

Sip on unique variations of the classic Singapore Sling and experience mixology at its finest with special renditions of the drink.

RISE Restaurant

RISE is the mecca of authentic Southeast Asian cuisine in Singapore, with each menu item celebrating the diverse culinary landscapes of region. There’s no better drink to represent Singapore than the Singapore Sling, made to closely replicate the original flavours as best as possible.

RISE’s 'The' Singapore Sling features a simple ingredient list that packs a punch with every sip. The BRASS Lion Dry Gin, gives the drink a crisp jolt and leaves a light, citrusy aftertaste that complements the tart lime juice and plum notes of the Heering Cherry Liqueur. Another star ingredient is the Cointreau, a premium orange liqueur with clean and bright orange notes that introduces a vibrant citrusy element, perfectly balancing the warm, honeyed flavour of Dom Benedictine.

RISE Restaurant is located at Hotel Tower 1, Lobby.

Interior of RISE Restaurant, a buffer restaurant which offers the classic Singapore Sling

CÉ LA VI Skybar & Lounge

Offering a bird’s eye view of the Singapore Strait, this is one of the best rooftop bars in Singapore to retreat and indulge in handcrafted cocktails.

If you're in the mood for a vibrant cocktail, check out CÉ LA VI Skybar & Lounge's take on the classic Singapore Sling. This rendition is packed with a medley of fruity flavours, from the tangy zest of orange to the sweet tropical flavours of the pineapple. The dry and crisp gin base provides an acidic kick, while the smooth and full-bodied Bénédictine D.O.M adds a warm and velvety finish to the drink.

CÉ LA VI Skybar & Lounge is located at Hotel Tower 3, Level 57, Sands SkyPark.

CE LA VI, a rooftop bar in Singapore offering the classic Singapore Sling

Dallas Café & Bar

Located along the Marina Bay waterfront, Dallas Café & Bar is an excellent place for after-work gatherings. This live band bar nestled amidst a relaxed alfresco setting lined with swaying palm trees, guarantees a lively atmosphere for memorable meetups.

Here, you can have a glass of crimson Singapore Sling, crafted with a base of Gin for a light and crisp body. The pineapple and lime juice creates a refreshing and tangy balance that complements other ingredients for a tantalising thirst-quencher in Singapore’s tropical heat. Toast to a warm summer night as you soak up the atmosphere of Dallas Café & Bar under the shimmering city lights across the bay.

Dallas Café & Bar is located at The Shoppes, #01-85.

A glass of crimson red Singapore Sling cocktail at Dallas Cafe & Bar at Marina Bay Sands

JUMBO Signature

JUMBO Signatures shines proudly as a gastronomic masterpiece that embodies the essence of Singaporean local cuisine.

While JUMBO Signatures is most known for their Award-Winning Chilli Crab, their interpretation of Singapore’s signature concoction, the Hendrick’s Singapore Sling, is not to be missed. With a minimal ingredient list, it harks back to simplicity, offering the classic Singapore Sling loved by all—boozy yet warm, tart, and subtly sweet. It features a lovely sweetness from pineapple juice and Cherry Brandy, expertly balanced by the zesty sourness of the Cointreau’s bitter orange flavours. With the rich, earthy notes of Benedictine DOM as a finishing touch to the gin’s citrusy brilliance, the result is a captivating flavour profile.

JUMBO Signatures is located at The Shoppes, #B1-01B.

JUMBO Signatures at Marina Bay Sands

Le Noir

You’ll find the original Singapore Sling recipe perfected by the mixologists at Le Noir. With its symphony of balanced, bitter notes from the Angostura Bitters and the tropical sweetness of the freshly juiced pineapple, Grenadine and Cherry Brandy, the result is a satisfying cherry sweetness that dances on your tongue. 

Le Noir’s Singapore Sling also features a warm depth with spicy, amber notes that meld perfectly with the dark cherry profile. The refreshing and soothing flavour profile is perfect for a long night under the stars in their alfresco setting. At this live band bar, sip on your Singapore Sling and sway to the charming croon of live music while you feel the light breeze billow in the night air.

Le Noir is located at The Shoppes, #01-84.

Alfresco bar setting at Le Noir

Modern Variations of Singapore Sling

Gastronomic finesse is one of Marina Bay Sands’ tenets and adventurous palates are never forgotten at the best bars in town. Mixologists go wild with innovative twists on the Singapore Sling, creating unique recipes with an unmatched flair found only in these bars in Singapore.

Black Tap Craft Burgers & Beer

The classic Singapore Sling is reimagined with unadulterated boldness at Black Tap. Switching things up for a richer, authentically Southeast Asian flavour, Singapore Bling will please those who appreciate intense, exotic flavours. Dark Rum steals the show with its deep caramel notes, unlike the light crispness of gin in a traditional Singapore Sling. 

Savour the authentic taste of Singapore in every sip of Singapore Bling, which is infused with flavours commonly found in local cuisine. From the sweet, juicy burst of mango and the tart, acidic twang of lemon, to the green, earthy aroma of pandan, this aromatic drink boasts a warm and creamy finish that leaves you yearning for another sip.

Black Tap Craft Burgers & Beer is located at The Shoppes, #01-80.

Black Tap, Singapore

Bread Street Kitchen by Gordon Ramsay

Fronted by celebrity chef Gordon Ramsay, the skilled chef has numerous accolades under his belt – one of them being the delightful Ramsay’s Sling, his unique take on the classic Singapore Sling.

Featuring a more substantial body than the traditional Singapore Sling, the Ramsay’s Sling boasts bitter orange notes and a velvety smoothness that swathes your taste buds in a comforting warmth. Ramsay’s interpretation of the Singapore Sling honours the original recipe, using Maraschino for an intense cherry flavour and the classic balance of pineapple and lime for the familiar sweet and boozy flavour. Let the colourful city lights set the stage for a memorable evening as you raise a toast at this celebrity chef restaurant.

Bread Street Kitchen is located at The Shoppes, #01-81.

A glass of cocktail at Bread Street Kitchen, serving their rendition of the classic Singapore Sling

Yardbird Southern Table & Bar

Yardbird brings the American South to our shores with their juicy Watermelon Sling, a mouthwatering take on the classic Singapore Sling, perfectly apt for our tropical heat. Take in the stunning view of the city as you sit by Yardbird’s breezy outdoor setting while catching up with friends over a tantalising glass of this cocktail.

Sweet, juicy and refreshing, the Watermelon Sling features a crisp mouthful of slight tanginess and green notes, thanks to its Aperol Watermelon Juice, lemon and rosemary – a series of light and clean flavours easy on the palate. The drink also features Buffalo Trace Bourbon, infusing the refreshing Singapore Sling with a rich aroma of vanilla, molasses and a hint of mint for a warm and inviting finish.

Yardbird Southern Table & Bar is located at The Shoppes, #B1-07.

Cocktail selections and a creative take on the classic Singapore Sling at Yardbird