The art of making cocktails has room for endless experimentation and exploration across the globe. Be it the famous delicious Mimosa, first created in Paris, or the foamy Irish Coffee of Ireland, some places are known for their signature drinks. Over the years, each of these drinks has become a legacy, even as the recipes get varied in different hands.
Just like how we will always credit Mexico for giving us the bold Tequila, which gives the sensational Margarita its unique flavor, there are drinks with origins that can be traced and can be interesting to learn about. Though alcohol and cocktails might not be for everyone, one can’t help but be in awe of the histories that are captured within.
One such cocktail is the Singapore Sling, a fun twist on the typical gin sling, found in the early 20th Century in Singapore, giving it the infamous name. It is a wonderful mix of the flavors of cherry, pineapple, lime within the taste of gin. Very playful and laidback in appearance, the typical Singapore Sling recipe will also bring forth a burst of colors that stimulate your tastebuds and not just your eyes. While being an excellent combination of your food, it is also a worthy candidate for photographs and will dazzle fearlessly as you capture the memories of your evening.
If you are someone who enjoys trying out different cocktail recipes at home for the times when you cannot go out, a Singapore Sling might just be the drink you are looking for. Making a Singapore Sling recipe is an artistic process, the reward of which will surely be a refreshing cocktail worth all your efforts.
The Story Behind The Singapore Sling
Though a history lesson is not something you might have been looking for when you searched for a Singapore Sling recipe, the story behind the drink is one too interesting to ignore.
The Singapore Sling is said to have been first made in 1915, in the Long Bar located within the Raffles Hotel, Singapore. It was made by Raffles bartender Ngiam Tong Boon, to create an alcoholic drink with a colorful, stylish flair, with the target customers being women who visit the bar.
Back then, societal etiquette imposed certain rules and roles on women, as is common even today. It was thought to be improper for a woman to consume alcohol in public, even though men were given full reign to enjoy the same. Hence, the original Singapore Sling drink was designed to have the appearance of a fruit juice, with alcohol inside. The rosy color and light, the playful flair made it a drink that could be enjoyed without worries.
It remains true that such partial restrictions are unfair towards women and they should be able to enjoy themselves in any way they desire. Still, this Singapore Sling drink posed as a new option available for them, and from there, it went on to be one of the most commonly ordered cocktail around the world!. Today, where attempts are being made to remove gender roles from things such as colors and interests, the Singapore Sling drink is a cocktail that anyone can enjoy freely, simply because they want to.
Singapore Sling Recipe To Try At Home
Throughout the years, the original Singapore Sling has been varied according to preferences and the available ingredients. When making the drink, do not aim to recreate a perfect copy of the cocktails you see in magazines. Instead, try to trust yourself and make a drink that suits you. It might not look or taste like what you expect, but it will be special because it’s yours. Who knows, somewhere along the way you might even discover your own unique Singapore Sling recipe.
Today, we are going to tell you about how to make a simple Singapore Sling drink. You are free to experiment with the recipe in your preferred way. Just remember to have fun and to go easy on yourself! To start with making a Singapore Sling, you will need to gather the following ingredients:
1. 1/4 oz. of a herbal liqueur, such as Benedictine
2. 3/4 oz. of gin
3. 1 oz. of pineapple juice
4. 1/2 oz. of freshly squeezed lime juice
5. 1/4 oz. of cherry liqueur
6. 1/4 oz. of Grand Marnier
7. Club soda, for topping the drink off at the end
8. 1 dash of cocktail bitters
9. Lemon slices or orange slices, for garnishing
10. Maraschino cherry, for garnishing
11. Ice
First, make sure you have all the proper ingredients, and choose an appropriate glass (such as a highball glass) Next, add the herbal liqueur, gin, pineapple juice, lime juice, cherry liqueur, Grand Marnier, and bitters to a cocktail shaker with ice cubes. Make sure to shake these ingredients well, so that they mix properly. Then strain this mixture nicely over a highball glass that is filled with ice.
Top this drink off with the club soda, adding it to the glass. Finally, garnish your cocktail with lemon or orange slices, by tucking them along the rim. End with garnishing a cherry on top (literally) of the glass rim! With this, your Singapore Sling recipe is ready to be enjoyed as a relishing, relaxing end to your arduous, fulfilling day!
Having Fun And Being Responsible
Remember that the point of the activity is to have fun and for that, one must first be safe and take care of themselves. Whether you are at a bar with friends or nursing cocktails by yourself on your couch, make sure to not go overboard. Keep track of the amount of alcohol you are consuming and know when to cut yourself off. Do not drive anywhere while drunk and have someone watch out for you if needed.
Ultimately, what is important is you are okay. Sure, trying to stick to certain rules might feel tiring when you’re out there having fun, but we promise you that you’ll appreciate your actions the next day. So, go make your delicious Singapore Sling, along with whatever cocktails you want to try out and relax while being reassured by the fact that you have your own back!
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