Gin 101: From Garden to Glass - A Botanical Journey in Mixology
Singapore Sling
The Singapore Sling cocktail is a fruity and refreshing libation with a storied history dating back to the early 20th century. Created by Ngiam Tong Boon, a bartender at the Long Bar in the Raffles Hotel, Singapore, the cocktail was originally crafted as a lady's drink, featuring a delightful blend of gin, cherry liqueur, citrus juices, and herbal undertones.
Ingredients and Tools:
45 ml (1 1/2 oz) gin
15 ml (1/2 oz) cherry liqueur (e.g., Cherry Heering)
7.5 ml (1/4 oz) Cointreau
7.5 ml (1/4 oz) DOM Bénédictine
120 ml (4 oz) pineapple juice
15 ml (1/2 oz) fresh lime juice
10 ml (1/3 oz) grenadine
Dash of Angostura bitters
Ice cubes
Cocktail shaker
Jigger
Highball glass
Pineapple slice and maraschino cherry for garnish
Preparation Steps:
Fill a cocktail shaker with ice cubes.
Add 45 ml (1 1/2 oz) of gin, 15 ml (1/2 oz) of cherry liqueur, 7.5 ml (1/4 oz) of Cointreau, 7.5 ml (1/4 oz) of DOM Bénédictine, 120 ml (4 oz) of pineapple juice, 15 ml (1/2 oz) of fresh lime juice, and 10 ml (1/3 oz) of grenadine to the shaker.
Add a dash of Angostura bitters to the shaker.
Shake the mixture vigorously for about 10-15 seconds to combine and chill the ingredients.
Strain the cocktail into a highball glass filled with ice cubes.
Garnish with a pineapple slice and a maraschino cherry.
Flavor Profile:
The Singapore Sling cocktail offers a complex and harmonious flavor profile, with the botanical notes of gin balanced by the sweetness of cherry liqueur, pineapple juice, and grenadine. It's a tropical delight that evokes images of palm trees and sandy beaches.
Mixoloco - Mixology Tips:
Choosing Gin: Select a quality gin with a balanced botanical profile to ensure the perfect base for your Singapore Sling. Experiment with different gin styles to find the one that suits your taste preferences.
Balancing Sweetness: Achieving the right balance of sweetness is crucial for a well-rounded Singapore Sling. Adjust the amount of grenadine and cherry liqueur to suit your taste preferences, keeping in mind that the cocktail should be fruity and refreshing without being overly sweet.
Fresh Citrus Juice: Using freshly squeezed lime juice enhances the brightness and acidity of the Singapore Sling, contributing to its vibrant flavor profile. Avoid bottled lime juice, as it may lack the freshness and zing of freshly squeezed juice.
Garnish Creativity: While a pineapple slice and maraschino cherry are traditional garnishes for the Singapore Sling, don't be afraid to get creative with your presentation. Experiment with additional garnishes like citrus wedges, fresh mint sprigs, or even edible flowers for a visually stunning cocktail.