My first Singapore Sling was on our initial trip to New Orleans many years ago. It is a bright, refreshing cocktail very much in keeping with its place of origin; the Raffles Hotel, Singapore circa 1915. Which brings me to this wonderful bottle of gin from India I received from fellow writer Joe Gulino. Jaisalmer Indian Craft Gin is very much a London Dry-style gin regardless of where it was distilled.
However, it does separate itself from its English competitors by offering a unique, complex palate that makes for a great martini. Being bottled at 43% ABV also allows the gin to stand on its own in a complex cocktail like the Sling.
Flavor Profile: Light and Refreshing
Singapore Sling
Equipment
- 1 Boston Shaker
- 1 Strainer
Ingredients
- 1 oz Jaisalmer Indian Craft Gin
- 1/2 oz Grand Marnier Louise Alexander Liqueur Cognac
- 1/2 oz Cherry Heering
- 1/4 oz Amaro di Angostura
- 1 oz Pineapple Juice
- 3/4 oz Lime Juice
- 2 dashes Angostura Bitters
- 1 bottle Club Soda chilled
- 1 Orange Slice
- 1 Cherry
Instructions
- Add all ingredients except the club soda into a Boston shaker filled with ice cubes.
- Shake vigorously for ten seconds.
- Double strain into a traditional water glass filled with fresh ice cubes.
- Top with chilled club soda.
- Garnish with Speared Orange Slice and Cherry
My Take:
The Singapore Sling makes for a very easy cocktail to riff but I didn’t play around too much from the original. My main substitution was the use of Amaro instead of Benedictine which I find too bitter. Amaro di Angostura pairs perfectly with the ubiquitous bitters from the same company. The other change was the use of the richer, darker Louise Alexander Grand Marnier instead of the basic version. I like the depth it adds while still allowing the Sling to retain its trademark freshness. I also increased the measures to allow my version to be served in a larger glass than a highball. I find that I drink Slings too quickly otherwise!
Music Pairing
Led Zeppelin “Kashmir” Physical Graffiti (Swan Song) 1975
Led Zeppelin is rock and roll royalty and Kashmir is just an amazing triumph. With lesser talent this would have been a train wreck but what we are left with is pure musical genius.
Cheers!
