Sling Family

The Sling is one of the oldest named cocktail formats in the English language. Early references to slings appear in the 18th century, describing a simple combination of spirit, water, and sugar — essentially what would later be codified as a cocktail. The modern sling has evolved into a more complex form that incorporates citrus, carbonation, and additional herbal or fruit-liqueur elements.

The Singapore Sling is the defining drink of the family. It was created by bartender Ngiam Tong Boon at the Long Bar of Raffles Hotel in Singapore around 1915, though the precise date and original recipe have been debated over time. The hotel trademarked the Raffles Hotel Singapore Sling recipe, which combines gin, Cherry Heering, Cointreau, Benedictine, grenadine, fresh lime juice, pineapple juice, and Angostura bitters, topped with club soda. This recipe — complex and layered — became the international standard when it was rediscovered from old bar records in the 1970s.

The Gin Sling, a simpler predecessor, combines gin with sugar, lemon juice, and water, sometimes with a splash of soda. It was documented by Jerry Thomas and represents the more austere original format of the family. The Old Tom Gin Sling was a popular variation in the 19th century.

The sling format is characterized by its layered complexity: a clear spirit base is enhanced by a secondary herbal or fruit liqueur, balanced with citrus, sweetened, and extended with carbonation. This produces a drink that is simultaneously refreshing and complex — more structured than a Fizz, less concentrated than a classic sour.

Slings are typically served tall over ice in a Collins or highball glass, often garnished with fruit and a cherry in the Singapore Sling tradition.