Straits Sling in a highball glass with soda, lemon slice and cocktail cherry

Long Drink

Straits Sling

How to make a Straits Sling - the historic predecessor of the Singapore Sling of gin, Benedictine, cherry brandy, bitters and soda. A recipe for a fruity, spicy longdrink.

6 minPrep time
mediumDifficulty
Highball glassGlass
1Serving(s)

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The Straits Sling dates back to the early 20th century and is considered the direct ancestor of the world-famous Singapore Sling. Gin, herbal liqueur and cherry brandy create a multi-layered, spicy and fruity longdrink with colonial charm. A fascinating piece of bar history from Southeast Asia.

Instructions

  1. Add gin, Benedictine, cherry brandy, lemon juice and bitters to a shaker with ice.
  2. Shake vigorously for about 15 seconds.
  3. Strain into a highball glass filled with ice cubes.
  4. Top up with soda and stir gently.
  5. Garnish with a lemon slice and cocktail cherry.

Garnish: Lemon slice and cocktail cherry

Pro tip: Shake everything except the soda well and only add the soda in the glass so the carbonation is preserved.

Frequently asked questions

Is the Straits Sling the predecessor of the Singapore Sling?

Yes, the Straits Sling is considered the historic predecessor and was later developed into the fruitier Singapore Sling.

What is Benedictine?

Benedictine is a French herbal liqueur with a honey and spice flavor based on numerous herbs and spices.

Why are two types of bitters used?

Classically, Angostura and orange bitters are combined, which gives the drink a particularly complex spicy note.

Ingredients

  • Gin5 cl
  • Benedictine1.5 cl
  • Cherry brandy1.5 cl
  • Fresh lemon juice2 cl
  • Angostura Bitters2 dashes
  • Soda8 cl