Reviewed by WhatDrink Editorial Team, Drinks EditorHow we calculate nutrition
Cocktailalcoholic13.3% ABV5 ingredientsexcellent recipe
Difficulty
Moderatelayered drink
Why: 5 ingredients, layered drink, requires shaker
Best for: Citrus Based Food, Herbal Food, Seafood Dinner
Ingredients & Tools
BaseCitrusSweetenerMixer
- 2.0 ozJuice Of A LemonCitrus
- 1.0 ozPowdered SugarSweetener
- 2.0 ozGinBase
- 2.0 ozClub SodaMixer
- to tasteCherry-Flavored BrandyBase
Tools:shaker
How to Make It
ShakeTopGarnishServe
- Shake lemon, sugar, and gin with ice and strain into collins glass.ShakeShaking chills, dilutes and adds texture.
- Add ice cubes and fill with club soda.TopTopping adds length, bubbles, dilution or sweetness near the end.
- Float cherry-flavored brandy on top.GarnishGarnish changes aroma, presentation or final flavour impression.
- Decorate with fruits in season and serve with straws.ServeServing style affects temperature, dilution and presentation.
Best For
Food Pairings
Diet & Lifestyle
Gluten-FreeVeganVegetarian
Make it your way
Adjust this drink
Try alcohol-freeBrowse mocktails and zero-ABV alternatives.Make it lighterTry a longer serve style, more ice, soda, tonic or a lower-ABV alternative.Lower the sugarCompare with drinks that use less estimated sugar per serve.Lower the caloriesCompare with drinks that sit lower on estimated calories per serve.
Swap notes
Base spiritsThis drink uses more than one base spirit, so changing one bottle can shift the balance quickly. Keep the total spirit amount similar and swap within a similar style if you want the drink to stay close to the original.CitrusLime can replace lemon juice in a pinch but it tastes more floral and slightly sweeter, so the drink will taste different. Reduce any syrup by a small amount if swapping. Orange juice is a softer, less acidic option — use it when you want a rounder, less sharp result.SweetenerSimple syrup is neutral; honey adds floral warmth; agave is lighter and less cloying; grenadine adds pomegranate colour and fruit sweetness. Sweeteners vary in intensity — start with less than you think you need, then taste. Always rebalance with a little citrus if the drink feels flat after swapping.BubblesSoda water is neutral and clean — it adds fizz without flavour. Tonic water is bitter and slightly sweet, which changes the balance noticeably. Ginger beer is spiced and punchy; ginger ale is milder and sweeter. These are not interchangeable — pick the one that suits the drink's flavour direction.
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Frequently asked questions
- What is a Singapore Sling?
- The Singapore Sling is a cocktail made with 5 ingredients, traditionally served in a Collins Glass. It has an ABV of approximately 13.3%. A standard serving contains approximately 261 calories.
- What does a Singapore Sling taste like?
- Singapore Sling has a flavour profile featuring Citrus, Sugar, Lemon, Sweet. The exact taste varies depending on the brands and measures used.
- What food goes well with a Singapore Sling?
- Singapore Sling pairs well with Citrus Based Food, Herbal Food, Seafood. The pairing is based on complementary flavour profiles from the recipe's ingredients.
- How strong is a Singapore Sling?
- The Singapore Sling has an ABV of approximately 13.3%. That's approximately 1.67 US standard drinks. A standard serving contains 261 calories, 22.5g sugar, 26.6g carbs. Strength varies depending on the exact measures and spirits used.
- When is a Singapore Sling typically served?
- Singapore Sling is a popular choice for Seafood Dinner, Summer. It also works well as an aperitif or casual evening drink.
- What drinks are similar to a Singapore Sling?
- If you enjoy Singapore Sling, look for cocktails with a similar spirit base and flavour profile using the filters on the cocktails page. Drinks with matching body and acidity scores on the sensory bar will feel closest in character.
- Can I make a Singapore Sling at home?
- Yes. The Singapore Sling uses 5 ingredients, making it straightforward to prepare at home. You will need a Collins Glass. Use quality spirits and fresh ingredients for the best result.
- What do the sensory profile dimensions mean?
- Sensory profile dimensions describe key flavour characteristics: Body (light to full), Dryness (sweet to bone dry), Acidity (flat to crisp), Fruitiness (subtle to prominent) and Boldness (delicate to bold). Each scale helps you compare cocktails at a glance and find ones with similar character.
- How do I use sensory profiles to find cocktails I like?
- Compare the Body, Acidity and Fruitiness of Singapore Sling with other cocktails. If you enjoy this drink, look for others with a similar profile. Adjust one dimension at a time to discover new favourites while staying in your flavour comfort zone.

