Straits Sling
The sophisticated, spirit-forward progenitor to the Singapore Sling. A dry, botanically-driven cocktail representing early 20th-century Southeast Asian drinking culture.
16%
ABV
medium
Difficulty
collins
Glass
Flavor Profile
History & Heritage
“The Straits Sling was born in colonial Singapore in the early 20th century, likely at the Raffles Hotel's Long Bar. Named after the Straits Settlements British Crown Colony, it predates the sweeter Singapore Sling. The earliest printed recipe appears in Robert Vermeire's 1922 "Cocktails and How to Mix Them." Bartender Ngiam Tong Boon is often credited with its creation around 1915, though it was likely an evolution of existing gin slings. The original recipe was lost during WWII, but modern craft bartenders have revived this dry, sophisticated predecessor.”
Ingredients
Quality ingredients make all the difference. Each component plays a crucial role.
2 oz
0.5 oz
0.5 oz
0.8 oz
2 dashes
2 dashes
2 oz
Method
Technique transforms ingredients into something extraordinary.
Place a Collins glass in the freezer for at least 10 minutes
In a cocktail shaker, combine gin, kirschwasser, Bénédictine, lemon juice, and both bitters
Fill shaker three-quarters full with ice and shake vigorously for 12-15 seconds
Fill chilled Collins glass with fresh, cold ice cubes
Strain cocktail into glass over ice
Gently pour chilled soda water over the back of a bar spoon to top
Express oils from lemon peel over drink, run around rim, then drop in glass
Glassware
Tall Collins glass to preserve carbonation and showcase pale color
Garnish
Express oils, run around rim, then drop in
Flavor Journey
Every great cocktail tells a story through its flavors. Here's the sensory experience you can expect.
Sweet
out of 10
Sour
out of 10
Bitter
out of 10
Strong
out of 10
Master's Tips
Professional insights to elevate your craft
Use Plymouth gin for its softer, earthier profile that complements other ingredients
Kirschwasser (dry cherry eau-de-vie) is essential - avoid sweet cherry liqueurs
Pre-chill glass and use fresh, hard ice for both shaking and serving
Float soda water gently to preserve effervescence
Variations & Riffs
Classic cocktails inspire countless variations. Here are some popular riffs on the Straits Sling.
Gin-Heavy Version
Increase gin to 2.5 oz for a more bracing, spirit-forward cocktail
Changes
Less Sweet Version
Reduce Bénédictine to 1/4 oz for a much drier profile
Changes
Citrus Forward
Increase lemon juice to 1 oz for a tarter, more refreshing drink
Changes
Charles H. Baker's Version
Equal parts gin, cherry brandy, and Bénédictine, stirred and topped with soda
Changes
Singapore Sling
The famous descendant with sweet cherry liqueur, pineapple juice, and grenadine
Changes
More to Explore
If you enjoyed this cocktail, these similar creations might capture your interest.
Marguerite
A pivotal moment in cocktail history, representing the crucial evolutionary link between the sweeter gin cocktails of the 19th century and the iconically dry Martini of the 20th.
Pink Gin & Tonic
A convergence of two British colonial classics—Pink Gin and Gin & Tonic—combining Plymouth gin with Angostura bitters and premium tonic for a sophisticated, spicy-sweet highball with a rosy hue.
Army & Navy
A refined gin sour sweetened with almond orgeat and seasoned with Angostura—silky, citrusy, and gently spiced.