singapore sling: meaning, definition, pronunciation and examples
LowFormal / Neutral when discussing cocktails; Informal when ordering at a bar.
Quick answer
What does “singapore sling” mean?
A specific type of cocktail, typically consisting of gin, cherry liqueur, citrus juices, and soda water.
Audio
Pronunciation
Definition
Meaning and Definition
A specific type of cocktail, typically consisting of gin, cherry liqueur, citrus juices, and soda water.
A classic, internationally recognized cocktail that originated at the Long Bar in the Raffles Hotel, Singapore, around 1915. It symbolizes a certain era of travel and colonial exoticism.
Dialectal Variation
British vs American Usage
Differences
No significant lexical differences. The drink name is identical. Spelling of related ingredients (e.g., 'flavour' vs. 'flavor') may differ.
Connotations
In both regions, it connotes a classic, somewhat old-fashioned, tropical/travel-themed cocktail. It may be perceived as a tourist drink.
Frequency
Slightly more familiar in the UK due to historical Commonwealth ties and the prominence of the Raffles Hotel in travel literature. In the US, it is known among cocktail enthusiasts and travelers.
Grammar
How to Use “singapore sling” in a Sentence
[Subject] ordered a Singapore sling.The [bartender] mixed the Singapore sling carefully.Vocabulary
Collocations
Usage
Meaning in Context
Business
Rare, except in hospitality/tourism marketing (e.g., 'Our bar features the classic Singapore Sling').
Academic
Rare, possibly in historical or cultural studies of food/drink, colonialism, or tourism.
Everyday
Primary context. Used when ordering, discussing, or recommending drinks at a bar or restaurant.
Technical
Used in bartending/mixology contexts, discussing recipes, glassware, and cocktail history.
Vocabulary
Synonyms of “singapore sling”
Vocabulary
Antonyms of “singapore sling”
Watch out
Common Mistakes When Using “singapore sling”
- Pronouncing it as 'Singapore sling-g' (adding a hard 'g').
- Spelling as 'Singapore sling' without capitalizing 'Singapore'.
- Confusing it with a 'Singapore Girl' (airline stewardess).
FAQ
Frequently Asked Questions
Typically gin, cherry liqueur (like Cherry Heering), Cointreau, Bénédictine, pineapple juice, lime juice, grenadine, and soda water.
It was invented at the Long Bar in the Raffles Hotel, Singapore, around 1915 by bartender Ngiam Tong Boon.
Yes, as it is a proper noun referring to a specific named cocktail, it is conventionally capitalized as 'Singapore Sling'.
Not accurately. A 'sling' is a general category of drinks containing spirit, water, sugar, and bitters. 'Singapore Sling' refers to one specific recipe within that category.
A specific type of cocktail, typically consisting of gin, cherry liqueur, citrus juices, and soda water.
Singapore sling is usually formal / neutral when discussing cocktails; informal when ordering at a bar. in register.
Singapore sling: in British English it is pronounced /ˌsɪŋəpɔː ˈslɪŋ/, and in American English it is pronounced /ˌsɪŋəpɔːr ˈslɪŋ/. Tap the audio buttons above to hear it.
Phrases
Idioms & Phrases
- “None directly associated.”
Learning
Memory Aids
Mnemonic
Think of a singer pouring a drink in Singapore – 'SING-a-POUR' a 'SLING'.
Conceptual Metaphor
A LIQUID IS A JOURNEY / A DRINK IS AN EXPERIENCE. The cocktail metaphorically represents the exotic experience of travel to Singapore.
Practice
Quiz
What is a Singapore sling primarily known as?