Florida Sling
Shake ∙ 3 min ∙ 15.4% ABV ∙
The Florida Sling is a shaken tropical variation built on London dry gin, cherry liqueur, fresh pineapple, lemon juice, and grenadine, served in a highball. Juicy pineapple and a rich dark berry sweetness lead the palate, while a sharp citrus acidity and crisp botanical backbone ensure a vibrant, refreshing finish.
Ingredients
1
Servings
Garnish
Instructions for 1 serving
- Pre-chill a glass
- Shake all ingredients with ice: London dry gin 60 mlCherry liqueur 10 mlPineapple juice 60 mlLemon juice 25 mlGrenadine syrup 10 ml
- Strain into the ice-filled glass
- Garnish with a strawberry
Tips
- Shake hard for a full 10-12 seconds — the juice content needs vigorous agitation to fully integrate and aerate.
- Use freshly squeezed lemon juice; bottled juice flattens the balance against the pineapple and grenadine.
- Strain into the ice-filled glass right after shaking so the foam cap holds instead of collapsing.
History
The Florida Sling is a simplified, fruit-forward variation on the Singapore Sling, the gin-based drink created around the turn of the twentieth century at the Raffles Hotel in Singapore, reputedly by bartender Ngiam Tong Boon. The Florida name situates the drink within the long-running family of "slings," a category of spirit-and-citrus drinks dating back to the eighteenth century.
FAQ
What is a sling cocktail?
A sling is a family of drinks built on a base spirit, liqueur, citrus juice, and often a sweetener, traditionally served long over ice in a tall glass. The name dates back to colonial-era drinks like the Singapore Sling, and the format has since branched into many regional and modern variations, the Florida Sling among them.
Is a Florida Sling shaken or stirred?
Shaken. The pineapple and lemon juice need the vigorous aeration of a shake to blend fully with the gin, cherry liqueur, and grenadine; stirring would leave the juices separated and flat.
How strong is a Florida Sling?
About 15.4% ABV, milder than a straight gin pour because the pineapple, lemon, and grenadine make up roughly half the volume.
