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Boost your cocktails with bitters! From Angostura to Peychaud’s, learn how a dash of bitters can elevate every drink.

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San Francisco: A Café Royal Classic

by Ginny Day

The San Francisco Cocktail is a vibrant, fruity drink that combines gin, orange juice, cherry brandy, and a dash of bitters for a well-balanced, refreshing cocktail with a touch of sweetness. This cocktail originated from the iconic Café Royal Cocktail Book, published in 1937, and has since become a favorite for those who enjoy light, citrus-forward cocktails with a hint of depth. Named after the bustling city on the West Coast, the San Francisco Cocktail brings a taste of California sunshine to any occasion. Let’s explore the history, unique qualities, and recipe for crafting the perfect San Francisco Cocktail at home.

The Origins of the San Francisco Cocktail

The San Francisco Cocktail first appeared in the 1937 Café Royal Cocktail Book, compiled by the United Kingdom Bartenders’ Guild. Edited by William J. Tarling, this book includes hundreds of cocktails reflecting pre-World War II trends and flavors. It remains a key reference for classic cocktails even today. The origins of the San Francisco Cocktail’s name are unclear but likely honor the city’s creativity and nightlife.

This cocktail balances fruity sweetness, botanical flavors, and a hint of bitters for a refreshing experience. It combines gin, orange juice, cherry brandy, and bitters to create a unique yet approachable flavor. Over time, the San Francisco Cocktail has stayed popular for its light sweetness and elegant balance.

What Makes the San Francisco Cocktail So Unique

The San Francisco Cocktail stands out for several reasons:

  • Fruity and Refreshing: The orange juice and cherry brandy give this cocktail a natural fruitiness that’s bright and refreshing, perfect for warm weather or light sipping.
  • Balanced Flavor Profile: With gin as the base, this drink balances the sweetness of cherry brandy and orange juice with the subtle bitterness of aromatic bitters, creating a drink that’s both complex and refreshing.
  • Classic Cocktail Charm: The San Francisco Cocktail brings the elegance and simplicity of a pre-war classic, making it an excellent choice for those who appreciate old-school cocktails with a twist.

How to Make the Perfect San Francisco Cocktail

The San Francisco Cocktail is easy to make, requiring only a few ingredients. Here’s the classic recipe from the Café Royal Cocktail Book.

Classic San Francisco Cocktail Recipe

Ingredients:

  • 1 ½ oz (4.5 cl) gin
  • ¾ oz (2.25 cl) fresh orange juice
  • ½ oz (1.5 cl) cherry brandy
  • 2 dashes Angostura bitters
  • Ice
  • Orange twist or cherry for garnish

Instructions:

  1. Combine Ingredients: In a cocktail shaker, add the gin, orange juice, cherry brandy, and bitters.
  2. Shake with Ice: Fill the shaker with ice and shake vigorously for about 10–15 seconds to chill and blend the ingredients.
  3. Strain and Serve: Strain the mixture into a chilled cocktail glass or coupe.
  4. Garnish: Garnish with an orange twist or a cherry for a touch of color and a hint of extra flavor.

Tip: Use fresh orange juice for the best flavor and a bright, refreshing taste.

Choosing the Right Ingredients

  1. Gin: A classic London Dry gin works well in the San Francisco Cocktail, providing a solid, botanical backbone. Options like Tanqueray or Beefeater are ideal for their balance and flavor, though you can experiment with more citrus-forward gins if desired.
  2. Orange Juice: Freshly squeezed orange juice is essential for achieving the bright, fruity character of this cocktail. Avoid bottled orange juice, as it may be too sweet or lack the natural acidity that complements the gin.
  3. Cherry Brandy: Cherry brandy adds a layer of rich sweetness and fruity depth to the cocktail. If you want a drier, more sophisticated flavor, use a higher-quality cherry brandy or kirsch instead of a sweeter, liqueur-style cherry brandy.
  4. Angostura Bitters: The bitters add a touch of complexity and help balance the sweetness of the cherry brandy and orange juice, giving the drink a rounded, balanced flavor.
  5. Garnish: An orange twist or cherry garnish enhances the drink’s presentation and adds a pop of color, making it visually appealing.

Tips for Perfecting Your San Francisco Cocktail

  • Use Fresh Juice: Fresh orange juice elevates the drink’s natural flavor and adds brightness, making it more refreshing.
  • Adjust Sweetness to Taste: If your cherry brandy is on the sweeter side, consider adding an extra dash of bitters or reducing the amount of cherry brandy slightly to maintain balance.
  • Experiment with Different Gins: While London Dry gin is traditional, a more citrus-forward or floral gin can bring out different notes in the cocktail, allowing you to customize it to your preference.
  • Serve in a Chilled Glass: Chilling your glass before pouring the cocktail helps keep it cold longer and enhances the drinking experience.

San Francisco Cocktail Variations to Try

While the classic San Francisco Cocktail is delightful as is, here are a few variations to explore:

  1. Tropical San Francisco: Add a splash of pineapple juice for a tropical twist that complements the orange and cherry flavors, giving it an extra fruity dimension.
  2. Spiced San Francisco: Add a dash of allspice dram or cinnamon syrup for a warm, spiced version that’s perfect for cool-weather sipping.
  3. San Francisco Spritz: Top the cocktail with a splash of soda water or sparkling wine for a bubbly variation that’s light and refreshing, ideal for daytime gatherings or brunch.
  4. Berry San Francisco: Muddle a few fresh berries (like raspberries or strawberries) in the shaker for an added burst of fruit flavor and a beautiful color variation.
  5. San Francisco Sour: Add a splash of lemon juice and an egg white for a sour twist that creates a frothy texture and a slightly tart flavor.

When to Serve the San Francisco Cocktail

The San Francisco Cocktail’s light, fruity profile and balanced flavor make it ideal for various occasions:

  • Afternoon Sipping: With its refreshing character, the San Francisco Cocktail is perfect for afternoon or early evening gatherings, especially in warm weather.
  • Brunch and Daytime Events: The bright citrus and subtle sweetness make this cocktail a great choice for brunch or daytime events, pairing well with a variety of lighter fare.
  • Pre-Dinner Aperitif: The San Francisco Cocktail’s fruity and slightly bitter notes make it an excellent aperitif, stimulating the palate before a meal.
  • Celebrations and Special Occasions: This cocktail’s vibrant color and elegant presentation make it a lovely choice for celebrations, whether you’re hosting a formal event or a casual get-together.

Why You Should Try the San Francisco Cocktail

The San Francisco Cocktail is more than just a drink—it’s a taste of classic cocktail culture with a hint of Californian sunshine. With its blend of gin, fresh orange juice, cherry brandy, and bitters, this cocktail offers a perfectly balanced drink that’s fruity, refreshing, and nuanced. Its simplicity, vibrant color, and bright flavors make it a fantastic choice for cocktail enthusiasts and newcomers alike.

For fans of gin cocktails, classic drinks, or anyone looking to try a new citrus-forward cocktail, the San Francisco is a must-try. Its easy preparation, balanced taste, and timeless appeal make it a fantastic addition to any cocktail repertoire.

So next time you’re in the mood for a drink that’s as refreshing as it is sophisticated, mix up a San Francisco Cocktail, raise your glass, and toast to the charm of classic cocktails with a fruity twist. Cheers!

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Singapore Sling: A Tropical Classic

by Ginny Day

The Singapore Sling is a fruity, tropical cocktail that combines gin, cherry liqueur, Benedictine, and pineapple juice, along with a few other ingredients, for a refreshing drink with layers of complex flavors. Invented in the early 20th century, this iconic cocktail was created at the Raffles Hotel in Singapore and quickly gained popularity for its exotic taste and vibrant pink hue. Known for its balance of sweetness, tartness, and a hint of bitterness, the Singapore Sling is a favorite among those who enjoy complex, refreshing cocktails with a tropical twist. Let’s dive into the history, unique qualities, and recipe for crafting the perfect Singapore Sling at home.

The Origins of the Singapore Sling

The Singapore Sling was created in 1915 by Ngiam Tong Boon, a bartender at the iconic Raffles Hotel in Singapore. At a time when it was considered unseemly for women to drink in public, Ngiam wanted to create a cocktail that looked like a juice, allowing women to enjoy an alcoholic beverage in a socially acceptable way. By adding pink hues and sweet, fruity flavors, he crafted a drink that was both discreet and delicious.

The cocktail quickly became popular at Raffles Hotel and eventually spread worldwide as a signature of Singapore. Over the years, the recipe evolved and became the drink we know today: a balanced combination of gin, cherry liqueur, pineapple juice, lime juice, Benedictine, Cointreau, grenadine, and bitters. The Singapore Sling is now a must-try for visitors to Singapore and a staple on cocktail menus around the world.

What Makes the Singapore Sling So Unique

The Singapore Sling stands out for a few reasons:

  • Tropical Flavor Profile: With its mix of fruit juices, gin, and liqueurs, the Singapore Sling offers a refreshing, layered taste that’s both fruity and complex.
  • Bright Pink Hue: The pink color adds a festive, tropical feel to the drink, making it a beautiful choice for any occasion.
  • Iconic History: As one of the few cocktails with a clear origin story, the Singapore Sling is a drink steeped in history, representing the colonial era of Singapore and the creativity of classic mixology.

How to Make the Perfect Singapore Sling

The Singapore Sling requires a few ingredients and careful balancing to achieve the perfect tropical flavor. Here’s the classic recipe to make this refreshing cocktail at home.

Classic Singapore Sling Recipe

Ingredients:

  • 1 ½ oz (4.5 cl) gin
  • ½ oz (1.5 cl) cherry liqueur (like Cherry Heering)
  • ¼ oz (0.75 cl) Benedictine
  • ¼ oz (0.75 cl) Cointreau or triple sec
  • 1 oz (3 cl) fresh pineapple juice
  • ½ oz (1.5 cl) lime juice
  • ¼ oz (0.75 cl) grenadine
  • 1 dash Angostura bitters
  • Ice
  • Pineapple slice and cherry for garnish

Instructions:

  1. Combine Ingredients: In a cocktail shaker, add the gin, cherry liqueur, Benedictine, Cointreau, pineapple juice, lime juice, grenadine, and bitters.
  2. Shake with Ice: Fill the shaker with ice and shake vigorously for about 10–15 seconds to chill and blend the flavors.
  3. Strain and Serve: Strain the mixture into a tall glass or hurricane glass filled with fresh ice.
  4. Garnish: Garnish with a pineapple slice and a maraschino cherry for a classic tropical look.

Tip: Fresh pineapple juice gives the cocktail a frothy texture and a rich, tropical flavor that elevates the drink, so try to use fresh juice whenever possible.

Choosing the Right Ingredients

  1. Gin: A London Dry gin works well in the Singapore Sling, as it provides a clean, juniper-forward base that complements the sweet and tropical ingredients. Brands like Beefeater or Tanqueray are ideal.
  2. Cherry Liqueur: Cherry Heering is the classic choice for this cocktail, as it has a rich cherry flavor with a hint of sweetness that balances the other ingredients.
  3. Benedictine: This herbal liqueur adds depth and complexity to the cocktail, with notes of honey, spices, and herbs that enhance the tropical flavors.
  4. Cointreau or Triple Sec: Cointreau adds a touch of orange flavor that complements the pineapple and lime, balancing the drink’s acidity.
  5. Pineapple Juice: Fresh pineapple juice is ideal for this cocktail, as it adds a frothy texture and a bright, authentic flavor that bottled juice often lacks.
  6. Lime Juice: Freshly squeezed lime juice adds the necessary acidity to balance the sweetness of the liqueurs and pineapple juice.
  7. Grenadine: Grenadine adds both sweetness and color, giving the drink its signature pink hue. Use a quality grenadine made from pomegranate for a richer flavor.
  8. Bitters: A dash of Angostura bitters rounds out the flavors and adds a subtle complexity to the cocktail.

Tips for Perfecting Your Singapore Sling

  • Use Fresh Ingredients: Fresh pineapple juice and lime juice make a big difference in the flavor and texture of the cocktail.
  • Balance the Sweetness: Adjust the amount of grenadine or cherry liqueur to suit your taste. The Singapore Sling should be fruity but not overly sweet.
  • Serve in a Tall Glass: A hurricane glass or highball glass showcases the drink’s vibrant color and allows for plenty of ice.
  • Experiment with Garnishes: While a pineapple slice and cherry are traditional, feel free to add a sprig of mint for an extra touch of freshness and visual appeal.

Singapore Sling Variations to Try

While the classic Singapore Sling is delightful on its own, here are a few variations to explore:

  1. Simple Singapore Sling: For a lighter version, skip the Benedictine and Cointreau, focusing on gin, cherry liqueur, pineapple juice, and lime juice for a simpler cocktail.
  2. Mezcal Sling: Replace the gin with mezcal for a smoky twist that adds a unique depth to the cocktail’s tropical flavors.
  3. Frozen Singapore Sling: Blend the ingredients with ice for a frozen version that’s perfect for warm weather and beachside sipping.
  4. Spicy Singapore Sling: Muddle a few slices of fresh jalapeño or add a dash of spicy bitters for a version with a hint of heat that complements the fruity flavors.
  5. Berry Singapore Sling: Add a handful of fresh raspberries or strawberries to the shaker for a berry-infused twist that adds color and a burst of fresh fruit flavor.

When to Serve the Singapore Sling

The Singapore Sling’s fruity, tropical flavor and vibrant presentation make it ideal for various occasions:

  • Tropical-Themed Parties: With its bright color and fruity flavor, the Singapore Sling is perfect for tiki parties or any tropical-themed gathering.
  • Brunch: The refreshing mix of pineapple and lime makes this cocktail a great option for brunch, especially for those looking for something different from the usual mimosas.
  • Warm-Weather Gatherings: This cocktail’s tropical profile is especially enjoyable in warm weather, making it perfect for summer gatherings, beach outings, or poolside relaxation.
  • Travel or Celebratory Occasions: The Singapore Sling’s rich history and unique flavor make it a fantastic choice for special occasions or when you’re looking to add a touch of exotic flair.

Why You Should Try the Singapore Sling

The Singapore Sling is more than just a cocktail—it’s a piece of history, a taste of the tropics, and a showcase of layered flavors that make it endlessly enjoyable. With its combination of gin, cherry liqueur, Benedictine, and fruit juices, the Singapore Sling offers a refreshing experience that’s both light and complex. It’s a drink that feels as fitting at an elegant hotel bar as it does at a backyard tiki party, making it a versatile addition to any cocktail repertoire.

For fans of tropical cocktails or anyone looking to try something with a bit of historical charm, the Singapore Sling is a must-try. Its vibrant pink hue and unique mix of flavors make it perfect for those who enjoy a bold, memorable drink.

So next time you’re in the mood for a cocktail that’s both classic and exotic, mix up a Singapore Sling, raise your glass, and toast to the beauty of timeless cocktails. Cheers!

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