When you sip on a refreshing Gin Sling, you’re drinking up a little bit of history.
Even if you’ve never had one before, odds are that you’ve heard of a cocktail called the Gin Sling. Through the years, I’d see the name in books, hear it mentioned on television shows and movies, and even witness a random person order one at a bar. One day, curiosity got the better of me, and I had to see if this cocktail was just as much fun to drink as it was to namecheck. Just say “Gin Sling” out loud a few times and watch your day get a little better.
An easy-to-make concoction, and one of the earliest tipples in existence, the Sling was typically a mixture of a base spirit, water, and sugar. The Gin Sling itself is said to have originated as early as 1800, and was an American invention, similar to the Gin Toddy. In 1862, bartender Jerry Thomas differentiated the two drinks by stating that the Sling used nutmeg. Before “cocktails” became a thing and began popping up in bars worldwide, “Slings” and “Toddies” were the mixed drinks of choice. They definitely did something right, as they are still enjoyed by many cocktail enthusiasts to this day, and not just for the historical significance.
As the years go on, even the most traditional of institutions and recipes will change. That’s just the nature of time. The Gin Sling is no different, and the recipe we’ll be making today isn’t how one of these would have been made in the 19th century. I think it’s better. I mean, I’ve never had the opportunity to travel back to the 1800s and enjoy a drink there, but our modern take on this historic drink will be just as exciting.
What is the best gin to use in a Gin Sling?
Speaking of history, let’s go old school with our Gin Sling today. I’ll usually suggest that London Dry gin is always a solid way to go as a base spirit, and one will certainly do a beautiful job in this cocktail, but we’re going to have some fun today. Try an Old Tom gin or even genever, a liquor that originated from Holland in the 16th century, and was a sort of precursor to gin. These will give your drink a more classical take, and will give you a sense of what these might have tasted like many years prior.
Ingredients
- 1 1/2 ounces gin
- 1 ounce sweet vermouth
- 1 ounce simple syrup
- 3/4 ounce fresh lemon juice
- 1 dash Angostura bitters
- Soda water to top
- 1 lemon twist for garnish
Instructions
- In a cocktail shaker, combine the gin, sweet vermouth, simple syrup, lemon juice, and bitters. Fill the shaker with ice.
- Shake the mixture vigorously until well-chilled.
- Double strain the cocktail into a highball or collins glass filled with fresh ice.
- Top the drink with soda water, and garnish with a lemon twist. Serve immediately and savor the refreshing flavors.
Nutrition
What glassware and garnish are used?
A collins or highball glass will keep your Sling nice and chilly with every sip. Garnish with a twist of lemon for a bright bit of zest.
Is a Gin Sling the same as a Tom Collins?
They’re close, but the Tom Collins only includes the gin, lemon juice, and simple syrup, topped with club soda.
Similar Cocktails to the Gin Sling
If the Gin Sling piqued your curiosity for more “classic” cocktails, Twist & Toast has a number of legendary recipes to keep you and your friends entertained. Check some of them out below and try something iconic this evening.
- Singapore Sling – Complex and refreshing, this strong tipple is another must-have Sling to keep in your drink arsenal.
- Rum & Coke – A perfect combination that has stood strong over the years as a pillar in the cocktail world.
- Pink Gin – This simple and elegant cocktail was one of author Ian Fleming’s favorites.
- Gin Rickey – Tart and refreshing, the Gin Rickey will get you dancing the Charleston at your next party.
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