Kota Pandan Singapore Sling, a cocktail recipe featuring Kota Pandan Liqueur

The Kota Pandan Singapore Sling takes inspiration from a cocktail classic born at Singapore's iconic Raffles Hotel. The original Sling, created in the early 1900s, became famous for its vibrant pink hue, tropical fruit notes, and deceptively layered complexity—qualities that still hold appeal more than a century later.

This modern twist on that beloved classic introduces a fresh and intriguing dimension: Kota Pandan, a liqueur infused with the vibrant flavor of pandan leaves. Pandan, a tropical plant widely used in Southeast Asian cuisine, is celebrated for its unique fragrance, reminiscent of freshly steamed rice, toasted nuts, and green tea. Often described as Asia’s answer to vanilla, pandan imparts a subtle earthiness and creamy, matcha-like richness, making it an exciting addition to fruity, citrus-forward cocktails.

When combined in this drink, Kota Pandan brings a sophisticated, nutty depth that elegantly complements the bright sweetness of pineapple juice and tart lime. Cherry Heering contributes luscious dark fruit notes, while the herbal warmth of Benedictine adds a whisper of spice. The finishing touch of Angostura bitters gives a gentle aromatic lift, with sparkling soda water bringing the fizz.

The result is a drink that feels wonderfully tropical yet surprisingly refined, a cocktail where familiar flavors are transformed into something fresh and unexpected. Each sip is crisp, layered, and intriguingly complex, revealing new tastes as you linger—sweet fruit balanced against gentle herbal bitterness, lush nuttiness wrapped around subtle floral aromas.

Image and recipe courtesy of Katie Slonim @mixoindy