THE SWEDISH SLING COCKTAIL RECIPE

RECIPE BY: RICARDO DYNAN
WRITTEN BY: SCOTT VAN DORT

The Swedish Sling is a variation of the classic Singapore Sling and a new cocktail invented by Ricardo ‘Rico’ Dynan, Bartender and Absolut Global Brand Ambassador.

It follows the same recipe as the original but uses Absolut Grapefruit – one of Rico’s personal favorites – instead of Gin. As Rico explains, “Absolut Grapefruit works great when you’re missing those Gin-juniper flavors. You’re going to get everything you want here with the Grapefruit (Flavored Vodka).”

Like the Gin-based classic, it’s akin to a fruity punch but with a sophisticated twist, resulting in a more complex and layered flavor. The sweet and tangy notes from the Cherry Liqueur and Pineapple Juice are complemented by a citrusy twist from the Lime Juice… and then there’s those delicious Grapefruit notes from the Absolut Grapefruit. 

So, how does it hold up against the original? “Bartenders are going to hate me for saying it, but I kinda prefer it,” confesses Rico. 

Get mixing and see for yourself!

How To Make The Swedish Sling

What You’ll Need

• Paring Knife (for the Pineapple and Lime)
• Citrus Press (or Citrus Elbow)
• Glass or Cup (for the Lime Juice)
• Centrifugal Juicer 
• Jigger or Measuring Instrument 
• Cocktail Shaker
• Hawthorne Strainer
• Highball Glass
• Cherry Pick

How to Mix

1. Cut a Fresh Lime in half and use a Citrus Elbow to press and extract Lime Juice into a Glass or Cup.
2. Cut a Fresh Pineapple into chunks, removing the crown, core and outer skin. Save a Pineapple Leaf for garnish.
3. Place the Pineapple chunks into a Centrifugal Juicer to produce Fresh Pineapple Juice.
4. Measure and pour Grenadine Juice into a Cocktail Shaker, followed by French Herbal Liqueur, Triple Sec, Cherry Liqueur, Freshly Squeezed Lime Juice, and finally, Gin.
5. Measure and pour in the Pineapple Juice.
6. Add a couple of dashes of Aromatic Bitters.
7. Add Ice Cubes to the Shaker and shake until chilled.
8. Place a Hawthorne Strainer over the Cocktail Shaker and pour directly into a Highball Glass.
9. Add more Ice Cubes to your Highball Glass and top up with Soda Water.
10. Garnish by placing a Pineapple Leaf directly into the Glass.
11. Sip and enjoy!

The History of The Swedish Sling

While the Singapore Sling dates back to somewhere between 1899 and 1915, the Swedish Sling is a fresh creation from the summer of 2024 by Bartender and Absolut Global Ambassador, Ricardo ‘Rico’ Dynan,

After crafting a classic Singapore Sling for the ‘Absolut Drinks with Rico’ series, Rico was curious to see if he could use Vodka instead of Gin. He chose Absolut Grapefruit (Grapefruit-Flavored Vodka) to compensate for the missing Gin-juniper flavors. Not only did it work, but Rico even prefers this variation of the Singapore Sling to the original!

Tips for Making a Perfect The Swedish Sling

• Juice your own Pineapple Juice
  Fresh ingredients always taste better and will really elevate your cocktail. For this reason, Rico recommends using Fresh Pineapple instead of store-bought Pineapple Juice in a carton.

• Homemade Grenadine
  Continuing with the theme of using fresh ingredients, making your own homemade Grenadine is going to make your finished drink that much better. Luckily, making your own Grenadine is super simple. Watch Rico show you how to make your own Grenadine.
  
  
• Use a Centrifugal Juicer
  Aerating your juice with a Centrifugal Juicer will take your cocktail to incredible heights. A Centrifugal Juicer will give your juices a frothy, almost milkshake-like texture. Trust us, you’ve never had Pineapple Juice this good!Don’t want to buy a Centrifugal Juicer? Rico shows you other ways you can get the most out of your juice.

Variations of a The Swedish Sling

The Singapore Sling
You’ve gotta give credit where it’s due of course! The Singapore Sling is a classic Gin-based cocktail, one of the most famous drinks on earth, and also the inspiration for The Swedish Sling. Discover how to make a classic Singapore Sling recipe.

Serving and Garnish Ideas for The Swedish Sling

We recommend serving The Swedish Sling in a Highball Glass filled with Ice Cubes and topped up with Soda Water, just like the original.

However, to change things up, where a classic The Swedish Sling is garnished with a Pineapple Wedge and a Cherry, Rico suggests garnishing The Swedish Sling with a Pineapple Leaf, which can be inserted straight into the Glass.