The Western Sling cocktail is an easy-going fruity drink featuring three ounces pineapple juice – and most of an ounce of simple syrup, too. But it’s not as sweet as it sounds, because there’s also lemon juice and gin.
It’s a variation on the Singapore Sling, and like the Singapore, the alcohol in it can sneak up on you while you’re enjoying the fruity easy-goingness.
Flavor Profile
It opens with pineapple right away. It’s fresh, tropical, and slightly tart rather than sugary. Lemon juice adds lift and keeps the sweetness in check, so the drink stays crisp instead of cloying.
The gin brings subtle herbal notes underneath the fruit. You won’t get sharp juniper here. The cherry brandy adds depth and a faint almond note, while the grenadine rounds things out with color and a touch of berry sweetness.
Why You’ll Love It
This is a mildly tropical drink that’s easy to mix, forgiving if your pours aren’t perfect, and delicious to most people. It also scales well. You can make one drink, or multiply the recipe into a pitcher without much thought.
The balance holds up, even when mixed in larger batches. That’s not true of every gin cocktail, especially ones with fruit juice.
Another plus is how approachable it is for people who don’t like gin. The pineapple juice and cherry brandy soften the botanical edge, while the lemon keeps things bright. Gin fans still recognize the base spirit, but it doesn’t dominate.
Pro Tips
Fresh lemon juice makes a noticeable difference. One lemon usually gives enough juice for one or two drinks.
If your pineapple juice is very sweet, pull back slightly on the simple syrup. Not all pineapple juice is created equal, and adjusting on the fly keeps the drink balanced.
Shake it for a good 12 to 15 seconds. This helps fully chill the drink and blend the juices smoothly.
If you want a lighter version, top the finished drink with a splash of soda water.
When to Serve
The Western Sling is perfect for warm weather, but it’s not limited to summer. It works just as well for brunch, afternoon gatherings, or early evening parties when people want something refreshing but still festive.
It’s also a good “welcome drink.” The flavor is friendly, the look is inviting, and it doesn’t demand explanation. Just be aware that it goes down easily, so pacing matters.
For holidays, it fits nicely at Easter, Mother’s Day, or casual backyard celebrations. It’s less suited for formal events, but great for relaxed ones where conversation and comfort matter more than ceremony.
Which Liquor Brands to Choose
For gin, Beefeater, Tanqueray, and Bombay Sapphire all mix well here. You want traditional dry gin, not floral or experimental gins which could clash with the fruit.
Cherry brandy varies a lot by brand. Heering is the classic choice and gives the richest flavor. Cheaper options can be very sweet and one‑note, so if you can, spend a bit more here.
For grenadine, look for one made with real pomegranate juice, like Liber & Co. Or you can make your own grenadine.
Equipment & Glassware
A standard cocktail shaker and a strainer are all you need to make this drink. Just be sure to strain carefully so ice chips don’t sneak into the glass.
The tall shape of a highball or Collins glass leaves room for ice and garnish, and it shows off the drink’s rosy golden color.
Food Pairings
This cocktail pairs nicely with salty and savory foods. Think grilled chicken, shrimp skewers, or simple appetizers like cheese and crackers. The acidity cuts through richness and refreshes the palate.
It also works with lighter fare. Fruit salads, brunch dishes, and even pastries do well alongside it. The drink doesn’t overpower delicate flavors, which makes it versatile.
Spicy foods are another good match. The sweetness and fruit help cool the heat, while the lemon keeps things from getting heavy.
Similar Cocktails
If you enjoy the Western Sling, the Singapore Sling is the obvious next stop. It’s more complex, with extra liqueurs and bitters, but shares the same fruity‑gin components.
You might also like the Hurricane, which leans more toward rum but still has a fruity, easy‑drinking vibe. For something lighter, a Gin Fizz with a splash of pineapple juice scratches a similar itch.
Ingredients
- 2 ounces gin
- 1/2 ounce cherry brandy
- 1 ounce lemon juice
- 2/3 ounce simple syrup
- 1 teaspoon grenadine
- 3 ounces pineapple juice
Instructions
- Fill a cocktail shaker with ice.
- Add all ingredients.
- Shake well until chilled.
- Strain into a Collins glass filled with ice.
- For garnish, you can use any or all of the following: a pineapple wedge, an orange slice, a maraschino cherry, a lemon twist or colorful straw
