Slingback

The Slingback is a modern classic cocktail that masterfully balances the botanical notes of gin with the unusual flavors of celery bitters and floral chamomile syrup. It is a bright, complex, and elegant drink with a delicate herbal and floral profile, complemented by the tartness of fresh grapefruit and lime juice. This creation is perfect for adventurous drinkers who enjoy nuanced and refreshing gin sours with a contemporary twist.
Slingback

Preparation

Preparation time: 4 minutes

Preparation time
Difficulty

Drink Classification

The Slingback is classified as a modern classic cocktail. It falls into the "sour" family of drinks due to its citrus-forward base, but its unique ingredients place it firmly in the contemporary craft cocktail category.

Serving

This drink is served 'up' (without ice) in a chilled Nick & Nora or coupe glass, highlighting its elegant appearance and aromas. It has a moderate alcohol strength, making it a sophisticated yet approachable choice.
Serving size
Approximately 120 ml / 4 oz (before dilution)
Alcohol content
Approximately 20-22% ABV
Alcohol strength
Serving temperature
Cold
Glass type
Nick & Nora
Glass treatment
Chilled

Backstory

The Slingback was created in 2014 by renowned bartender Rémy Savage while he was at the Little Red Door bar in Paris, France. It's a prime example of the new wave of modern classics that utilize unique, culinary-inspired ingredients to build complex and memorable flavor profiles. The drink quickly gained international popularity within the craft cocktail scene for its innovative and impeccably balanced taste.
Origin
Paris, France, created in 2014 by Rémy Savage at the Little Red Door bar.

Slingback

The name "Slingback" is the primary and most recognized name for this modern cocktail, without any significant alternative names or meanings in this context.
Original name
Slingback
Alternative name
Slingback Cocktail

Characteristics overview

The Slingback offers a crisp and refreshing experience with a complex aroma of citrus and herbs. Its flavor profile is a delicate balance of sour and sweet, finishing with a clean, lingering botanical note.
Flavor
Herbal, citrusy, floral, slightly vegetal, crisp, refreshing
Aroma
Grapefruit, chamomile, celery, juniper, botanical
Taste balance
Balanced, sour, slightly sweet
Aftertaste
Clean, herbal, lingering citrus
Fizziness
None
Color appearance
Pale yellow-green, translucent, clear
Texture
Smooth, silky, light-bodied
Seasonality
Refreshing, summery, suitable for year-round

Flavor intensity & Experience

This cocktail presents a moderate flavor intensity, characterized by a bright citrus sourness that is softened by gentle sweetness and subtle herbal bitterness. It is a still drink with a noticeable but not overpowering alcohol presence.
Sweetness
Saltiness
Sourness
Bitterness
Spiciness
Fruitiness
Creaminess
Carbonation

Ingredients

This recipe requires London Dry Gin, fresh white grapefruit and lime juices, a floral chamomile syrup, and a couple of dashes of distinctive celery bitters.
  • London Dry Gin45 ml / 1.5 oz
    A classic botanical-forward London Dry Gin works best to complement the other ingredients.
  • White Grapefruit Juice30 ml / 1 oz
    Freshly squeezed juice is essential for the best flavor and brightness.
  • Lime Juice15 ml / 0.5 oz
    Use freshly squeezed lime juice for a crisp, tart flavor.
  • Chamomile Syrup15 ml / 0.5 oz
    Can be made by infusing strong chamomile tea into a 1:1 simple syrup.
  • Celery Bitters2 dashes
    This is a key ingredient for the cocktail's unique savory and vegetal note.

Ice type

  • Cubed

Mixing equipments

You will need a standard cocktail shaking set, including a shaker, jigger, and both a Hawthorne and fine-mesh strainer for a smooth, professional result.
  • Cocktail shaker to combine and chill ingredients.
  • Jigger for accurate measurement.
  • Hawthorne strainer to hold back ice after shaking.
  • Fine-mesh strainer for double straining to remove small ice chips.

Instructions

The method is straightforward: chill your glass, combine all ingredients in a shaker with ice, shake well, and double strain into the glass before garnishing.
1. Chill your Nick & Nora or coupe glass in the freezer for at least 10 minutes.
2. Add the gin, fresh grapefruit juice, fresh lime juice, chamomile syrup, and celery bitters to a cocktail shaker.
3. Fill the shaker three-quarters full with cubed ice.
4. Secure the lid and shake vigorously for 12-15 seconds until the outside of the shaker is frosted and cold.
5. Double strain the contents of the shaker through a Hawthorne strainer and a fine-mesh strainer into your chilled glass.
6. Cut a swath of grapefruit peel, express the oils over the surface of the drink by twisting it, and drop it into the glass as a garnish.

Garnishing

A simple grapefruit twist is the ideal garnish, as expressing its oils over the surface adds a bright citrus aroma that complements the drink's flavors.
  • Grapefruit twist, expressed over the drink to release its oils.

Dietary Information

The Slingback is naturally free from most common allergens, including dairy, eggs, nuts, and soy. It is suitable for vegan and vegetarian diets, and can be gluten-free if a gluten-free certified gin is used.
✓ Contains alcohol
✓ Caffeine-free
✓ Dairy-free
✓ Egg-free
✓ Soy-free
✓ Nut-free
✓ Gluten-free
✓ Vegan-friendly
✓ Vegetarian-friendly

Nutrition information

This cocktail has a relatively low calorie count for an alcoholic beverage, with moderate carbohydrate and sugar content primarily from the fresh juices and syrup.
Calories
Approximately 170 kcal / 711 kJ
Calories level
Carbohydrates
Approximately 11 g
Carbohydrate level
Sugar
Approximately 10 g
Sugar level

Occasions

Its refreshing and elegant character makes the Slingback an excellent aperitif to stimulate the palate. It's also perfectly suited for sophisticated cocktail parties, warm summer evenings, or any occasion that calls for a unique and stylish drink.
  • Aperitif
  • Summer Party
  • Cocktail Hour
  • Sophisticated Gathering

Pairing suggestions

The Slingback pairs beautifully with light, fresh, and slightly savory foods. Its herbal and citrus notes complement seafood, tangy cheeses, and fresh salads, making it a versatile aperitif cocktail.
  • Light seafood appetizers like oysters or ceviche.
  • Goat cheese and herb crackers.
  • Arugula salad with grapefruit segments.
  • Salty snacks like olives or marcona almonds.

The Slingback: A Parisian Ode to Modern Elegance

The Slingback is a stellar example of modern mixology, created by Rémy Savage in Paris. It elevates the classic gin sour formula with unique ingredients like chamomile syrup and celery bitters, resulting in a beautifully complex and balanced drink. Its refreshing profile, marked by floral, citrus, and subtle vegetal notes, makes it both intriguing and highly drinkable. Perfect for connoisseurs and curious drinkers alike, the Slingback is a testament to creativity and precision in cocktail crafting.

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