Expedition Sling
The ArchaeologistA field modification
The Singapore Sling was born at Raffles Hotel around 1915. The Archaeologist has no interest in accommodation, appearances, or the colonial frameworks that produced them, but he has spent considerable time in Southeast Asia, has particular feelings about Raffles, and considers the original a promising draft that was never properly revised. He has revised it.
Ingredients
- 2 oz
Navy-strength gin
Minimum 57% ABV. "Anything lower is a suggestion, not a commitment."
- ½ oz
Peter Heering cherry liqueur
Specifically Peter Heering, specifically the 150-year-old Danish recipe, specifically the bottle that has been sitting in whatever bag he is carrying.
- ¼ oz
Bénédictine
A French herbal liqueur made by monks since 1510. He can name all 27 plants and spices, in order, in Latin, from memory, after the fourth drink.
- ½ oz
Fresh lime juice
He will use lemon in the field. He prefers lime.
- 2 dashes
Angostura bitters
- 1 dash
Orange bitters
- 2 oz
Chilled soda water
Added last, without apology.
A measure of batavia arrack — one of the oldest distilled spirits in continuous production. He carries a flask of it. He has always carried a flask of it. The flask is older than most of the Council.
Method
Shake everything except the soda over ice.
Strain into whatever glass is available — he has drunk this from a tin cup, a laboratory beaker, and once, memorably, from a vessel The Secretary lists as "object of contested archaeological provenance, returned to drink service."
Top with soda. Stir once. Set down.
"I have crossed borders in worse condition than this drink and arrived in better shape. The key, in both cases, is knowing what you're carrying and being prepared to explain none of it." — The Archaeologist, at the Boar Moon Supper of a year the Secretary will not specify.