A Dash of Cinema's Singapore Bling
Watching Crazy Rich Asians (2018) was one of the best romantic comedy viewing experiences I've had in years. Being half Asian, I didn’t grow up seeing people who looked like me on the screen, especially not in romantic comedies. But this movie (based on the original novel of the same name by Kevin Kwan) changed that.
In Crazy Rich Asians, Rachel Chu, an economics professor at NYU, joins her boyfriend, Nick Young, on a trip to Singapore for his best friend’s wedding. During this visit abroad, Rachel learns firsthand that Nick’s family is one of Singapore’s wealthiest, and from there we’re swept into a luxurious, dazzling, and bling-filled world beyond our wildest imaginations.
Crazy Rich Asians is the first major Hollywood movie since The Joy Luck Club (1993) to feature a predominantly Asian-American cast. Obviously, this movie isn’t representative of all Asians. Not even close. But it’s something, and it’s just the beginning.
Inspired by the stunning backdrop of Southeast Asia, gorgeous fashion, and sparkling jewels, this Singapore Bling is my take on the classic Singapore Sling. Cherries covered in sugar are the glittering diamonds of this cocktail. The Lychee Sake adds a unique sweetness while the pineapple juice and cherry liqueur add more layers of fruity flavors.
Whether you curl up on the couch reading this fun novel or watch the characters come to life on screen, with this drink in hand you’ll feel like you’re transported alongside Rachel and Nick to this crazy rich world.
Singapore Bling
1.5 oz gin
.50 oz cherry liqueur
.75 Lychee Sake
3 oz pineapple juice
3 dashes of Angostura bitters
Makes 1 cocktail
Tools: Shaker, spoon
Method
Add all ingredients to a shaker. Add ice. Shake to chill liquid, then pour into a glass. Pop the top off the shaker and spoon out the foam on to the top of the cocktail. Garnish with candied cherries.
Optional Garnish: Candied cherries (see below for recipe)
Candied Cherries
3-5 (or as many as you want to enjoy!) Luxardo Maraschino Cherries
¼ cup granulated sugar
Makes: Enough candied cherries for 1 cocktail
Tools: Sifter, wire rack, parchment paper, sheet tray, bowl, cocktail picks
Method
Gently place the cherries into a small sifter to strain any simple syrup from the cherries.
Place the cherries on a wire rack (over a parchment-lined sheet tray). Let them dry for 30-45 minutes. They should feel slightly sticky to the touch and should not be covered in liquid.
Fill a small bowl with the ½ cup of sugar. Gently roll the cherries in the sugar until all sides are covered.
Use the cherries as a cocktail garnish. Store at room temperature.
If cherries are fresh:
1 cup cherries
1 cup, plus ½ cup granulated sugar
1 cup water
Makes: More than enough candied cherries for 1 cocktail (Store extra cherries for future drinks in the fridge.)
Tools: Sauce pot, sifter, wire rack, parchment paper, sheet tray, bowl, cocktail picks, jar with lid
Method
Wash cherries and set to the side.
Time to create a simple syrup. In a saucepan, bring 1 cup of water and 1 cup of granulated sugar to a simmer. Once the sugar dissolves, turn the heat off.
Pour the simple syrup into a bowl and let cool until it comes down to room temperature. Add the cherries.
Cover the bowl with plastic wrap and store in the refrigerator for 8 hours, or overnight.
Gently place the cherries into a small sifter to strain any simple syrup from the cherries. Place them on a wire rack (over a parchment-lined sheet tray).
Let the cherries dry for about 30-45 minutes. They should feel slightly sticky to the touch and should not be covered in liquid.
Fill a small bowl with the 1/2 cup of sugar. Gently roll the cherries in the sugar until all sides are covered.
Use the cherries as a cocktail garnish. Seal and store extras in a tight jar in the fridge.