Rum Sling

Where does the word Sling come from?

"Sling" is the name of a sugar-making by-product. It is also known as "wet-sugar".

"Women Writing the West Indies, 1804-1939" by Evelyn O'Callaghan

"...pass their time in eating “sling” [wet sugar], or sucking sugar-canes"

"Antigua and the Antiguans", By Mrs. Flannigan, 18??

"...and you stroll to the "boiling house" to see the preparation of sugar-boiling going on, and taste the "sling," (the name given to the sugar when in its liquid state,)..."

Historical References

Earliest Sling Reference (c.1675)

First recorded definition of a Sling, circa 1675, quoted in the 2 volume "Beverages Past & Present" (Edward R. Emerson, G. P. Putnam’s Sons, 1908) as follows:

"Long-sup or sling was one half water and one half rum with sugar in it to taste."

"Proceedings ... & Papers," By Lexington Historical Society (Mass.)

"...called a “sling,” made by filling a tumbler about half full of rum, sweetened with brown sugar, and with warm water added to suit the taste."