Stinger Cocktail Recipe

Stinger Nutrition Facts

Calories:230

Fat:0g

Protein:0g

Carbohydrates:12g

Alcohol:20%

Created by

Nic Polotnianko

I fell in love with the art of mixology 6 years ago. Since then, I've honed my skills, crafting a myriad of cocktail recipes, and sharing my passion with other enthusiasts.

Last Updated: August 23, 2024

History

The Stinger cocktail is a classic after-dinner drink that dates back to the early 20th century. It was popularized by American high society and is often associated with the glamorous lifestyle of the Roaring Twenties. The Stinger is a simple, yet elegant cocktail that combines the warmth of cognac with the cool, refreshing taste of crème de menthe.

  • Originated in the early 1900s
  • Popular among American high society
  • Associated with the glamorous lifestyle of the Roaring Twenties

How Stinger Tastes?

The Stinger has a smooth, velvety texture with a perfect balance of sweetness and warmth. The cognac provides a rich, fruity base, while the crème de menthe adds a cool, refreshing minty flavor. The result is a delightful, sophisticated cocktail that is both strong and easy to sip.

Interesting facts about Stinger

  • The Stinger is often served as an after-dinner drink or a nightcap
  • The cocktail was a favorite of American socialite Reginald Vanderbilt
  • The Stinger is featured in several classic films, including 'The Apartment' and 'The Bishop's Wife'

Ingredients

Cognac

Known for its rich depth, Cognac brings vanilla, toast, and fruity notes to the Stinger. The 2 oz is the perfect hero's pour, ensuring the drink has a solid structure without overpowering the minty kick. Less, and you'd miss the backbone; more, and you'll have to nickname your cocktail 'The Overstinger'.

Alex Green

Crème de Menthe

Crème de Menthe delivers that signature minty zing. At 1 oz, it's like the sidekick that knows its place—not so little you can't taste the mint, not so much it feels like you're brushing your teeth with alcohol. Miss it out? You'd have plain Cognac on ice—hardly a Stinger at all!

Emma Rose

Ice

As needed, because without it, you've basically got room temperature sadness. Ice chills the drink, mellows the flavors harmoniously, and gives that crisp, refreshing edge. No ice? Might as well sip on lukewarm tea at a mid-summer's picnic. Alternatives? Crushed ice for a frostier touch.

Mary Mitkina

Recipe. How to make Stinger Drink

  1. Fill a mixing glass with ice
  2. Add 2 oz of cognac
  3. Add 1 oz of crème de menthe
  4. Stir the ingredients together until well chilled
  5. Strain the mixture into a chilled cocktail glass
  6. Enjoy your Stinger!

Pro Tips

  • Chill your glass before pouring the cocktail to keep it cool longer.
  • Use high-quality cognac for a smoother, richer taste.
  • Stir the cocktail gently to avoid diluting the drink too much.

Perfect Pairings

Chocolate Desserts

A Stinger's minty freshness beautifully cuts through the richness of chocolate desserts, balancing out the sweetness.

Cheese

Try pairing with creamy cheeses like Brie or Camembert; the herbal qualities of crème de menthe will complement their smooth textures.

Coffee

After-dinner coffee or espresso can be a great match as well, where the cognac's warmth pairs nicely with the bitterness of the coffee.

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What you could change in Stinger

  • Brandy can be used instead of cognac for a slightly different flavor.
  • Peppermint schnapps can replace crème de menthe if needed, but it will alter the taste.

Explore all drinks starting with S here

And of course - twists🍹

Chocolate Mint Stinger

  • 2 oz Cognac
  • 1 oz White Crème de Cacao
  • 0.5 oz Crème de Menthe Mix as usual, and you've got the chocolatier cousin of the classic. It's like dessert in a glass, with a touch more indulgence. Chocolate lovers, welcome to your minty paradise!

Stinger Spritz

  • 1.5 oz Cognac
  • 0.5 oz Crème de Menthe
  • Top with Soda Water Serve on the rocks in a highball glass. It's the refreshing summer afternoon sibling—lighter, bubblier, and ready to mingle at your next garden party.

Spicy Stinger

  • 1.5 oz Cognac
  • 1 oz Crème de Menthe
  • 0.5 oz Chili Liqueur This one brings the heat to the sweet. Prepare as usual, then brace for a warm kick that'll tingle all the way down. It's the mischief-maker of the Stinger family, seducing the thrill-seekers.

In case you forgot basics how to make Stinger

Place your chosen strainer on top of the shaker or mixing glass, ensuring a secure fit. Pour the cocktail into a glass through the strainer, which will catch solid ingredients and ice. If double straining, hold the fine mesh strainer between the shaker and the glass.

Learn everything on how to strain

Insert the spoon into the glass until it touches the bottom. Keep the back of the spoon against the inside wall of the glass, and stir in a smooth, circular motion. The goal is to swirl the ice and ingredients together without churning or splashing.

Learn everything on how to stir

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Frequently Asked Questions on Stinger

Can I use any type of glass to serve the Stinger cocktail?

While you can use any glass, a vintage coupe glass is traditionally used to enhance the overall aesthetic of the drink.

What does the term 'after-dinner drink' mean?

An 'after-dinner drink' is a cocktail or other beverage served after a meal, typically to aid in digestion.

How can I enhance the mint flavor in the Stinger cocktail?

You could try muddling fresh mint leaves in the mixing glass before adding the other ingredients.

What are some common garnishes used for a Stinger cocktail?

Common garnishes include a sprig of fresh mint or a twist of lemon peel.

Can I shake the Stinger cocktail instead of stirring?

Shaking can dilute and aerate the drink more than stirring. For a Stinger, which is a delicate cocktail, it is typically recommended to stir the drink.

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