STP Cocktail Recipe

STP Cocktail Nutrition Facts

Calories:180

Fat:0g

Protein:0g

Carbohydrates:4g

Alcohol:25%

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 STP cocktail is a classic cocktail that originated in the 1920s. It was named after the famous motor oil company, STP, because of its strong and robust flavor. This cocktail is perfect for those who enjoy a strong, spirit-forward drink.

  • Origin: 1920s
  • Ideal for: Those who enjoy strong, spirit-forward drinks

How STP Cocktail Tastes?

The STP cocktail is a strong, robust drink with a hint of sweetness. It has a rich, full-bodied flavor with a smooth finish.

Interesting facts about STP Cocktail

  • The STP cocktail was named after the famous motor oil company, STP.
  • It originated in the 1920s.
  • It is a strong, spirit-forward drink.

Ingredients

Bourbon

Bourbon brings a sweet, smoky backbone to the STP cocktail. Its vanilla, caramel, and oak flavors balance with the sweetness of vermouth. Using less could make the drink too subtle, while more could overpower the vermouth and bitters. Without bourbon, it wouldn't be an STP!

Alex Green

Sweet Vermouth

The herbal and sweet flavors of sweet vermouth round out the cocktail, adding complexity. Less would dim its harmonizing effect; more could make it cloying. Substitute with dry vermouth for a sharper taste.

Emma Rose

Angostura Bitters

A few dashes of bitters bring depth and a hint of spice that ties the cocktail together. Omitting them would make a flatter drink; too many could overpower the other ingredients. Orange bitters are a common alternative for a citrusy twist.

Mary Mitkina

Cherry

The cherry garnish adds a touch of elegance and a hint of fruitiness as it soaks in the drink. It's the cherry on top—literally!

Alex Green

Recipe. How to make STP Cocktail Drink

  1. Fill a mixing glass with ice.
  2. Add 2oz of bourbon, 1oz of sweet vermouth, and 2 dashes of Angostura bitters.
  3. Stir well.
  4. Strain into a chilled cocktail glass.
  5. Garnish with a cherry.

Pro Tips

  • Use high-quality bourbon for the best flavor.
  • Stir the cocktail well to ensure it is properly chilled and diluted.
  • Use a fresh cherry for garnish.

Perfect Pairings

Cheese Plate

A selection of rich, aged cheeses such as Cheddar, Gouda, or Brie can complement the nutty and caramel notes of the bourbon.

Dark Chocolate

A piece of luxurious dark chocolate can play off the sweet and bitter elements in the cocktail, creating a delightful contrast.

Grilled Steak

An herb-rubbed grilled steak will pair well with the robust flavors of the bourbon and the herbal accents from the vermouth and bitters.

Roasted Nuts

Cashews, almonds, and walnuts are a great bar snack that will bring out the earthy tones in the drink.

🍹 Discover the Top 50 All-Time Recipes! 🍹

Enter your email, and we'll send the exclusive list straight to your inbox.

We respect your privacy and take protecting it seriously

What you could change in STP Cocktail

  • Bourbon can be substituted with Rye Whiskey.
  • Sweet Vermouth can be substituted with Dry Vermouth, but this will change the flavor profile.

Explore all drinks starting with S here

And of course - twists🍹

Smoky STP

Add a small splash of Islay Scotch before stirring. The smokiness from the Scotch will add an intense, peaty flavor that's perfect for smoke lovers. The cocktail becomes a conversation starter, ideal for wintery nights or to impress your friends who love a bold drink.

Manhattan STP

Use rye whiskey instead of bourbon and a Luxardo cherry for the garnish. Rye's spiciness and dryness will make the drink punchier and more complex. It morphs the STP into a close cousin of the classic Manhattan.

Old Fashioned STP

Muddle a sugar cube with bitters before adding bourbon and vermouth. Skip the strain and serve it on the rocks with an orange twist. It gives a sweeter edge and an old-fashioned charm, literally taking you back to the roots of cocktail history.

In case you forgot basics how to make STP Cocktail

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

Garnishing a bar drink depends on the type of garnish and the cocktail. Generally, it involves preparing the garnish (like cutting a citrus wheel or picking a sprig of mint), and then adding it to the drink in a visually appealing way (like perching it on the rim or floating it on top).

Learn everything on garnishing

Find the cocktail you'd love!

If you want to drink something else - you can use our AI-augmented search to find the best cocktail for you!
Completely free!

Frequently Asked Questions on STP Cocktail

What type of glass is best for serving the STP cocktail?

The STP cocktail is best served in a chilled cocktail glass, also known as a Martini glass.

What kind of cherry is used for garnish in the STP cocktail?

A Maraschino cherry is traditionally used for garnishing an STP cocktail.

Are there any non-alcoholic versions of the STP cocktail?

A non-alcoholic version of the STP cocktail can be made by replacing the bourbon with a non-alcoholic whiskey alternative and the sweet vermouth with grape juice.

How can the strength of the STP cocktail be toned down?

The strength of the STP can be toned down by adding more sweet vermouth or using a bourbon with a lower proof.

Aside from the cherry, are there other possible garnishes for the STP cocktail?

Yes, though not traditionally used, an orange slice or a lemon twist can be used as a garnish for the STP cocktail.

More similar recipes to STP Cocktail!

Explore new cocktails you'd love!

Please rate this recipe