Paul Kushner
The Stinger is a classic cocktail that’s perfect for an after-dinner drink or nightcap. This timeless drink is made by combining cognac or brandy with crème de menthe liqueur, resulting in a refreshing and minty flavor that’s sure to satisfy your taste buds.
The Stinger cocktail has a long and rich history, with origins dating back to the 1890s in the United States. It was a popular drink among the upper class and remained widely enjoyed until the 1970s. Today, the Stinger is a lesser-known classic cocktail that’s perfect for impressing guests at your next dinner party or enjoying at your favorite bar. To make a Stinger, simply combine cognac or brandy with crème de menthe in a cocktail shaker filled with ice, then strain into a chilled cocktail glass. Garnish with a mint leaf if desired, and enjoy!
History
The Stinger cocktail is a classic drink that has been around for over a century. Its origins can be traced back to the late 19th century in the United States, where it quickly became a popular drink among the upper class. It was seen as a sophisticated drink and was often served as a digestif or after-dinner drink.
One of the most famous stories surrounding the Stinger involves Reginald Vanderbilt, a member of the wealthy and influential Vanderbilt family. Vanderbilt was known for his love of the Stinger and was often seen drinking it at the Stork Club in New York City. His love for the drink helped to popularize it among the upper echelons of society.
During the Prohibition era, the Stinger continued to be a popular drink, as it was easy to make and could be made with ingredients that were readily available. It was also a favorite among Hollywood celebrities, including Jayne Mansfield and Cary Grant. In fact, the Stinger was featured in the 1957 film “Kiss Them for Me,” starring Grant..
How to Make It
The Stinger
Making a stinger cocktail is a simple process that involves only a few ingredients and basic techniques. Here's how to make it:
Ingredients
- 1 ounce premium creme de menthe
- 2 ounces your favorite cognac
- A rocks glass with crushed ice
Instructions
- Put the creme de menthe and cognac into a chilled shaker
- Either stir vigorously or shake the ingredients together to thoroughly mix
- Pour the liquid into your favorite rocks glass and serve it over crushed ice
Notes
If you prefer your stinger cocktail on the rocks, simply strain the mixture over crushed ice instead of using a chilled glass.
For a twist on the classic recipe, try substituting gin, cognac, or rum for the brandy. You can also experiment with different types of crème de menthe, such as green crème de menthe for a festive green color.
If you like your cocktails a little sweeter, you can add a splash of simple syrup or cola to the mixture. And for a vodka-based version, try a vodka stinger by substituting vodka for the brandy.
Variations
The Stinger is a classic cocktail that has been around for over a century. While the original recipe calls for brandy and white creme de menthe, there are many variations that use different types of spirits and liqueurs. Here are a few variations you can try to mix up the traditional Stinger recipe:
Amaretto Stinger
If you’re looking for a sweeter twist on the classic Stinger, try making an Amaretto Stinger. Simply replace the brandy with amaretto liqueur and follow the same recipe. The almond flavor of the amaretto pairs perfectly with the minty creme de menthe for a delicious dessert cocktail.
Tequila Stinger
For those who prefer tequila over brandy, try making a Tequila Stinger. This variation uses tequila instead of brandy and adds a splash of lime juice for a refreshing twist. To make this cocktail, mix 2 ounces of tequila, 1 ounce of white creme de menthe, and 1/2 ounce of lime juice in a shaker with ice. Strain into a rocks glass over ice and garnish with a lime wedge.
Chocolate Stinger
If you’re a fan of chocolate and mint, you’ll love this variation of the Stinger. To make a Chocolate Stinger, mix 2 ounces of brandy, 1 ounce of white creme de menthe, and 1/2 ounce of creme de cacao in a shaker with ice. Strain into a rocks glass over ice and garnish with a sprig of fresh mint. This cocktail is perfect for dessert or as a digestif.
Midnight Stinger
A Midnight Stinger cocktail is a variation of the classic Stinger cocktail. It is made with equal parts of cognac and white crème de menthe, and is typically served over ice in a rocks glass. The addition of the word “midnight” to the name is likely a reference to the dark color of the crème de menthe, which gives the drink a deeper hue than the classic Stinger.
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