Stinger Cocktail: Minty Freshness

The Stinger, a pre-Prohibition tipple, combines cognac and white crème de menthe to create a blend of sweetness, strength, mintiness, and refreshment—a nice choice for a post-dinner nightcap.

While the exact origins of the Stinger remain unknown, it first appeared in print as early as 1914 in Jacques Straub’s book “Drinks.” However, its association with Reginald Vanderbilt, a member of the Vanderbilt family, is widely known. Vanderbilt’s fondness for serving Stingers to guests at his home, dating back two decades prior to a 1923 Ohio newspaper article, suggests his influence in popularizing this classic cocktail recipe.

The Stinger’s association with high society was further solidified by Vanderbilt’s preference for it, and it gained cultural recognition through appearances in films like “High Society” (1956) and literature like the James Bond novel “Diamonds Are Forever” (1956). Despite its heyday, the Stinger’s popularity waned around the 1970s.

Recipes for the Stinger vary, with some favoring a drier version with less crème de menthe. Traditionally, the drink is shaken, a departure from most cocktails comprising only spirits. This classic recipe adheres to tradition, stirring two parts cognac with one part crème de menthe before straining into a rocks glass. Serving over crushed ice lifts its refreshing quality, making it an ideal digestif.

Stingr Cocktail Ingredients

• Cognac (60 ml / 2 oz): The soul of the Stinger, cognac, with its complex and nuanced flavors, provides a rich and velvety base. The quality of cognac is paramount; selecting a VSOP (Very Superior Old Pale) ensures a smoother, more refined cocktail.
• White Crème de Menthe (30 ml / 1 oz): This clear mint-flavored liqueur cuts through the depth of the cognac with its crisp, clean taste, introducing a lightness that makes the Stinger so intriguing.

Stinger Cocktail Recipe

1. Chill Your Glass: Begin by placing a rocks glass in the freezer. A chilled glass will keep your cocktail cool from the first sip to the last.
2. Combine Ingredients: In a mixing glass, combine the measured amounts of cognac and white crème de menthe. The ratio balances the warmth of the cognac with the minty freshness, ensuring neither ingredient overpowers the other.
3. Stir to Chill: Add a generous amount of ice to the mixing glass. Use a long-handled bar spoon to stir the mixture gently yet thoroughly. This process chills the drink while providing just the right amount of dilution, softening the spirits’ intensity without watering down their flavors.
4. Prepare the Serving Glass: Retrieve your chilled rocks glass from the freezer. To enhance the cocktail’s presentation, fill the glass with fresh crushed ice. The crushed ice not only cools the drink further but also adds an appealing texture.
5. Strain and Serve: Carefully strain the chilled mixture over the crushed ice in your rocks glass. Ensure the liquid is poured evenly, allowing the crème de menthe to weave through the cognac, creating a visually appealing layering effect.
6. Garnish (Optional): Though traditional Stingers are served without a garnish, a sprig of fresh mint or a thin twist of lemon peel can add a touch of color and an aromatic flourish, enhancing the cocktail’s sensory appeal.

Tips for the Best Stinger Cocktail

• Quality Counts: The choice of cognac influences the cocktail’s final taste. Opting for a high-quality VSOP cognac will elevate your Stinger to new heights of flavor and complexity.
• White Crème de Menthe: Ensure you use white crème de menthe for a clear, visually appealing cocktail. Green crème de menthe can be used for a different visual effect but will alter the classic appearance.
• Stir, Don’t Shake: Stirring the cocktail with ice cools it without introducing too much air, resulting in a smoother, more cohesive blend of flavors.
• Customize to Taste: While the classic ratio is revered, don’t hesitate to adjust the proportions of cognac and crème de menthe to suit your taste preferences. More crème de menthe will yield a mintier drink, whereas more cognac will bring its rich, fruity notes to the forefront.

Whether served as an elegant conclusion to a fine dining experience or enjoyed as a stylish nightcap, the Stinger remains a classic that continues to be enjoyed by cocktail lovers with its simple and tasty flavor balance.