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    Home » Classic Cocktails » How to Make the Classic Stinger Cocktail Recipe

    Published: Aug 14, 2020 · Modified: Nov 19, 2023 by Kevin Mayfield · This post may contain affiliate links.

    How to Make the Classic Stinger Cocktail Recipe

    Jump to Recipe Print Recipe

    The fresh, minty flavor of the Stinger classic cocktail makes it appropriate both as a before-dinner cocktail or after dinner digestif. There are only two ingredients in the following recipe, making It one of the easier cocktail recipes to make.

    Stinger cocktail with a sprig of mint in a cocktail glass

    The History of the Minty Stinger Cocktail

    This classic cocktail has a long history. This iconic after-dinner drink has graced the finest of cocktail glasses and delighted the upper class of New York City and beyond since the late 19th century. It's said that the Stinger was a favorite of Reginald Vanderbilt, a member of high society in the early 1900s. The first time I tried it, I was pleasantly surprised at how refreshing it is. It may soon become your favorite drink, too. I first saw a recipe for it the always-helpful Jaques Straub's manual, "Drinks."

    s copy of an early recipe for a stinger cocktail
    Jacques Straub's Stinger Drink Recipe from "Drinks", 1914, uses equal parts cognac or brandy mixed with the liqueur.

    This cocktail became very popular during prohibition in the United States in the 1920’s, since the strong mint liqueur helped hide some really bad tasting, illicitly produced spirits.

    The Stinger was a staple of many classic bar manuals, and It's mentioned in the "Fine Art of Mixing Drinks" by David A. Embury as well as celebrated in David Wondrich’s "Imbibe." This classic drink even makes an appearance in Tom Bullock's "The Ideal Bartender".

    It continued to be a popular drink into the mid century period where people like Cary Grant, Jayne Mansfield, and even the iconic Frank Sinatra and Bing Crosby indulged in this minty delight during the classic cocktail hour.

    Ingredients you'll need for a Classic Stinger

    Bottle of Cognac and Creme de Menthe on a black background

    This minty fresh drink is referred as a duo cocktail, meaning it contains only two ingredients:

    • Cognac
    • White Creme de Menthe (you can use the Green Creme de Menthe if you prefer a splash of color)

    Many early mixed drinks recipes used Cognac and Brandy interchangeably. Some say Brandy is a type of Cognac or that Cognac is a type of Brandy. Either one will do just fine, as it is essentially the same spirit. Brandy is not produced in the Cognac region of France, but is otherwise the same thing. Kind of like champagne versus sparkling wine.

    Bar Tools Needed

    You don't need any special bar tools to mix this cocktail, so there are no excuses not to whip one up. Use the following basics:

    • Cocktail shaker
    • Bar spoon
    • Jigger
    • Strainer

    How to Make this Easy Stinger Recipe

    Pour in Cognac
    Add Creme de Menthe
    Process steps for making a Stinger Cocktail pouring Cognac and Creme de Menthe into a cocktail shaker and then straining into a cocktail glass.
    Strain into a cocktail glass

    With only two ingredients, this cocktail is very easy to make. Just follow these simple directions:

    1. Place a handful of fresh ice cubes into a cocktail shaker.
    2. Pour a jigger of Cognac into the shaker followed by a jigger of Creme de Menthe.
    3. Shake for 20-30 seconds and strain into a chilled cocktail glass.
    4. Garnish with a fresh mint sprig or a mint leaf for a pop of color and an extra burst of mint flavor.

    You can also serve this drink in a rocks glass filled with crushed ice for something different. Some bartenders prefer to use a mixing glass and stir the cocktail so it remains clear of ice chips. Either method works well to mix and chill the drink.

    Tips for Success

    Since there are only two ingredients in a Stinger, it is hard to make a wrong turn. However, keep these things in mind:

    • Don't mix this drink with an inferior Cognac because it will have a very harsh, alcohol-forward taste. The same goes for the Creme de Menthe. I've always had good luck with De Kuyper mixers since they offer good quality at a good price, and are readily available at your local grocery store or liquor store.
    • You can use a dash of simple syrup if you prefer to make the drink less powerful and more sweet.
    • For an extra smooth cocktail sure to please most taste buds, cut back the amount of Cognac you use and mix the drink with equal parts of Cognac and Creme de Menthe.

    Frequently Asked Questions

    Can you make a Stinger without Cognac?

    Yes, you can substitute Brandy if you don't have any Cognac handy. Or, if you are very adventurous, substitute tequila for a south of the border twist to this classic, referred to as a Tequila Stinger.

    What are some other Stinger Variations?

    If you add a dash of red pepper to the recipe you'll have a Green Hornet. Or you can substitute vodka to make a Vodka Stinger, and you get a whole new flavor profile.

    Its minty, refreshing profile is perfect for capping off an elegant meal or unwinding during cocktail hour. So, raise your glass and toast to the enduring appeal of the Stinger cocktail, a high society drink that has stood the test of time and continues to grace the finest of cocktail glasses. Soon, it will be one of your favorite drinks. If you like minty drinks, don't forget about the Grasshopper which is perfect as a dessert or after dinner cocktail. As always, you can't beat the Old Fashioned as the first or last cocktail of the evening.

      Before you go, did you try this cocktail? Why not leave a comment in the comments section along with a rating? I always appreciate hearing from you and getting your feedback.

    Stinger cocktail with a sprig of mint in a cocktail glass

    The Refreshing Stinger Cocktail

    Kevin Mayfield
    A cool, refreshing mid century cocktail that is good before or after dinner.
    5 from 1 vote
    Print Recipe Pin Recipe
    Prep Time 3 minutes mins
    Total Time 3 minutes mins
    Course Classic Cocktails
    Cuisine American
    Servings 1 Cocktail
    Calories 236 kcal

    Ingredients
     
     

    • 2 ounces Cognac or Brandy
    • 1 ounce white Creme de Menthe

    Instructions
     

    • Put two generous scoops of ice in a cocktail shaker
    • Pour Cognac and Creme de Menthe over ice
    • Shake for 20 seconds and strain into cocktail glass

    Notes

    You can also serve this cocktail in a rocks glass with crushed ice.
    Some people prefer to use a cocktail mixing glass and stir the ingredients rather than shaking them.

    Nutrition

    Calories: 236kcalCarbohydrates: 12gFat: 1gPolyunsaturated Fat: 1gSodium: 2mgPotassium: 1mgSugar: 12gIron: 1mg
    Keyword classic cocktails, cocktails of the 1950's, mad men cocktail drinks, mid century cocktails
    Tried this recipe?Let us know how it was!

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      Nancy and Bentley

      Hi, I'm Nancy! Welcome to Flourchild where I share classic mid-century recipes from the 1940's - 1970's. I feature many vintage handwritten recipes, and provide modern shortcuts and a variety of healthy and special diet-friendly versions whenever possible. Join me in exploring the delicious flavors and from-scratch cooking techniques of our past!

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