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Cocktail History
The Stinger is a classic cocktail that was created in the United States in the 1890s. It’s made with a simple combination of Cognac, crème de menthe, and mint, and it quickly became popular among the upper class during Prohibition because the liqueur could mask the low-quality brandy available at the time.
Cocktail Ingredients
To make this cocktail, you’ll need the following ingredients:
Cognac: This is a type of brandy made in Cognac, France with distilled white wine. The recipe calls for Cognac, but I used Driftless Glen Distillery 5 Year Reserve Brandy.
White Crème De Menthe: This is a liqueur made with mint, sugar, and alcohol. I used DeKuyper Crème De Menthe White Liqueur.
Mint Sprig: This is an herb. I used fresh Mojito mint.
Bartending Tools
To make this cocktail, you’ll need the following bar tools:
Jigger: This is used to measure and pour ingredients. I used the Japanese jigger from the A Bar Above 14-Piece Silver Bar Set.
Mixing Glass: This is used to hold the ingredients while they’re being stirred. I used the Viski 17 oz Cocktail Mixing Glass.
Bar Spoon: This is used to stir ingredients. I used the Barfly Stainless Steel Teardrop Bar Spoon.
Julep Strainer: This is used to strain out ice and solid ingredients after the cocktail is stirred. I used the A Bar Above Julep Strainer.
Tasting Notes
This cocktail has the following flavor profile:
• Appearance: Light orange-brown color
• Aroma: Mint and spices
• Taste: Simple spiced brandy flavor mixed with potent mint notes
• Finish: Spicy aftertaste with menthol mouthfeel
Kendall’s Take: “This drink has a minty bite that’ll give you quite the buzz despite its size. I’m not a big brandy drinker, but I did like the Stinger more than the Mint Julep, a similar recipe made with bourbon and mint, because it’s not as bitter. I think I liked more complexity in my drinks, but this is a nice template you could build a drink on.”
Recipe
This cocktail recipe was adapted from The Art of Vintage Cocktails by Stephanie Rosenbaum.
Stinger
Description
The Stinger is a classic cocktail that was created in the United States in the 1890s. It’s made with a simple combination of Cognac, crème de menthe, and mint, and it quickly became popular among the upper class during Prohibition because the liqueur could mask the low-quality brandy available at the time.
Ingredients
Method
Fill a lowball glass with crushed ice.
Add brandy and crème de menthe to a mixing glass.
Fill mixing glass with cubed ice.
Using a bar spoon, stir for 30-45 seconds until well-chilled and slightly diluted.
Using a julep strainer, strain into lowball glass.
Garnish with mint sprig.
