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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 the Cognac region of France with grapes and yeast, which are distilled and then aged in oak barrels to develop a smooth, complex flavor.
White Crème De Menthe: This is a liqueur made with mint, distilled alcohol, water, and sugar, which are blended and infused to develop a sweet, minty flavor.
Mint: This is an herb made from the leaves of the mint plant, which are harvested and used for their cool, aromatic flavor.
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.
