Stinger Cocktail Drink

Stinger

A shot of Gavin Wrigley looking to the camera in a dimly lit room
Written by Gavin Wrigley
Andrea
Tested by
Andrea Ottaiano

If you’re looking for a straightforward yet sophisticated drink, this Stinger Cocktail recipe is all you need! It’s easy to make delicious, and the ingredients blend to elevate your cocktail experience.

Stinger Cocktail Recipe

Savor simplicity with this classic Stinger cocktail recipe! A perfect balance of cognac and white crème de menthe, it's the refreshing staple for every festive occasion.

Prep time:

1 minute

Mixing time:

1 minute

Servings:

1

Calories:

210 kl

Ingredients

  • 2 oz Cognac
  • ¾ oz White Crème de Menthe
  • Ice cubes

Equipment

  • Mixing Glass
  • Bar spoon
  • Strainer
  • Cocktail Glass chilled

Instructions

  • Chill Glass: Stir some ice cubes in the coupe glass with a bar spoon or place it in the freezer to chill it.
  • Combine Ingredients: Combine ¾ oz White Crème de Menthe with 2 oz Cognac in the mixing glass.
  • Add Ice: Fill the mixing glass with ice cubes.
  • Stir: With a bar spoon stir the drink for about 45 revolutions.
  • Prepare Glass: Remove the ice cubes from your coupe glass or take it out from the freezer
  • Strain: Strain the mixture into this chilled coupe glass.
  • Serve: Enjoy your drink!

Notes

Substitutes:

From my experience, if you don't have cognac on hand, quality brandy works as a great substitute; it's from the same family but not as region-specific. As for the white crème de menthe, if that's too sweet for you or if it's just unavailable, I've tried using peppermint schnapps. It has a higher alcohol content and it is less sweet but maintains a similar minty profile.

Making a Pitcher of Stinger Cocktail:

  • Scale: For a pitcher serving 8 people, you'd want to multiply your ingredients by 8. This means you'll need 16 oz of cognac and 6 oz of white crème de menthe.
  • Mix: Combine the cognac and white crème de menthe in a pitcher with ice. Strain and store it in the fridge.
  • Serve: Serve in chilled cocktail glasses for that added touch of elegance.

Making it Non-Alcoholic:

For a non-alcoholic version, you can use a non-alcoholic brandy or a grape juice concentrate with some deeper notes similar to cognac. Instead of crème de menthe, try mint syrup or dissolve some mint candies in water for that minty flavor without the alcohol. Follow the same steps for mixing and serving.

Making it Vegan:

The classic Stinger cocktail is inherently vegan. The ingredients generally do not contain any animal products. However, always check the labels of any substitutes, especially non-alcoholic versions, to ensure they're free of animal-derived ingredients.

Nutrition Facts

Calories
210
% Daily Value*
Fat
 
0.1
g
0
%
Sodium
 
2
mg
0
%
Carbohydrates
 
9
g
3
%
Sugar
 
9
g
10
%
Potassium
 
1
mg
0
%
Polyunsaturated Fat
 
0.04
g
Iron
 
0.03
mg
0
%

 

Stinger Cocktail Drink

Stinger Cocktail Recipe

Gavin Wrigley Written by Gavin Wrigley
Jump to Video
Savor simplicity with this classic Stinger cocktail recipe! A perfect balance of cognac and white crème de menthe, it's the refreshing staple for every festive occasion.
Prep time: 1 minute
Mixing time: 1 minute
Servings: 1
Calories: 210

Ingredients
 

  • 2 oz Cognac
  • ¾ oz White Crème de Menthe
  • Ice cubes

Equipment

  • Mixing Glass
  • Bar spoon
  • Strainer
  • Cocktail Glass chilled

Instructions

  • Chill Glass: Stir some ice cubes in the coupe glass with a bar spoon or place it in the freezer to chill it.
  • Combine Ingredients: Combine ¾ oz White Crème de Menthe with 2 oz Cognac in the mixing glass.
  • Add Ice: Fill the mixing glass with ice cubes.
  • Stir: With a bar spoon stir the drink for about 45 revolutions.
  • Prepare Glass: Remove the ice cubes from your coupe glass or take it out from the freezer
  • Strain: Strain the mixture into this chilled coupe glass.
  • Serve: Enjoy your drink!

Notes

Substitutes:

From my experience, if you don't have cognac on hand, quality brandy works as a great substitute; it's from the same family but not as region-specific. As for the white crème de menthe, if that's too sweet for you or if it's just unavailable, I've tried using peppermint schnapps. It has a higher alcohol content and it is less sweet but maintains a similar minty profile.

Making a Pitcher of Stinger Cocktail:

  • Scale: For a pitcher serving 8 people, you'd want to multiply your ingredients by 8. This means you'll need 16 oz of cognac and 6 oz of white crème de menthe.
  • Mix: Combine the cognac and white crème de menthe in a pitcher with ice. Strain and store it in the fridge.
  • Serve: Serve in chilled cocktail glasses for that added touch of elegance.

Making it Non-Alcoholic:

For a non-alcoholic version, you can use a non-alcoholic brandy or a grape juice concentrate with some deeper notes similar to cognac. Instead of crème de menthe, try mint syrup or dissolve some mint candies in water for that minty flavor without the alcohol. Follow the same steps for mixing and serving.

Making it Vegan:

The classic Stinger cocktail is inherently vegan. The ingredients generally do not contain any animal products. However, always check the labels of any substitutes, especially non-alcoholic versions, to ensure they're free of animal-derived ingredients.

What is a Stinger Cocktail?

A Stinger Cocktail combines cognac with white crème de menthe, creating a drink that’s as classic as it is refreshing. Enthusiasts appreciate the Stinger’s straightforward yet impactful, two-ingredient character, a testament to its enduring appeal from the early 20th century. The cocktail is acknowledged by the International Bartender Association(IBA) that categorize the Stinger as one of “The Unforgettables”.

A side shot of a Stinger cocktail in a coupe glass on a coaster placed on a green cloth, in front of a light green wall and plant leaves.

What is a Stinger Cocktail made of – The ingredients

To mix together your Stinger Cocktail, collect these ingredients:

  • Cognac: A type of brandy, it provides the Stinger Cocktail with its rich, nuanced base, offering depth and warmth to the drink’s profile.
  • White Crème de Menthe: This clear, mint-flavored liqueur introduces a refreshing, cooling element, perfectly balancing the cognac’s warmth with a clean, crisp finish.

Cognac and White Crème de Menthe laid out on a white bar table.

How do you make a Stinger Cocktail?

Join us in making a Stinger Cocktail by following our guide:

1
<p>Before you start, stir some ice cubes in the glass or place it in the freezer to ensure it’s nice and cold by the time your cocktail is ready.</p>

Before you start, stir some ice cubes in the glass or place it in the freezer to ensure it’s nice and cold by the time your cocktail is ready.

2
<p>In the mixing glass, pour the white crème de menthe.</p>

In the mixing glass, pour the white crème de menthe.

3
<p>Add the cognac to the mixing glass</p>

Add the cognac to the mixing glass

4
<p>Add enough ice to your mixing glass to chill the spirits rapidly, as this will help meld and mellow the flavors.</p>

Add enough ice to your mixing glass to chill the spirits rapidly, as this will help meld and mellow the flavors.

5
<p>With a bar spoon, stir the cocktail for about 30 seconds to ensure it’s thoroughly chilled and the components are well integrated.</p>

With a bar spoon, stir the cocktail for about 30 seconds to ensure it’s thoroughly chilled and the components are well integrated.

6
<p>Based on the used method to chill your glass, remove the ice cubes or retrieve it from the freezer.</p>

Based on the used method to chill your glass, remove the ice cubes or retrieve it from the freezer.

7
<p>Strain the mixture into your chilled glass, leaving the ice behind.</p>

Strain the mixture into your chilled glass, leaving the ice behind.

8
<p>Enjoy your Stinger cocktail!</p>

Enjoy your Stinger cocktail!

Best Crème de Menthe for a Stinger Cocktail

When crafting your Stinger cocktail, selecting the right crème de menthe is crucial; it’s half the drink for a clean, vibrant, minty flavor without an overwhelming sugary aftertaste—quality matters. Tempus Fugit Spirits offers a top-tier option with their Crème de Menthe Glaciale. It’s a revival of the historic style of mint liqueurs, made from Corsican mint and boasting a genuine, pronounced mint flavor that’s a cut above the rest. Giffard, a well-respected French brand in the liqueur world, produces a premium Crème de Menthe that brings balance and intensity, perfect for a refreshing Stinger. If you’re looking for something readily available yet reliable, DeKuyper’s Crème de Menthe ensures consistency with a pronounced peppermint-forward taste. But, if you have to pick one, go for Tempus Fugit Spirits. Their commitment to historical accuracy and quality ingredients sets their crème de menthe apart, making it the ideal choice for a refreshingly minty and elegantly smooth Stinger.

A Stinger cocktail, shot from above, in a coupe glass on a coaster placed on a green cloth with a plant, and a jigger around.

Variations

Feeling like changing your Stinger game? Try a variation that we recommend:

  • Midnight Stinger: Merging the boldness of bourbon with the sharp, refreshing taste of Fernet-Branca creates an intriguing contrast. The complex, herbal bitterness of Fernet-Branca stands out against the rich, smooth notes of bourbon. I appreciate the depth this brings; it offers a sophisticated balance that excites the palate, especially for those who enjoy bolder flavors.
  • Vodka Stinger: Combining the clean, crisp character of vodka with the sharp, minty essence of white crème de menthe makes this blend stand out. The white crème de menthe introduces a bright, refreshing mint flavor that complements the vodka’s neutrality. I’m particularly drawn to the crisp and invigorating minty freshness; it’s stimulating and pleasantly simple, perfect for a refreshing experience.
  • Green Stinger: Introducing green crème de menthe to the mix takes a unique turn, offering a sweeter, more pronounced mint flavor than its white counterpart. The vibrant color and candy-like mint sweetness of green crème de menthe pair delightfully with the base spirit. This combination results in a playful and visually appealing experience, ideal for those who prefer a sweeter, more pronounced minty presence.

A side shot of a Stinger cocktail in a coupe glass on a coaster placed on a green cloth on a white table with a plant, a jigger, and a shaker around, in front of a light green wall and plant leaves.

History and Origins of the Stinger Cocktail

With its elegant simplicity, the Stinger cocktail boasts a rich history dating back to the early 20th century. The exact origin remains somewhat murky, but cocktail historians widely recognize that the drink gained prominence in the United States during the 1910s and 1920s. It’s believed that Reginald Vanderbilt, an American millionaire and equestrian, played a role in popularizing the Stinger among the high society of New York.

The cocktail’s name, suggestive of its “stinging” kick, likely comes from the sharpness of the mint flavor from the crème de menthe juxtaposed with the strong, warming presence of cognac. This bold yet refreshing profile quickly cemented Stinger’s status as a fashionable choice among the elite. High society particularly favored it as an after-dinner drink, valued for its palate-cleansing properties, a tradition that continues in some circles today.

Despite its association with the upper echelons of society, the Stinger’s allure didn’t stay confined to the wealthy. Its straightforward recipe made it accessible, and its versatility made it adaptable, ensuring its endurance through Prohibition and into the modern cocktail era. The Stinger’s journey reflects its ability to transcend time and social barriers, affirming its place as a classic in the world of mixology.

A Stinger cocktail, shot from above, in a coupe glass on a white marmol table with a Cognac bottle and a White Crème de Menthe bottle around.

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FAQ

How many calories are in a Stinger cocktail?
A typical Stinger cocktail contains approximately 150 to 200 calories, depending on the exact measurements of alcohol used.
How strong is a Stinger cocktail?
The strength of a Stinger can vary based on the cognac's proof, but generally, it has an ABV (Alcohol By Volume) of about 30-35% or 60-70 proof.
What alcohol is used in a Stinger cocktail?
A traditional Stinger cocktail uses cognac, a type of brandy, and white crème de menthe.
In which glass is a Stinger cocktail typically served?
A Stinger cocktail is usually served in a chilled cocktail or martini glass.
What does a Stinger taste like?
The Stinger cocktail offers a smooth, sweet mint flavor with the warmth and complexity of cognac underneath.
What is the typical ratio of ingredients in a Stinger cocktail?
The classic Stinger cocktail is often made with 2 oz of cognac and ¾ oz of white crème de menthe.
How is a Stinger cocktail served in terms of ice?
The Stinger cocktail is traditionally stirred over ice and then strained into a chilled glass, serving it "up" without ice.

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