Stinger Cocktail Recipe

Before you start

The Stinger is two ingredients: brandy, usually cognac, and white crème de menthe. The mint gives a cool, clean finish to the warm, fruity brandy, making it a classic digestif. It is much stronger and drier than the creamy mint drinks it is sometimes grouped with, and should taste of brandy first and mint second.

Ratios range from two parts brandy to one part crème de menthe up to four to one. This recipe uses three to one, which keeps the mint clear without making it the main flavor. Stinger recipes traditionally call for shaking, which makes the drink colder and slightly lighter in texture; stirring gives a silkier, denser drink. Either way, use white crème de menthe so the drink stays a clear amber.

Ingredients

• 60 ml (2 oz) cognac or brandy — VS or VSOP
• 20 ml (⅔ oz) white crème de menthe
• 1 cup (about 150 g) ice cubes — for mixing
• 1 sprig fresh mint — optional garnish

Method

1. Chill a coupe, or put a large ice cube in a rocks glass if you prefer it on the rocks.
2. Pour the cognac and white crème de menthe into a shaker or mixing glass and add plenty of ice.
3. Shake for about 10 seconds for a colder, slightly frothy drink, or stir for 20 to 25 seconds for a smooth, dense one. Either way the vessel should be very cold.
4. Strain into the chilled coupe, or over the large cube in the rocks glass.
5. Slap a small mint sprig between your hands and rest it on the drink, if you like, for a fresh aroma.

Tips for success

• Taste your crème de menthe. Brands vary from bright and fresh to sweet and medicinal, and a better one changes the drink completely.
• If 3:1 is too minty, move to 4:1 by cutting the crème de menthe to 15 ml.
• Served over crushed ice, the Stinger turns into a refreshing, longer drink for warm evenings.

Substitutions

Cognac

Vodka makes a White Spider, which is cleaner and lighter. An aged rum gives a richer, sweeter version.

White crème de menthe

Green crème de menthe works in flavor but turns the drink a murky green.

Variations

Stinger over crushed ice

Build the drink in a rocks glass packed with crushed ice and stir until frosty.

White Spider

Use vodka instead of cognac at the same ratio.

Troubleshooting

It tastes like mouthwash

Too much crème de menthe or a harsh brand. Use a 4:1 ratio and try a better-quality liqueur.

It feels hot and harsh

It needs more dilution. Stir or shake a few seconds longer, or serve it over crushed ice.

The drink looks cloudy

Shaking adds tiny bubbles that cloud it briefly. Stir instead if you want it perfectly clear.

Storage

Serve right after mixing. Both brandy and crème de menthe are shelf-stable; keep bottles tightly capped away from heat and sunlight.

Safety notes

Contains about 60 ml of 40% cognac and 20 ml of roughly 25% crème de menthe, around 1.6 U.S. standard drinks. It drinks easily, so take it slowly. Serve only to adults of legal drinking age and never drink and drive.