The Stinger cocktail is a classic cocktail made by adding white creme de mint to brandy. This simple 2 ingredient recipe is perfect for your favorite bottle of brandy, or ideally cognac, and it was a preferred drink for the upper class in America.

There are various recipes for Stinger cocktails. From shaken to stirred, 3:1 ratio, to equal parts, served over ice or straight up, and some even have a 3rd ingredient – simple syrup, which is called “The Judge” (A mixing glass, ⅔ full of ice, 3 dashes of gum, ⅓ Creme de Menthe, ⅔ of Brandy. Shake to the freezing point, strain and serve in a cocktail glass). The original calls for 3 parts brandy and 1 part creme de menthe, built in a mixing glass, stirred, and strained into an Old Fashioned glass over ice.

It’s not very clear when exactly the Stinger was born, but it’s believed it was somewhere around 1890 in America. The cocktail was first included in Jacques Straub’s book – “Drinks”.

We often associate famous millionaire Reginald Vanderbilt with the classy cocktail, for it was his favorite drink, and was always happy to make it for his guests. He is probably the reason the Stinger is a cocktail for prominent society people. The drink also appears in the movie “High Society”, with Frank Sinatra and Bill Cosby, and in the 1956 novel from Ian Fleming – “Diamonds Are Forever” James Bond and Tiffany Case each have one.
Truly a very popular drink in America, and for a reason. Next time you find yourself with a bottle of brandy and some creme de menthe, give it a go. Preparation takes not more than a minute and the result is more than you expect. 😉

On the list of IBA Official Cocktails.

Ingredients:

  1. 2 Ounces (60 ml) of brandy /cognac.
  2. 1 Ounce (30 ml) of white creme de menthe.
  3. Lemon wedge and fresh mint are appropriate garnishes.

Preparation:

  1. Add the ingredients into a mixing glass, fill with ice, and stir.
  2. Strain into a rocks glass /Old Fashioned glass over ice, or a Cocktail glass – straight up.
  3. Garnish and enjoy.

☛For More Brandy Cocktails☚