Stinger

The Stinger is a deceptively simple yet elegant cocktail from the early 20th century. It consists of just two ingredients: brandy (traditionally Cognac) and white crème de menthe. When shaken with ice, these components create a refreshingly cool, mint-forward drink with a warming brandy backbone. It's often served "up" in a chilled cocktail glass and enjoyed as a sophisticated after-dinner drink.
Stinger

Preparation

Preparation time: 3 minutes

Preparation time
Difficulty

Drink Classification

The Stinger is a classic cocktail and a prominent member of the digestif category, traditionally enjoyed after a meal. Its simple composition of a spirit and a liqueur places it in the "duo" family of cocktails. It is widely recognized as a sophisticated after-dinner drink.

Serving

This is a spirit-forward cocktail served cold and "up" in a pre-chilled coupe or cocktail glass. Its alcohol content is moderately high, making for a potent but smooth after-dinner sip.
Serving size
Approximately 70-90 ml / 2.5-3 oz
Alcohol content
Approximately 25-30% ABV
Alcohol strength
Serving temperature
Cold
Glass type
Coupe
Glass treatment
Chilled

Backstory

The Stinger is believed to have originated in the United States around the turn of the 20th century. It was famously associated with high society and was a favorite of the aviator and industrialist Reginald Vanderbilt. The drink's popularity peaked from the 1920s through the 1970s, appearing in various films and books as a symbol of sophistication.
Origin
United States, circa 1890s-1900s. Its exact origin is disputed, but it rose to prominence in New York City's high society circles and was first published in cocktail books in the 1910s.

Stinger

The Stinger is almost universally known by its original name. Occasionally, it might be called a "Brandy Stinger" to explicitly state the base spirit, distinguishing it from variations made with other liquors. This classic cocktail's name is simple and memorable.
Original name
Stinger
Alternative name
Brandy Stinger

Characteristics overview

The Stinger presents a strong mint aroma and flavor, balanced by the rich, warming notes of brandy. It has a smooth, silky texture and a long, clean, minty finish, making it a powerfully refreshing digestif.
Flavor
Minty, sweet, warming, spirit-forward, brandy notes
Aroma
Strong mint, brandy, grape, oak
Taste balance
Sweet, strong
Aftertaste
Long, minty, clean, warming
Fizziness
None, still
Color appearance
Clear, very pale straw
Texture
Smooth, silky, crisp
Seasonality
Refreshing, cooling, suitable year-round, especially winter and holidays

Flavor intensity & Experience

The flavor is intensely mint-forward and sweet, with a strong alcoholic backbone from the brandy. It is a non-carbonated drink with no sour, salty, or spicy notes.
Sweetness
Saltiness
Sourness
Bitterness
Spiciness
Fruitiness
Creaminess
Carbonation

Ingredients

You only need two ingredients for a classic Stinger: a quality brandy, such as Cognac, and a white crème de menthe. The ratio can be adjusted to taste, but a common starting point is between 2:1 and 3:1 of brandy to liqueur.
  • Brandy50 ml / 1.75 oz
    Cognac is the traditional and highly recommended choice for a smoother, more refined taste.
  • White Crème de Menthe20 ml / 0.75 oz
    Use white crème de menthe for the classic clear appearance. Green crème de menthe can be used but will change the color and slightly the taste.

Ice type

  • Cubed

Mixing equipments

To prepare a Stinger, you will need a cocktail shaker to combine and chill the ingredients, a jigger for accurate measurements, and a strainer to pour the drink while holding back the ice.
  • Cocktail shaker for chilling and mixing
  • Jigger or measuring cup for measuring ingredients
  • Strainer to strain into the glass

Instructions

The Stinger is made by shaking brandy and crème de menthe with ice until well-chilled. The mixture is then strained into a pre-chilled coupe or cocktail glass and served straight up.
1. Chill your cocktail or coupe glass by filling it with ice and water, or by placing it in the freezer for a few minutes.
2. Measure and pour the brandy and white crème de menthe into a cocktail shaker.
3. Fill the shaker three-quarters full with fresh, cubed ice.
4. Secure the lid and shake vigorously for 10-15 seconds until the outside of the shaker is well-frosted.
5. Discard the ice from your chilled glass.
6. Strain the contents of the shaker into the chilled glass.
7. If using, garnish with a fresh mint sprig before serving.

Garnishing

The Stinger is often served without a garnish for a minimalist, classic presentation. However, a fresh mint sprig can be added to complement the drink's primary flavor and aroma.
  • Mint sprig (optional) to enhance the aroma

Dietary Information

This cocktail is alcoholic and generally free from common allergens like dairy, eggs, nuts, and gluten, assuming the spirits used are pure distillates. It is suitable for both vegan and vegetarian diets.
✓ Contains alcohol
✓ Caffeine-free
✓ Dairy-free
✓ Egg-free
✓ Soy-free
✓ Nut-free
✓ Gluten-free
✓ Vegan-friendly
✓ Vegetarian-friendly

Nutrition information

A standard Stinger contains approximately 180-220 calories, with around 10-14 grams of carbohydrates, all of which come from the sugar in the crème de menthe liqueur.
Calories
Averagely 180-220 kcal / 750-920 kJ
Calories level
Carbohydrates
Averagely 10-14 g
Carbohydrate level
Sugar
Averagely 10-14 g
Sugar level

Occasions

The Stinger is an excellent choice for an after-dinner digestif, thanks to its minty character. It also fits perfectly at cocktail parties and sophisticated gatherings. Its flavor profile also makes it a suitable nightcap for festive holiday celebrations.
  • After-dinner drink
  • Cocktail party
  • Sophisticated gathering
  • Holiday celebration

Pairing suggestions

Given its role as a digestif, the Stinger is best enjoyed on its own after a meal. It pairs exceptionally well with dark chocolate or mint-based desserts. It serves as a perfect nightcap to conclude a rich, savory dinner, helping to cleanse the palate.
  • Dark chocolate desserts
  • Mint-chocolate chip ice cream
  • As a standalone digestif
  • After a rich, heavy meal

The Stinger: A Classic Duo of Cool Mint and Warm Brandy

The Stinger is a timeless classic cocktail that epitomizes simple elegance. Combining just two ingredients—brandy and crème de menthe—it delivers a sophisticated profile that is both coolingly minty and warmly spirituous. Traditionally served as a digestif, it is the perfect conclusion to a fine meal or a stylish choice for a cocktail gathering. Its deceptive simplicity hides a potent character that has charmed drinkers for over a century.

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