Tequila Stinger

The Tequila Stinger is a straightforward yet surprisingly complex drink, offering a unique twist on the classic Stinger formula. By substituting brandy with tequila, the cocktail gains a vegetal, agave-forward character that beautifully complements the sharp, cool mint. It is a spirit-forward drink, best served very cold, making it an excellent digestif or a bracing nightcap for the adventurous palate. The interplay between the earthy tequila and the sweet mint liqueur creates a memorable and vibrant flavor profile.
Tequila Stinger

Preparation

Preparation time: 3 minutes

Preparation time
Difficulty

Drink Classification

The Tequila Stinger is a cocktail, typically served as a digestif or nightcap. It's a modern variation of the classic Stinger, placing it within the category of classic cocktails due to its simple, spirit-forward structure and lineage.

Serving

Serve this potent, small-volume drink ice-cold in a chilled coupe or cocktail glass. Its relatively high alcohol content makes it a perfect, crisp digestif.
Serving size
Approximately 90 ml / 3 oz
Alcohol content
Approximately 28-32% ABV
Alcohol strength
Serving temperature
Cold
Glass type
Coupe
Glass treatment
Chilled

Backstory

The Tequila Stinger is a direct descendant of the classic Stinger, a popular high-society drink from the early 20th century made with brandy and crème de menthe. As tequila's popularity surged in the latter half of the century, bartenders began experimenting by substituting it into classic recipes. The Tequila Stinger was a natural evolution, offering a Mexican-inspired take on the well-loved digestif, though it never reached the same level of fame as its predecessor.
Origin
United States, likely emerging in the 1970s or 1980s during a period of increased tequila popularity. It's a variation of the original Stinger, which dates back to the 1890s.

Tequila Stinger

The drink is primarily known as the Tequila Stinger, a direct reference to its base spirit and its inspiration, the classic Stinger cocktail. It is sometimes referred to as the "White Mexican," though this name is less common and can be considered dated.
Original name
Tequila Stinger
Alternative name
White Mexican

Characteristics overview

This drink has a powerful aroma of mint and agave, with a sharp, sweet, and herbaceous flavor. The texture is smooth and crisp, leaving a long, cooling aftertaste that is clean and refreshing.
Flavor
Minty, Agave, Herbaceous, Sweet, Sharp
Aroma
Strong mint, Earthy tequila, Fresh
Taste balance
Sweet, Strong
Aftertaste
Long, Cooling, Clean, Herbal
Fizziness
Still
Color appearance
Clear, Very pale green tint
Texture
Smooth, Silky, Crisp
Seasonality
Refreshing, All-season, Wintery

Flavor intensity & Experience

The flavor is intense, dominated by sweetness from the liqueur and the high strength of the alcohol. It is not fruity, sour, or creamy, presenting a focused mint and agave profile.
Sweetness
Saltiness
Sourness
Bitterness
Spiciness
Fruitiness
Creaminess
Carbonation

Ingredients

Only two ingredients are required: a good quality blanco tequila as the base and a white crème de menthe to provide the signature minty sweetness.
  • Blanco Tequila60 ml / 2 oz
    A 100% agave blanco tequila is recommended for its crisp, herbaceous notes. A reposado can be used for a slightly richer, smoother profile.
  • White Crème de Menthe30 ml / 1 oz
    Use a quality white crème de menthe. The green version can be substituted but will change the color of the drink dramatically.

Ice type

  • Cubed

Mixing equipments

You will need a mixing glass and a bar spoon to properly chill and dilute the drink, along with a jigger for accurate measurements and a strainer to serve.
  • Mixing glass for stirring the ingredients.
  • Bar spoon for stirring.
  • Jigger for measuring.
  • Strainer for pouring into the glass.

Instructions

To prepare, simply stir the tequila and crème de menthe with ice in a mixing glass. Once thoroughly chilled, strain the contents into a chilled coupe glass and serve.
1. Chill your coupe or cocktail glass in the freezer for at least 15 minutes.
2. Fill a mixing glass with ice cubes.
3. Pour the tequila and white crème de menthe into the mixing glass.
4. Stir with a bar spoon for about 20-30 seconds until well-chilled and properly diluted.
5. Strain the mixture into the pre-chilled coupe glass.
6. If using a garnish, gently clap a fresh mint sprig between your palms to release its aroma and place it on the rim of the glass.

Garnishing

A garnish is optional, but a fresh mint sprig can be gently clapped between the hands and placed on the glass rim to add a fresh aromatic layer.
  • Mint sprig, to express oils over the drink and place on the rim.

Dietary Information

This cocktail is generally free from common allergens like dairy, eggs, nuts, and gluten. It is suitable for both vegan and vegetarian diets and contains no caffeine.
✓ Contains alcohol
✓ Caffeine-free
✓ Dairy-free
✓ Egg-free
✓ Soy-free
✓ Nut-free
✓ Gluten-free
✓ Vegan-friendly
✓ Vegetarian-friendly

Nutrition information

This cocktail contains around 215 calories per serving, primarily from the alcohol and the sugar in the crème de menthe. The carbohydrate and sugar content are moderate, at approximately 11 grams each.
Calories
Averagely 200-230 kcal / 837-962 kJ
Calories level
Carbohydrates
Averagely 10-12 g
Carbohydrate level
Sugar
Averagely 10-12 g
Sugar level

Occasions

This cocktail is best suited for after-dinner enjoyment as a digestif due to its strong, minty character. It also serves as an excellent nightcap or a simple, elegant choice for a cocktail party.
  • After-dinner drink
  • Nightcap
  • Cocktail party
  • Digestif

Pairing suggestions

Due to its role as a digestif, the Tequila Stinger is best enjoyed on its own after a meal. However, its strong mint profile pairs wonderfully with dark chocolate or mint-flavored desserts. It can cut through the richness of heavy dishes, making it a good finale to a multi-course dinner.
  • Dark chocolate
  • Mint chocolate desserts
  • As a digestif after a rich meal

Tequila Stinger: A Cool and Bold Twist

The Tequila Stinger is a bold, two-ingredient cocktail that delivers a powerful punch of flavor. It successfully reimagines the classic brandy-based Stinger by introducing the earthy, vegetal notes of tequila, which contrast beautifully with the cool, sweet mint liqueur. While not as widely known as its predecessor, it offers a unique and memorable experience for those who appreciate spirit-forward drinks. Best served ice-cold, it functions perfectly as a crisp digestif or a sophisticated nightcap.

Similar Cocktails

Stinger

The original classic. Made with brandy or cognac instead of tequila.

You May Also Like

Jack and Ginger

A classic and refreshing highball combining the distinct flavor of Jack Daniel's Tennessee Whiskey with the spicy sweetness of ginger ale.

Irish Mule

A refreshing and spicy highball cocktail that swaps the traditional vodka of a Moscow Mule for smooth Irish whiskey.

Irish Coffee

A classic and comforting hot cocktail made with Irish whiskey, strong coffee, and sugar, crowned with a floating layer of thick cream.

Yuzu Chūhai

A refreshingly tart and bubbly Japanese highball made with shōchū, yuzu juice, and soda water.

Have You Tried These Yet?

Golden Star

An elegant and fruity classic cocktail featuring Calvados, sweet vermouth, and apricot brandy, brightened with a touch of orange juice.

Fancy Free Cocktail

A sophisticated and subtly complex whiskey cocktail with notes of cherry, orange, and warm spice.

Montenegro Sour

A beautifully balanced sour cocktail showcasing the complex, bittersweet, and orange-forward notes of Amaro Montenegro.

White Cuban

A creamy and sweet coffee-flavored cocktail made with aged rum, coffee liqueur, and heavy cream.