What is a stinger drink? The stinger is a simple cocktail that was once considered a drink strictly meant for members of the social elite. Varying reports attribute its creation to famed millionaire, Reginald Vanderbilt, but the only conclusive evidence proves that this drink has been a long-time favorite since before Prohibition. With only two ingredients, this cocktail is incredibly easy for beginner mixologists to try, and makes for the perfect nightcap to end your day.
Stinger Cocktail Recipe
The classic Stinger recipe cuts white crème de menthe with Cognac, making the drink slightly minty and smooth. Mixing a Stinger is fairly simple. Although you'll find slight differences in the exact measurements of the two key ingredients in various recipes, the following recipe is a good formula to start off with. Yet, if you're a bigger fan of shaken cocktails than stirred ones, you can easily modify this recipe to mix together the ingredients in a cocktail shaker instead.
Ingredients
- 1 ounce white créme de menthe
- 2 ounces Cognac (or substitute with brandy you already have)
- Ice
- 1 mint sprig for garnish
Instructions
- In a mixing glass combine the two ingredients.
- Add ice and stir to chill.
- Strain into a rocks glass and garnish with a mint sprig.
How to Make a Stinger Variation
Since the stinger requires so few ingredients, it's really easy to customize it to suit your personal taste. One of the quickest ways to do so is to substitute a different kind of liquor for Cognac, such as using another type of brandy, vodka, rum, tequila, and so forth. Here are a few customized versions of the Stinger for you to take a stab at.
The Green Hornet
Nicknamed after the famous television series, the Green Hornet combines brandy with green crème de menthe for a simultaneously hot and cold drink.
Ingredients
- 1 ounce green crème de menthe
- 2 ounces brandy
Instructions
- In a mixing glass, combine the ingredients. Add ice and stir.
- Strain the mixture into a cocktail glass.
The Bee Stinger Drink
Perfect for those concrete summers where the reflection of the sunlight coming off of the pavement causes rivulets of sweat to drip down your neck, the bee stinger unites blackberry brandy with white crème de menthe for a cocktail that'll quickly cool you down.
Ingredients
- 1 ounce white crème de menthe
- 2 ounces blackberry brandy
- Ice
Instructions
- In a mixing glass, combine the crème de menthe and brandy.
- Add ice and stir to chill.
- Strain into a rocks glass filled with ice.
The Amaretto Stinger
Amaretto is an Italian liqueur that has a lasting almond-like flavor, and it pairs beautifully with white crème de menthe in this amaretto stinger recipe.
Ingredients
- 1 ounce white crème de menthe
- 2 ounces of amaretto liqueur
- Ice
Instructions
- In a mixing glass, combine the white crème de menthe and amaretto.
- Add ice and stir to chill.
- Strain into a rocks glass filled with ice.
The Dixie Stinger
Fruit flavors are a must for Southern cocktails, and this Dixie Stinger is no different. To mix one yourself, just combine white crème de menthe, peach liqueur, and bourbon whiskey together.
Ingredients
- ½ ounce white crème de menthe
- ½ ounce peach liqueur
- 2 ounces bourbon whiskey
- Ice
Instructions
- In a mixing glass, combine the white crème de menthe, peach liqueur, and bourbon.
- Add ice and stir to chill.
- Strain the mixture into a rocks glass filled with ice.
The Green Fairy Stinger
You won't have to step into any fairy circles to summon this delicious cocktail; simply, mix green crème de menthe, peppermint schnapps, and a dash of absinthe together for a spicy effect that only mint can cause.
Ingredients
- 1 ounce green crème de menthe
- 2 ounces peppermint schnapps
- 2 dashes absinthe
- Ice
Instructions
- In a cocktail shaker, combine the crème de menthe and peppermint schnapps.
- Add ice and shake until chilled.
- Strain the mixture into a cocktail glass and top with 2 dashes of absinthe.
Learn How to Make a Stinger
Between the classic stinger and all of its variations, there's a good chance that one of these recipes will hit the spot. Enjoy one of these drinks after dinner as a refreshing nightcap or even make one as a substitute to the popular mint tea remedy to help soothe any upset stomach. With its simple formula and versatility, this is one cocktail every amateur bartender needs to have under their belt.
