The Stinger is a cocktail that whispers of old Hollywood elegance, tailored tuxedos, and quiet hotel lounges where midnight feels timeless. With Cognac as its smooth foundation and crème de menthe adding cool sweetness, the Stinger is stylish yet unconventional. It is quick to prepare but delivers a lasting impression, a perfect choice for those nights when you want just a touch of indulgence with a refreshing twist.
✨ What Makes the Cocktail Unique?
The Stinger blends richness and refreshment in a way few cocktails achieve. Cognac brings warmth and depth while crème de menthe provides minty coolness, resulting in a silky drink that is both soothing and invigorating. Unlike many cocktails, the Stinger is traditionally sipped after dinner, making it one of the rare digestif-style cocktails that straddles both sophistication and comfort.
📖 Recipe
Servings: 1
Time: Under 3 minutes
Difficulty: Effortless Elegance
🍹 Ingredients
- 2 oz Cognac
- 1 oz white crème de menthe
- Ice cubes
- Mint leaf (optional, for garnish)
🥂 Preparation Steps
- Fill a mixing glass with ice.
- Add Cognac and crème de menthe.
- Stir gently until well chilled and smooth.
- Strain into a chilled cocktail or coupe glass.
- Garnish with a mint leaf for a fresh touch if desired.
🍃 Variations & Tips
- Substitute brandy for Cognac if you prefer a softer and less expensive option.
- Adjust the ratio depending on taste. Equal parts make for a sweeter Stinger, while more Cognac emphasizes strength and warmth.
- Try serving it over crushed ice in a rocks glass for a relaxed version.
🌙 Perfect Setting
The Stinger comes alive as a nightcap. It is best enjoyed after a hearty dinner, paired with conversation that lingers into the late evening. Imagine sipping it alongside dessert, or as a final drink before the night winds down. Its cooling mint and smooth Cognac make it a subtly luxurious way to end the evening. Santé!
📜 A Swanky Cocktail with a Storied Past
The Stinger rose to prominence in the early 20th century and soon became a staple drink for the American high society set. Beloved in New York and later in Hollywood, the cocktail was considered fashionable among Wall Street power brokers and stars of the Silver Screen. With its unusual combination of Cognac and crème de menthe, it stood out from other classics and carried a reputation for being both daring and distinguished.
By the 1940s and 50s, the Stinger had gone mainstream, appearing in countless bars and cocktail manuals. It was even mentioned in literature and films, often as the stylish choice of characters who wanted something unconventional yet refined. Its dual identity as both a digestif and a cocktail gave it a special place in drinking culture.
Although it is enjoyed less often today, the Stinger remains a fascinating reminder of mid-century glamour. When mixed with care, it still charms modern palates with the same allure that once captivated New York elites, Hollywood icons, and adventurous drinkers in search of something different.
Image: Will Shenton.