What Are the Ingredients of a Classic Stinger Cocktail?

The Stinger cocktail, a classic high-society drink from the pre-Prohibition era, traditionally contains just two ingredients. This simple duo of aged brandy and crème de menthe creates a refreshing, mint-infused nightcap that has been enjoyed since the late 19th century.

Quick Summary

The Stinger is a classic cocktail consisting of a brandy base and crème de menthe liqueur. Historically a high-society after-dinner drink, its simplicity and refreshing flavor led to its widespread popularity, with recipes and variations evolving over time.

Key Points

• Two Primary Ingredients: A classic Stinger is a simple duo of aged brandy (often Cognac) and white crème de menthe liqueur.

• Brandy Quality: A mid-range VS or VSOP Cognac is ideal for a classic Stinger, offering a rich base without overpowering the mint.

• White Crème de Menthe: The standard ingredient is clear white crème de menthe, which provides a clean mint flavor without adding color.

• Popular Variations: Common Stinger variations include swapping the base spirit with vodka (White Spider), tequila (Mexican Stinger), or Irish cream.

• Chilling is Crucial: For a truly refreshing cocktail, the ingredients should be shaken well and strained into a glass over crushed ice.

• Serving Style: The Stinger can be served straight up in a cocktail glass or over crushed ice in a rocks glass, with a mint sprig garnish.

• After-Dinner Tradition: The Stinger was historically enjoyed as a digestif, though it later became a popular drink at any time, especially during the Prohibition era.

The Essential Components: Brandy and Crème de Menthe

At its core, the classic Stinger is a two-ingredient cocktail, a testament to the elegant simplicity of many historic mixed drinks. The balance between the rich, warming spirit and the sweet, minty liqueur is what defines its character and timeless appeal.

The Brandy

• Cognac: The most traditional and frequently recommended spirit for a Stinger is Cognac, a specific type of brandy from the Cognac region of France. A VS or VSOP Cognac is generally suitable, providing a mellow, complex base with notes of sweet fruit, spice, and citrus that complement the mint. High-end, expensive Cognacs are often unnecessary, as the crème de menthe will influence the final flavor profile.
• Other Brandies: While Cognac is classic, other aged brandies are also used. Experimenting with different styles can yield interesting results. Options include Brandy de Jerez, American brandy, or even Calvados, which can add different nuances to the drink.

The Crème de Menthe

• White (Clear) Crème de Menthe: The Stinger typically uses white crème de menthe, a clear, sweet mint liqueur. This ensures the cocktail remains colorless, maintaining a sophisticated appearance, especially when served straight up. The "crème" in its name refers to its high sugar content, not the presence of any dairy.
• Flavor Profile: The crème de menthe provides the cocktail's signature cooling, minty flavor. Its sweetness and relatively low ABV (15–25%) balance the potency of the brandy.
• Green Crème de Menthe: While less common for the classic Stinger due to its striking color, green crème de menthe offers the same flavor and can be used as a substitute if color is not a concern.

How to Craft a Classic Stinger

Creating a Stinger is straightforward, though techniques can vary. The most common modern recipe calls for a 2:1 ratio of brandy to white crème de menthe, shaken and served over crushed ice. Some earlier recipes, however, suggested stirring the ingredients.

Classic Stinger Recipe

1. Gather Ingredients:

   • 2 oz Cognac or brandy
   • 1 oz white crème de menthe
   • Ice cubes
   • Crushed ice (for serving)
   • Fresh mint sprig (optional garnish)

2. Mixing Instructions:

   • Fill a cocktail shaker with ice.
   • Add 2 oz of Cognac and 1 oz of white crème de menthe.
   • Shake vigorously until well-chilled, for about 10-15 seconds.
   • Fill a rocks glass with crushed ice.
   • Strain the chilled mixture into the glass.
   • Garnish with a sprig of fresh mint, if desired.

Variations on the Stinger

Over the years, the Stinger has inspired several popular variations by swapping out the base spirit. These adaptations offer different flavor profiles while retaining the minty essence. A classic example is the White Spider, which uses vodka instead of brandy.

• Vodka Stinger (or White Spider): A more neutral version that replaces the brandy with vodka, resulting in a cleaner, less complex cocktail that emphasizes the mint flavor.
• Mexican Stinger: Substituting the brandy with tequila provides an earthier, agave-driven complexity.
• Amaretto Stinger: This sweeter variation swaps brandy for amaretto, offering nutty, almond notes alongside the mint.
• Irish Stinger: An equal-parts mixture of Irish cream liqueur and white crème de menthe creates a creamy, minty dessert drink.

Classic Stinger vs. Vodka Stinger: A Comparison

To highlight the difference that the base spirit makes, here is a comparison between the traditional Stinger and the Vodka Stinger.

Feature	Classic Stinger (Brandy)	Vodka Stinger (White Spider)
Base Spirit	Brandy or Cognac	Vodka
Flavor Profile	Rich, fruity, and slightly spicy with a mint finish	Clean, crisp, and pure mint flavor
Complexity	More complex due to the aging process of the brandy	Simpler, with the base spirit playing a less dominant role
Body	Full-bodied and warming	Lighter and more refreshing
Key Ingredient	Brandy/Cognac	Vodka

Conclusion: A Simple and Sophisticated Classic

The Stinger stands out as a straightforward yet sophisticated cocktail, relying on the elegant pairing of brandy and crème de menthe. Whether enjoyed as a digestif as it was traditionally intended or a refreshing cocktail at any time, its flavor profile is timeless. The simple ingredient list makes it an accessible classic for any aspiring home bartender. As seen with its variations, the basic formula is also a versatile canvas for experimentation. Understanding what are the ingredients of a stinger allows you to appreciate its balanced construction and to explore the ways in which a simple spirit swap can completely transform the drink. The key to a great Stinger lies in using quality ingredients and ensuring the correct chilling and dilution, which can be achieved by shaking or stirring. A perfectly executed Stinger is a refreshing and memorable cocktail experience. For more in-depth recipes and history, explore resources like Liquor.com.

How to Make the Perfect Stinger

1. Gather ingredients: 2 oz Cognac, 1 oz white crème de menthe, ice, and a mint sprig for garnish.
2. Combine and chill: Add the Cognac and crème de menthe to a cocktail shaker with ice.
3. Shake vigorously: Shake for 10-15 seconds until the mixture is well-chilled.
4. Strain into glass: Fill a rocks glass with crushed ice and strain the cocktail over it.
5. Garnish: Add a mint sprig for a fresh aroma and visual appeal.

Serving Suggestions

• Glassware: While rocks glasses are now common, the Stinger was historically served in a chilled cocktail glass, straight up. Both options are acceptable.
• Garnish: A fresh mint sprig adds an aromatic element that enhances the drinking experience.

Stinger in Pop Culture

• Film: The Stinger was famously featured in the 1956 film High Society, where Bing Crosby orders one.
• Literature: James Bond enjoyed a Stinger in Ian Fleming's 1956 novel, Diamonds Are Forever.
• TV: The cocktail also made an appearance in an episode of Mad Men.

Key Factors for the Ideal Stinger

• Ingredient Quality: Using a decent quality VS or VSOP Cognac is crucial for a great flavor base.
• Chilling is Key: The Stinger should be served very cold, which is why shaking and straining over crushed ice is a popular method.
• Serving Style: While traditionally served straight up, serving over crushed ice became popular after Prohibition.
• White or Green: The choice of white or green crème de menthe depends on personal preference and desired aesthetic.

The History of the Stinger

• Origins: The Stinger is believed to have originated in the late 19th century.
• Prohibition Era Popularity: The cocktail was particularly popular during Prohibition, as the strong mint flavor could mask the taste of inferior spirits.
• Celebrity Endorsement: Millionaire Reginald Vanderbilt was known for serving Stingers at his lavish parties, solidifying its association with high society.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the base liquor in a Stinger?

The base liquor for a classic Stinger is brandy, with Cognac being the most traditional and commonly used type.

What is crème de menthe?

Crème de menthe is a sweet, mint-flavored liqueur that comes in both clear (white) and green varieties. The 'crème' in the name refers to its high sugar content, not dairy.

Can I use green crème de menthe instead of white?

Yes, you can use green crème de menthe in a Stinger, as the flavor is virtually identical to the white version. The only difference is the resulting green color of the cocktail.

What is a Vodka Stinger?

A Vodka Stinger, also known as a White Spider, is a variation of the classic Stinger where vodka is used as the base spirit instead of brandy.

Should a Stinger be shaken or stirred?

While early recipes called for stirring, modern recipes often call for the Stinger to be shaken vigorously with ice until well-chilled, then strained.

What kind of garnish is used for a Stinger?

A fresh sprig of mint is the most common and recommended garnish for a Stinger, adding an aromatic touch to the drink.

Where did the Stinger get its name?

While the exact origin is unclear, the name 'Stinger' was first attached to the drink around 1913, reportedly popularized by millionaire Reginald Vanderbilt. Reginald Vanderbilt described the drink in 1923 as “a short drink with a long reach, a subtle blend of ardent nectars, a boon to friendship, a dispeller of care”.