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Classic CocktailsEasyAI Generated Recipe

Stinger

A classic after-dinner cocktail that combines the warming richness of cognac with the cool bite of white crème de menthe. This deceptively simple two-ingredient drink delivers a sophisticated balance of heat and refreshment.

The Stinger stands as one of cocktail history's most elegant contradictions—a drink that's simultaneously warming and cooling, simple yet sophisticated. With just two ingredients, this classic proves that complexity doesn't always require a long list of components. The marriage of premium cognac's deep, nuanced warmth with white crème de menthe's crisp, minty bite creates a drinking experience that's both comforting and invigorating. Popular among the social elite of the early 20th century, the Stinger remains a testament to the power of perfect proportions and quality ingredients.

2 min
🥃rocks
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AI-Crafted Recipe

This recipe was created by our AI mixologist. It may not be a traditional recipe but should be a delicious interpretation.

📝 Ingredients

Units:
Servings:

Garnish: Fresh mint sprig

👨‍🍳 Instructions

  1. Fill a rocks glass with crushed ice or small ice cubes

  2. Add cognac and white crème de menthe to the glass

  3. Stir gently to combine and chill the ingredients

  4. Garnish with a fresh mint sprig

  5. Serve immediately while properly chilled

Flavor Profile

SmoothMintyWarmingRefreshing

Tools Needed

Mixing Glass

Mixing Glass

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OXO SteeL Cocktail Strainer (Hawthorne)

OXO SteeL Cocktail Strainer (Hawthorne)

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Lewis Bag & Mallet

Lewis Bag & Mallet

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Rocks Glass Set

Rocks Glass Set

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💡 Pro Tips

  • 1

    Use VS or VSOP cognac for the best balance—XO can overpower the delicate mint

  • 2

    Serve over crushed ice rather than cubes for optimal dilution and temperature

  • 3

    White crème de menthe is traditional, but green adds visual appeal without changing the flavor

  • 4

    Chill your glass beforehand to maintain the drink's refreshing quality

  • 5

    The key ratio is 2:1 cognac to crème de menthe—any more mint overwhelms the spirit

📜 History & Origin

The Stinger emerged in the early 1900s as a favored nightcap among America's upper class, particularly gaining prominence during the Prohibition era when it was served at exclusive speakeasies and private clubs. The cocktail's popularity peaked in the 1920s and 1930s, becoming synonymous with sophistication and refinement. Legendary bartender Jerry Thomas is often credited with popularizing the drink, though its exact origins remain debated among cocktail historians. The Stinger became a signature drink of celebrities and socialites, with notable fans including Cary Grant and members of New York's café society. Its appeal lay in its ability to serve as both a digestif after fine dining and a refreshing cooler during warm evenings. The cocktail experienced a revival during the craft cocktail renaissance of the 2000s, as bartenders rediscovered classic recipes and appreciated the drink's minimalist elegance.

Frequently Asked Questions

What does a Stinger taste like?

The Stinger has a smooth, minty, warming, refreshing flavor profile. A classic after-dinner cocktail that combines the warming richness of cognac with the cool bite of white crème de menthe. This deceptively simple two-ingredient drink delivers a sophisticated balance of heat and refreshment.

What ingredients do I need for a Stinger?

A Stinger requires 3 ingredients: Cognac, White crème de menthe, Fresh mint sprig.

How long does it take to make a Stinger?

A Stinger takes about 2 minutes to prepare and is considered easy difficulty.

What glass should I use for a Stinger?

A Stinger is traditionally served in a rocks, garnished with Fresh mint sprig.

Can I make a non-alcoholic version of a Stinger?

Yes, you can make a mocktail version of the Stinger by substituting the spirits with non-alcoholic alternatives such as seedlip, non-alcoholic distilled spirits, or flavored syrups and juices that mimic the original flavor profile.

What is the history of the Stinger?

The Stinger emerged in the early 1900s as a favored nightcap among America's upper class, particularly gaining prominence during the Prohibition era when it was served at exclusive speakeasies and private clubs. The cocktail's popularity peaked in the 1920s and 1930s, becoming synonymous with sophistication and refinement. Legendary bartender Jerry Thomas is often credited with popularizing the drink, though its exact origins remain debated among cocktail historians. The Stinger became a signature drink of celebrities and socialites, with notable fans including Cary Grant and members of New York's café society. Its appeal lay in its ability to serve as both a digestif after fine dining and a refreshing cooler during warm evenings. The cocktail experienced a revival during the craft cocktail renaissance of the 2000s, as bartenders rediscovered classic recipes and appreciated the drink's minimalist elegance.