Stinger classic drink recipe

The Stinger goes way back to the early 1900s. With creme de menthe and brandy as the two ingredients, it sounds very old-fashioned and high society.

But it’s absolutely made for after dinner sipping on a chilly autumn evening. The best Stinger will use a high quality VSOP cognac, but a mid-range brandy will do just fine.

The Stinger really is best enjoyed by itself, or – I’m told – with a cigar. The cigar has been mentioned by more than a few readers, so it’s definitely something that comes recommended, but I myself do not smoke cigars, so I can’t speak for it. I do think it’s a great after dinner drink – like a lightly sweet dessert, but nicely strong.

It’s not so easy to find foods that go with a beverage that tastes strongly of mint. But if you want to enjoy this cocktail with a meal, try this Easy Mint Chimichurri from Mama’s Highly Strung. The fresh mint in the recipe will enhance the mint flavor from the creme de menthe, and the spicy red pepper and garlic will contrast nicely with your brandy or cognac.

If you don’t enjoy creme de menthe, you may not like this drink, and that’s fine. But you may find it worth your time to make your own creme de menthe, in which you can have a stronger or weaker mint flavor, make it less or more sweet, etc. This recipe from Tablespoon is just a vodka infusion that’s very easy to make. The green food coloring is optional – for this drink, you want white creme de menthe because brown brandy and green liqueur would make a fiercely ugly looking drink.

If you enjoy this one, try the Moscow Mule, which is all peppermint schnapps and vodka.

Stinger Drink Recipe

• 1 jigger brandy
• 1/2 ounce white creme de menthe

Shake the ingredients in a shaker full of ice, strain the mix into a cocktail or old fashioned glass, and serve.