Stinger


A simple stirred duo of Cognac and white crème de menthe served up or over ice.


Base spirit
Cognac
Style
Spirit-forward
Glassware
Coupe
Technique
Stir

The Stinger is a two-ingredient Cognac cocktail seasoned with white crème de menthe. Cognac supplies richness and dried fruit, while mint liqueur cools the finish and lightens the texture. Stirred and served up or on crushed ice depending on house style, it is blunt, aromatic, and unmistakably mid-century. The drink was a staple of American society bars in the early and mid-twentieth century.


Stinger served in a chilled coupe, clear and pale, no garnish.

Ingredients

Servings
  • 2 oz Cognac
  • 0.5 oz white crème de menthe

Did you know?

The Stinger became a society-bar favorite in the United States in the early twentieth century as a short Cognac-and-mint digestif style drink.

Source:American society-bar cocktail histories; Embury and mid-century manuals

Bartender's Note

White crème de menthe keeps the drink clear; green crème de menthe makes a different presentation. Keep the mint measure restrained.

Missing a bottle? See smart swaps in Learn.

How to make the Stinger

  1. 1Add Cognac and white crème de menthe to a mixing glass with ice
  2. 2Stir until well chilled
  3. 3Strain into a chilled coupe
  4. 4Serve without garnish

Drinks similar to Stinger