Just two ingredients compose the Stinger: brandy and white crème de menthe, stirred with ice and strained into a cocktail glass. The cool, minty freshness of the crème de menthe sets a striking contrast against the warmth and fruit of the brandy, giving the drink a dual role as both cocktail and digestif. An IBA Unforgettable, it was particularly fashionable in mid-twentieth-century American high society. At around 28 percent ABV it is a strong, undiluted pour, its appeal resting on the clean opposition of mint and brandy with nothing else to intervene.
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Stinger
Zutaten
- Brandy 1 1/2 oz
- White Creme de Menthe 1/2 oz
Anweisungen
Pour in a mixing glass with ice, stir and strain into a cocktail glass. May also be served on rocks in a rocks glass.
Der Stinger ist ein IBA-Unforgettable-Cocktail aus nur zwei Zutaten: Brandy und weißem Crème de Menthe, mit Eis gerührt und ins Cocktailglas abgeseiht. Die kühle Minzfrische des Crème de Menthe bildet einen markanten Kontrast zur Wärme und Fruchttiefe des Brandys und macht den Drink gleichermaßen zu Cocktail und Digestif. Besonders im mittleren 20. Jahrhundert war er in der amerikanischen High Society äußerst angesagt.
History & Origins
The Stinger was reportedly a favorite of 1920s and 1930s socialites and appeared in early Hollywood films as a symbol of sophistication. Its origins are debated, though it appeared in American bartending guides as early as the 1910s. The IBA lists it among its Unforgettables, a recognition of its enduring place in the cocktail canon despite its decline in contemporary bar menus. It reportedly inspired the 'crème de menthe float' variations common in mid-century restaurants.
Tasting Notes
Aroma: Intense peppermint from the crème de menthe with brandy's warm, fruity undertone. Palate: Cool and refreshing from the mint, with brandy's rich grape-fruit warmth emerging immediately behind; the two spirits create a temperature paradox — the mint reads as cool while the brandy's alcohol creates warmth. Finish: Long, cool, and minty with lingering brandy warmth.
Pro Tip
Stir rather than shake to achieve a crystal-clear drink and prevent the white crème de menthe from turning cloudy.
Verwendete Techniken
Frequently Asked Questions
What are the two ingredients in a Stinger?
The Stinger is a two-ingredient cocktail made solely from brandy and white crème de menthe, stirred with ice and strained into a cocktail glass. Its simplicity is part of its identity as both a cocktail and a digestif.
What is the history and cultural context of the Stinger?
The Stinger was particularly fashionable in mid-twentieth century American high society and is recognised as an IBA Unforgettable cocktail. It was considered a sophisticated after-dinner drink and appeared frequently in Hollywood films and literature of the era as a signifier of wealth and refinement.
What does a Stinger taste like?
The cool, fresh mint character of white crème de menthe provides a striking contrast to the warm, fruity depth of brandy, creating a drink that is simultaneously warming and refreshing. The white crème de menthe is preferred over green because it keeps the drink clear and delivers a cleaner mint flavour.
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