StingerCocktail recipe
Rating
Can you make this?
Add the ingredients you have at home to your My Bar and we'll show you what cocktails you can make. Start off by adding the ingredients you have for this cocktail using the plus icons.
The Stinger is a crisp, spirit-forward Cognac cocktail sharpened with mint liqueur, and it sits in that early-20th-century tradition of short, bracing after-dinner drinks. You’ll find it most closely associated with American high society and the pre-Prohibition/Prohibition-era cocktail scene, where simple two-ingredient builds like this thrived on strong base spirits and a single defining modifier. While its exact origin story is hazy, its reputation as a classy nightcap is the part that endures.
On the palate, Cognac brings warm, rounded grape richness, and the crème de menthe cuts straight through with cool, sweet mint. The mint liqueur brightens and “lifts” the brandy’s depth, while the Cognac keeps the sweetness in check, so you get a clean, aromatic finish that lingers with mint over a smooth, brandy backbone.
Serve it when you want something elegant and uncluttered—ideal after dinner, especially if you like your drinks strong but polished. It suits anyone who enjoys brandy-forward cocktails and wants a refreshing edge without citrus, and it feels right for late evenings, formal gatherings, or a quiet, end-of-night pour in a cocktail glass.
Microbadges
Can you make this?
Add the ingredients you have at home to your My Bar and we'll show you what cocktails you can make. Start off by adding the ingredients you have for this cocktail using the plus icons.
Cocktail Colin says:
Cognac leads with rich, warming depth while crème de menthe brings a cool, sweet mint snap that brightens the finish and leaves a clean, lingering chill. The contrast works because the minty sweetness lifts the Cognac’s weight without burying it, making this ideal for after-dinner sipping and for drinkers who like spirit-forward cocktails with a refreshing edge.
Method
How to make a Stinger
- Cognac 50ml, Creme de menthe 20ml
-
- Add both ingredients to a mixing glass with ice and stir well
-
- Strain into a chilled cocktail glass
-
- Garnish with a mint leaf and serve
Power tips
Elevate the Stinger with these master mixologist tips
Upgrade to premium
And receive world class tips on how to raise your cocktails to the next level.
Find out more- Use a well-aged cognac for added richness and complexity.
- Opt for a white creme de menthe to keep the color of the drink clear and elegant.
- Upgrade to premium to receive even more power tips on this cocktail.
Your private tasting notes
Featured in
FAQ's
What is the history behind the Stinger cocktail?
The Stinger cocktail has a history that dates back to the early 1900s. It is believed to have originated in the United States as a fashionable after-dinner drink among the high society. Its popularity peaked in the mid-20th century, often associated with the post-dinner conversation and leisure of the affluent. The combination of cognac and creme de menthe was thought to be an effective palate cleanser and digestif.
Can I make a Stinger cocktail with a different type of alcohol other than Cognac?
While the classic Stinger is made with Cognac, it is possible to substitute it with a different type of brandy or even bourbon for a variation on the original recipe. However, substituting the base spirit will alter the traditional flavor profile, so it's not a true Stinger but can be an enjoyable variation.
Is the Stinger cocktail suitable for those who prefer sweeter drinks?
Yes, the Stinger cocktail may appeal to those who enjoy sweeter drinks, as the creme de menthe adds a sweet, minty flavor that balances the strong taste of Cognac. However, it's not overly sweet, so it can also be appreciated by those who prefer a more balanced cocktail.
What is the best occasion to serve a Stinger cocktail?
The Stinger is traditionally considered an after-dinner drink, making it a perfect choice for serving at the end of a meal or at evening social gatherings. Its digestive properties and refreshing minty taste make it ideal for concluding a dining experience or for a sophisticated nightcap.
How should I garnish a Stinger cocktail?
The Stinger cocktail is traditionally served without garnish to maintain its simple elegance. However, for a touch of extra flair, you can add a mint leaf or a lemon twist on the rim of the glass. Keep in mind that garnishes should not overpower the clean and crisp taste of the cocktail.
Upgrade your mixology
Become a member for free taking your cocktail making skills up to level 11. Or become a premium member to rise to cocktail greatness.
- Save your bar forever
- Access to our Cocktail Creator, allowing you to create your own wonderful concoctions.
- Access to Cocktail Colin; ask Cocktail Colin anything on an individual cocktail and he'll give you the answers you need.
- Create personalised cocktail menus for all your events, bars or parties
- Save cocktails to personalised 'Tried' and 'Want to try' lists
- Create and record tasting notes on cocktails
- Create lists of cocktails to share with friends and family
- A personalised MyBar URL, allowing you to share everything you can make with friends
- And much more ... (what to buy next, measurement choices, search personalisation...)
Have you tried our Wordpress Plugin?
Download our plugin and embed cocktail recipes directly onto your own site or blog.
Choose from our whole recipe database, or choose a specific cocktail made with a certain ingredient, and let us place a beautiful recipe on your own site.
Find out moreYou might also like
Discover this distinct mix of Cognac and pineapple.
East India No.2
Cognac, Orange liqueur, Pineapple juice, Aromatic bitters, Sugar / simple syrup
Try this blend of port, cognac, and holiday spices.
Christmas Eve
Cognac, Gold rum, Port, Mincemeat, Orange
Enjoy this rich, harmonious mix of amaretto and cognac
French Connection
Cognac, Amaretto
Experience this rich mix of Cognac and milk.
Brandy Milk Punch
Cognac, Sugar / simple syrup, Milk
Create a cocktail
Choose a theme and some ingredients, give us some description and we'll create an amazing cocktail for you.
Register as a Premium Make Me a Cocktail community member and get access to an even more powerful creator.
Start creatingBuild your bar
Tell us what you have at home and we’ll find a delicious cocktail for you to make right now.
Register as a Make Me a Cocktail community member and we’ll save your ingredients list so you can come back to it at any time.
Create My Bar
Cocktail Colin
Your cocktail expert
Hi! I'm Cocktail Colin
Ask me anything about this cocktail - how to make it, substitutions, variations, or any other questions!
Become a member to access Cocktail Colin
Become a member (for free) to pick Cocktail Colin's cocktail filled brain on everything on this cocktail, from substitutions, if you can use what you have, to serving suggestions and more.
Become a member
Comments