LIQUEUR AND SPIRIT DRINK RECIPES
Stinger
The Stinger is essentiality, dressed up with elegance and a touch of underground attitude.
The Stinger is certainly one of the most essential cocktails of traditional Mixology. The strong and intense taste of Cognac and Bas Armagnac graciously blend with the refreshing notes of Crème de Menthe. These three ingredients alone encapsulate a world of flavors.
Difficult
Very easy
Prep Time
3 minutes
Serving
1 drink
INGREDIENTS
Here are the doses to make a perfect Stinger at home.
1 oz. of Cognac
1 oz. of Bas Armagnac
¼ ounce of white Crème de Menthe
HOW TO MAKE A SPLENDID STINGER
The process for the Stinger recipe requires a few simple steps:
First, chill a small glass with ice or by placing it in the freezer.
Next, in a mixing glass filled with ice, pour the Cognac, Bas Armagnac and Crème de Menthe.
At this point it is suggested to stir gently, for about 30-60 seconds, in order to allow the Crème de Menthe to melt in the Cognac and Bas Armagnac.
With the help of a strainer, strain the mixture into the chilled cup and the cocktail is ready to serve.
IT IS RECOMMENDED TO ENJOY THE COCKTAIL AFTER DINNER OR AS A REFRESHING SUMMER APERITIF.
STINGER: THREE INGREDIENTS FOR A SURPRISING RESULT
As we have seen, the Stinger recipe requires very few ingredients: Cognac, Bas Armagnac and Crème de menthe. But what is that makes this combination of flavors so incredibly refined?
Indeed, the fact that the recipe calls for the use of Cognac and not just any simple brandy, but the precious French distillate, and Bas Armagnac, another French distillate, makes it a noble and distinguished choice.
Why is Cognac irreplaceable? Because of its full-bodied taste that comes from its traditional production method. The chalky soils of the Cognac region are rich in minerals and make this land perfect for the production of this precious brandy. Elegant and intense, its uniqueness is protected by the designated and appellation of origin certification (AOC, appellation d’origine controllee). The aging process is another significant factor in Cognac production and takes place exclusively in wooden casks from the Limousine woods. These wooden casks guarantee the right temperature and a perfect level of humidity that let the cognac breathe.
The robustness of Bas Armagnac, one of the most aged French excellences that is also protected by the AOC certification, has the fundamental role of balancing the elegance of Cognac.
Even in its lesser quantity, the touch of mint is fundamental to this cocktail’s success. Just a dash is enough to complete the taste of a Stinger and round off its distinctive aroma. Crème de Menthe is a liqueur of French origin, whose preparation originally consisted in macerating dried peppermint leaves in ethanol. Today, there is a “white” variant on the market, ideal for mixing a proper Stinger. A cocktail that warms and refreshes at the same time, creating a world of coexisting contrasts.
CURIOSITY
The underground origins of the Stinger
This old-style cocktail has uncertain origins. It came to light at the beginning of the 1900s and returned to popularity during Prohibition. The sharp scent of mint cream was able to mask the strong presence, and sometimes poor taste, of the distillate-based drink. A bonus during the times of Prohibition when hiding the scent of contraband alcoholic drinks was even more necessary. As the years went on and Prohibition faded, it became a particularly popular drink on cruise ships, becoming a source of spicy and lively conversations in the American bars on board. Today, the Stinger remains a classic after dinner drink with its pungent, yet refreshing taste.