The Stinger cocktail is an often-overlooked classic cocktail that deserves a serious second look. Once the pinnacle of after dinner cocktails, The Stinger has sadly been cast aside from the other boozy, stirred cocktails of the pre-prohibition era. Over the last decade, this has slowly started to change thanks to overall curiosity in cocktail culture, as well as the ability to find tasty, high-quality crème de menthe. Our hope is after you try our lovely rendition with brandy de Jerez and oloroso, you’ll add this after dinner tipple to your most wanted list.
COCKTAIL: STINGER WITH OLOROSO SHERRY
Full Ingredients list
- 1oz Lustau Brandy de Jerez Solera Reserva
- 1oz Lustau Oloroso Don Nuño
- .75oz Tempus Fugit Crème de Menthe
- Garnish: Mint Sprig
Recipe author: The House of Lustau
WHO INVENTED THE STINGER COCKTAIL?
The origins of The Stinger cocktail date back to 1890 in New York City. The original rendition of The Stinger was actually called a Bartholdi cocktail and was created by a man named Herman at the Hotel Batholdi in New York. It was cognac and crème de menthe served over ice. The drink changed names a few times over the next couple of decades, with slight changes along this cocktail history and additions starting to pop up as well. It wasn’t until 1913 that The Stinger officially became the name of this beloved nightcap. This was thanks to millionaire Reginal Vanderbuilt, who was known for serving these cocktails to his friends at his lavish house parties. The drink stayed popular until the 1980’s, where cocktails began to fall out of favor. Thankfully, with the cocktail resurgence over the last twenty years, The Stinger is back and is worth investigating.
WHAT IS THE BEST COGNAC TO USE IN A STINGER?
Even though the original recipe calls for cognac, any aged brandy can work in the Stinger. With so many wonderful brandies on the market, try experimenting with some other styles, such as brandy de Jerez or Calvados. Brandy de Jerez is known for its rich and complex flavor profile. It undergoes a unique aging process in sherry casks, which imparts deep, nuanced flavors to the brandy. This complexity will add depth and texture to the Stinger cocktail. This characteristic also complements the refreshing minty notes from the crème de menthe in a Stinger, creating a harmonious and enjoyable combination.
When crafting a Stinger, consider the balance between the brandy and crème de menthe, adjusting the proportions to suit your personal taste preferences.
WHAT SHERRY IS BEST FOR A STINGER COCKTAIL?
Any dry, oxidized sherry will work in a Stinger. Play around with the different styles to see which works best. The dry and slightly savory characteristics of olorosos, amontillados and palo cortados can help balance out the sweetness, preventing the drink from becoming overly sugary. This balance creates a more sophisticated and well-rounded flavor experience.
• Oloroso: The toasty and caramel notes can add complexity, making it a more robust and warming drink.
• Palo Cortado: It provides complexity without being too overpowering, resulting in a well-rounded and sophisticated cocktail.
• Amontillado: The balance between the oxidative and biological aging processes can result in a nuanced and elegant cocktail with a slightly lighter touch compared to Oloroso.
WHY IS OLOROSO DON NUÑO THE BEST SHERRY TO PAIR WITH THE STINGER COCKTAIL?
We chose our Lustau Oloroso Don Nuño for the Stinger due to the heavy oxidative notes. The boldness of this oloroso is the perfect accompaniment to the brandy de Jerez and provides depth and structure to the cocktail.
HOW TO PREPARE A SIMPLE STINGER COCKTAIL
1. Add all ingredients in a shake.
2. Add ice, shake, and strain into a chilled coupe glass.
3. Garnish with the mint sprig.
FAQ
What types of alcohol are in a stinger?
Traditionally, the Stinger is made with cognac and white crème de menthe. However our version also includes sherry wine and brandy de Jerez substitutes cognac for a rounder, richer cocktail profile.
Who created the Stinger cocktail?
The Stinger got its name thanks to Reginal Vanderbuilt, who made this drink famous thanks to his private cocktail hour at his home.
What year was the stinger cocktail invented?
The Stinger was invented in 1890.
