Classic Stinger Cocktail Recipe

Beginner

15 minutes

4 Steps

8 Items

About This Project

1. Chill a cocktail glass. Fill it with ice or chill in the freezer. 2. Combine brandy and crème de menthe in a mixing glass with ice. 3. Stir until chilled. 4. Strain into the chilled glass.

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Stesso - Bull In China

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Best for beginners and first-time DIYers.

Tools & Materials

Hand-Blown Highballs - Set of 2

Ice cubes

Mixing Glass "The Flagship" - BIC Originals

Japanese-Style Jigger

Ice Maker for Clear Spheres

Brandy

Hand-Blown Highballs - Set of 2

Experience the thrill of fine craftsmanship with our Artisan Hand-Blown Highball Glass. Each glass is locally made for craft cocktails that will take your next gathering to new heights! There is something magical to the elegant simplicity of a good Highball. That very thought is what led to us to take the glass by the same name, and elevate it in the way our company has built its reputation on. To create our Artisan Highball, we utilized the same technique that makes our Artisan Mixing Glasses so mesmerizing and applied it to this glass. Each one finishes with a unique warbled texture that results from rapid temperature changes while the glass is semi-molten--like lava flow cooling into solid rock. Each Artisan Highball ebbs, flows, and crizzles in its own distinctive way—so yours is as special as a snowflake. Our glassblower, with nearly three decades of experience, resides just north of us in Washington. These are a truly Pacific Northwest crafted product. Thanks to their handblown nature, there is some variety in their total volume. On average, your glass will range from 13.5oz to 14oz. Believe it or not, these are dishwasher-friendly, thanks to our long and slow annealing process. *Set of 2*

Ice cubes

ice cubes

Mixing Glass "The Flagship" - BIC Originals

Martinis, Negronis and Old Fashioneds have met their match with our Mixing Glass. Whether you’re taking on the high volume of a busy restaurant, or entertaining guests on your kitchen counter, our mixing glass can handle the job! This glass was built with beauty and functionality in mind. Thanks to the glass we use and how we treat that glass (a long and slow annealing process), it’s one of the most durable glasses on the market. It can handle a physical beating, as well as drastic temperature changes, without missing a beat. This is probably the most DISHWASHER SAFE mixing glass on the market. Plus, like any quality mixing vessel, it's seamless, so you can stir your drink without getting caught on the inside. Or even worse, it won't pop in half during your cocktail party or mid-service behind the bar. Liquid capacity is 21 oz / 620ml (with some slight variation). Works with a standard julep strainer or a Hawthorne strainer (we personally recommend our <a href="/products/hawthorne-strainer" target="_blank">Bull in China Hawthorne Straine</a>r, but we’re a little biased).

Japanese-Style Jigger

Elegant design and a bartender favorite, this Japanese-style jigger measures 1 oz and 2 oz pours. Our version comes in seven finishes: Silver, Copper, Gold, Gunmetal Black, Matte Black, Antique Brass, and Rainbow Chrome. Each one has internal measures (.25, .5oz and .75oz on the 1oz side; 1.5oz on the 2oz side). THAT'S RIGHT! We have a 1/4 oz line! While our silver version is perfectly dishwasher safe, we recommend handwashing any of the other finishes to prolong the life of those coatings.

Ice Maker for Clear Spheres

Finally, an easy method for making clear ice balls! Cloudy ice is caused by ice freezing from the outside-in causing air to be trapped within the ice. The Clearsphere system uses a directional freezing method to control the direction that water freezes, pushing all the air out of the ice ball. - Makes two (2) 2.5 inch ice spheres - Molds are BPA free and dishwasher safe - Stackable - 5 piece system Includes silicone ice ball mold, insulated freezing chamber, and integrated ice ball storage box. Directions: 1) Place plastic tub into foam box, fill with warm water to the inner fill line. 2) Combine two silicone molds and slowly push completely down and water overlows. 3) Place upright in freezer for 24-30 hours. 4) Remove from freezer and let it rest for 5 minutes. Peel out mold by pulling on both of handles on one of the ends. Repeat on other side. 5) Separate the silicone molds - serve or store for later.

Brandy

brandy

Steps

Chill cocktail glass

2 mins

Chill a cocktail glass by filling it with ice or placing it in the freezer for a few minutes.

Watch: Chill Glass

Combine ingredients

2 mins

Combine 2 ounces of brandy and 1 ounce of white crème de menthe in a mixing glass filled with ice.

Watch: Mixing

Stir

30 mins

Stir the mixture well until thoroughly chilled.

Watch: Stir

Strain

1 min

Strain the mixture into the chilled cocktail glass.

Watch: Straining and Serving

Common Problems

Diluted, watery cocktails result from using low-quality ice.

Solution: Use high-quality ice for the best results.

Using bottled lemon juice results in a dull, artificial taste.

Solution: Use fresh lemon juice for the best flavor.

Drink becomes too watery and weak.

Solution: Do not over-stir, as this can dilute the drink excessively.

Frequently Asked Questions

Do I need all the specialized tools listed, like a Japanese-Style Jigger or a Teardrop Barspoon, to make a Classic Stinger?

While specialized bar tools enhance the experience and precision, many can be substituted. A large, sturdy drinking glass and a long spoon can replace the mixing glass and barspoon. Any reliable measuring tool can stand in for a jigger, but a fine-mesh strainer is highly recommended to ensure a smooth, ice-chip-free drink.

How can I make sure my Stinger is perfectly chilled without becoming too watery or diluted?

To achieve optimal chill without over-dilution, always pre-chill your serving glass thoroughly, ideally in the freezer. Use plenty of fresh, dense ice in your mixing glass and stir the ingredients until the mixing glass feels frosty to the touch, usually for 20-30 seconds. Stirring rather than shaking minimizes aeration and ice chip formation.

What's a common mistake beginners make when mixing a Classic Stinger, and how can I avoid it?

A common beginner mistake is using too much crème de menthe, which can overpower the brandy and make the drink excessively sweet. Start with a standard ratio of 2 parts brandy to 1 part crème de menthe, and then adjust slightly to your personal taste preference. Using quality ingredients also significantly impacts the final flavor.

Can I use any type of brandy for this cocktail, or is a specific one recommended?

While traditional recipes often call for Cognac, any good quality brandy will work well in a Stinger. Experiment with different brandies to find a flavor profile you enjoy. Avoid very inexpensive brandies, as their potentially harsh notes can detract from the delicate balance of the drink.

Is there a difference between clear and green crème de menthe, and does it matter for this recipe?

Yes, crème de menthe comes in both clear (often called 'white') and green varieties. For a Classic Stinger, the clear crème de menthe is typically used to maintain the drink's elegant, translucent appearance. While the flavor is generally consistent, using green crème de menthe will result in a distinctly emerald-colored cocktail.

Considering it's a 'beginner' project, why is the estimated time 15 minutes, and can I make it faster?

The 15-minute estimate likely accounts for gathering all tools and ingredients, and thorough chilling of glassware. This cocktail is very straightforward; once everything is prepped, you can easily make a Stinger in under 5 minutes. Pre-chilling your serving glass in advance is the biggest time-saver.

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