Stinger Cocktail Recipe

Brandy: A type of brandy, which is a spirit made by distilling wine or fermented fruit juice, giving the drink its warm, rich flavor.

White crème de menthe: A sweet, clear mint-flavored liqueur that adds a refreshing and cooling taste.

Ice: Used to chill the drink and make it crisp and cold.

Shaking a cocktail might seem simple, but there’s a little trick to getting it just right. When you fill your cocktail shaker with ice and add your brandy and white crème de menthe, you want to make sure you shake it well enough to chill the drink without watering it down too much. Here’s how to do it step by step:

1. Fill the shaker about halfway with ice. Too little ice means the drink won’t get cold enough, and too much ice makes it hard to shake.
2. Add your ingredients—in this case, 1.5 oz of brandy and 0.5 oz of white crème de menthe.
3. Put the lid on tight so nothing spills out.
4. Hold the shaker with both hands—one on top and one on the bottom—and shake it up and down firmly for about 15 seconds. You’ll feel the shaker get cold and a little frosty on the outside.
5. Stop shaking and strain the drink into a chilled cocktail glass to keep it nice and cold.

Shaking well makes the cocktail taste smooth and refreshing because it mixes the flavors and cools everything down quickly. If you don’t shake long enough, the drink might taste too strong or warm. But if you shake too long, the ice melts too much and waters down the flavor.

When I first tried making a Stinger, I didn’t shake it enough and ended up with a warm, kind of boring drink. After practicing, I realized that a good shake is like giving the cocktail a little workout—it wakes up the flavors and makes it taste just right. Also, I like to chill my glass in the freezer before pouring the drink in; it keeps the cocktail colder longer, which is a nice little trick to try!

• brandy - Substitute with cognac: Cognac is a type of brandy that offers a similar flavor profile, making it a suitable replacement.

• brandy - Substitute with bourbon: Bourbon provides a rich, complex flavor that can complement the minty notes of the cocktail.

• white crème de menthe - Substitute with green crème de menthe: Green crème de menthe has a similar mint flavor, although it will change the color of the cocktail.

• white crème de menthe - Substitute with peppermint schnapps: Peppermint schnapps offers a strong mint flavor, making it a good alternative.

• ice - Substitute with crushed ice: Crushed ice chills the drink faster and can create a slightly different texture.

• ice - Substitute with frozen fruit: Frozen fruit can chill the drink while adding a subtle fruity flavor.

• To store your Stinger cocktail, transfer it to an airtight container or a glass bottle with a tight-fitting lid. This will help maintain its freshness and prevent any unwanted flavors from seeping in.
• Keep the container in the refrigerator if you plan to consume the cocktail within a few days. The cold environment will preserve the brandy and white crème de menthe mixture, ensuring it stays crisp and refreshing.
• For longer storage, consider freezing the cocktail. Pour the mixture into ice cube trays and freeze until solid. Once frozen, transfer the cubes to a freezer-safe bag or container. This method allows you to enjoy a chilled Stinger cocktail anytime by simply adding a few cubes to a glass.
• When ready to serve, you can either let the frozen cubes thaw in the refrigerator or blend them with a bit of ice for a slushy version of the cocktail.
• Always ensure your storage containers are clean and dry before use to avoid any contamination that could alter the taste of your Stinger cocktail.
• If you notice any changes in color, smell, or taste, it's best to discard the cocktail to ensure safety and quality.

• Pour the Stinger cocktail into a heatproof glass or mug.
• Place the glass in a saucepan filled with warm water over low heat.
• Stir gently until the cocktail reaches your desired temperature, ensuring not to overheat.
• Alternatively, pour the Stinger cocktail into a microwave-safe container.
• Heat in the microwave on a low setting for 10-15 seconds, checking frequently to avoid overheating.
• For a more refined method, use a double boiler to gently warm the cocktail, ensuring even heating without altering the flavor.

• Cocktail shaker: A container used to mix the ingredients with ice by shaking.

• Ice: Used to chill the cocktail and dilute it slightly for a balanced flavor.

• Strainer: A tool to separate the ice from the liquid when pouring the cocktail into the glass.

• Cocktail glass: A chilled glass used to serve the cocktail, enhancing the drinking experience.

• Measuring jigger: A small tool used to measure the precise amounts of brandy and white crème de menthe.

• Bar spoon: A long-handled spoon used to stir the ingredients if needed before shaking.

Pre-chill your glass: Place your cocktail glass in the freezer for a few minutes before making the Stinger cocktail. This ensures your drink stays cold longer.

Measure ingredients ahead: Pre-measure the brandy and white crème de menthe and keep them ready. This speeds up the mixing process.

Use a large ice cube: Larger ice cubes melt slower, keeping your drink cold without diluting it quickly.

Batch your cocktails: If making multiple servings, scale up the ingredients and mix in a larger shaker. This saves time and ensures consistency.