A good friend of mine, a senior member of the cocktail cognoscenti, has been on a bit of a Stinger kick recently. And since we've been kicking it together recently, I have lately indulged in more than a few minty ends to boozy evenings. The Stinger is a drink with a long history, dating back to the 19th century. It's cataloged in Tom Bullock's Ideal Bartender (circa 1917), one of our favorite historical references. You've also seen it recently on Mad Men.
A stinger is a mixture of Cognac and White Creme de Menthe, classically in equal proportions, shaken and poured as a frappe over crushed ice in a coup. It's certainly a festive way to end the evening, but I must admit that I am left wanting, especially if the Stinger is drunk earlier in the night. I need a little more structure. All that cool mint calls to me for a counterpoint.
Fernet Branca makes an exciting and bracing counterpoint. The bitter herbs of Fernet are classically combined with mint, including in Branca's own product Branca Menta. These are wonderful digestivi. The firm, herbaceous, bitter-herb qualities of Branca provide a whole new structure to the Stinger. We call it the Sting Operation.
Friday evening, Sting Operations will be offered for $9. We will pass light hors d'oeuvres from 6:30 and the most tasteful cocktail enthusiasts of The Garden State will be in attendance, as is their custom. We hope to see you there.
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