Stinger

Described as a liquid after-dinner mint, the Stinger goes down well with chocolate - but then what doesn't?

The Stinger's origins are uncertain but it's mentioned in a 1917 guide and, like other cocktails, became more popular in the States in the 1920s, during the time of Prohibition. As with other strongly flavoured cocktails, the additives - in this case mint - helped disguise the less-than-pleasant taste of illicit hooch.

In the 1950s the Stinger was enjoyed on-screen by Cary Grant and Jayne Mansfield in the comedy-drama, Kiss Them for Me.

Stinger

• 2 parts Cognac
• 1 part white crème de menthe

Fill a glass with crushed ice. Add the cognac and crème de menthe and stir well. Alternatively shake ingredients together in a cocktail shaker filled with ice and serve in a chilled glass. Garnish with fresh mint.

• Using green crème de menthe will result in a drink that tastes the same but looks like the bottom of a muddy stream.
• Make your own mint syrup from mint and equal parts sugar, water and vodka, and use to replace the crème de menthe for a crisper and cleaner taste.