7 Stinger

A good Stinger is a work to be treasured. I never felt that I'd come across one that I like as much as a Brandy Stinger. If you don't know, these are pretty basic cocktails that involve white peppermint schnapps and some other strong spirit to space it out. They have been done frozen and on the rocks. Stingers make good shots and awesome dive bar drinks. So it is not surprising to find America's most mixable whiskey in a Stinger recipe.

• 1 oz. Seagram's Seven Crown whiskey
• 1 oz. peppermint schnapps (white creme de menthe used and recommended)

Combine ingredients in a shaker with ice. Shake and strain into a chilled cocktail glass. 

Stinger & Vodka Stinger

I don't know why I hadn't considered these for a double post, but it makes sense. The original Stinger is two parts Cognac and one white creme de menthe. It is far better than expected, even when you only have peppermint schnapps. The mint just cools the whole drink down and leaves you feeling more refreshed than a cognac on the rocks.

The Vodka Stinger is pretty self explanatory: two parts vodka to one part creme de menthe. For some reason it is served up, rather than on the rocks. The same serving is suggested for the most unusual of this family, the Tequila Stinger.

•  2 oz. base spirit (Cognac for the original Stinger and vodka for the Vodka Stinger)
• 1 oz. white creme de menthe (peppermint schnapps is a fine substititue)

Shake all ingredients and pour into an Old Fashioned glass (for the Stinger) or strain into a cocktail glass (Vodka Stinger.)

Lady Be Good / Cold Deck

One drink with two names; one feminine, one masculine. Perhaps it has to do with the sex of the person you are selling it to. A man wants an allusion to harsh maritime conditions. Women just want to know if the drink will pacify.

Whatever you call it, this cocktail is an improvement on the original Stinger, which is 2 to 1 brandy to white creme de menthe. A half ounce of vermouth almost makes this cocktail taste like a spicy and smooth brandy cocktail with only a hint of minty finish so as not to overpower the drink.

• 2 oz. brandy (E & J XO used)
• 1/2 oz. white creme de menthe
• 1/2 oz. dry vermouth

Stir all ingredients in a shaker with ice. Strain into a chilled cocktail glass.