Unleash the perfect blend of bourbon and white creme de menthe with our Louisville Stinger drink recipe. Impress your guests with this easy-to-make cocktail, seasoned with a dash of bitters and garnished with a sprig of mint. Stir like a pro and serve in a rocks glass with a metal straw for an unforgettable drinking experience. Perfect for beginner bartenders and bourbon enthusiasts alike!
Louisville Stinger Ingredients
- 2 oz Bourbon
- 1/2 oz white creme de menthe
- 2 dashes Bitters
- sprig Mint
- garnish Mint
Louisville Stinger Equipment
- metal straw or teaspoon to stir properly, if you want to be a pro: use bar spoon
Louisville Stinger Recipe
- mix the ingredients together with ice
- fill Rocks glass filled with crushed ice
- garnish with Mint if desired
Recommend: serve in Rocks glass
It's also called a "lowball", "whiskey" or "old-fashioned" glass. The bottom of old-fashioned glass is thick. Rocks glasses carry between 6 and 8 ounces.The Louisville Stinger: A Classic Cocktail with a Minty Twist
If you are a bourbon lover and enjoy the refreshing taste of mint, then the Louisville Stinger is the perfect cocktail for you. This classic cocktail has a rich history and is famous for its unique flavor, which is a combination of bourbon, white creme de menthe, and bitters. In this blog post, we will explore the popularity, ingredients, variations, and common mistakes when making the Louisville Stinger.
Popularity
The Louisville Stinger is a classic cocktail that originated in Louisville, Kentucky, where bourbon is a popular spirit. It is said to have been created in the 1920s and was a favorite of the locals. The cocktail gained popularity in the 1950s and 1960s and was often served in the famous Brown Hotel, which was known for its iconic Hot Brown sandwich.
The Louisville Stinger is famous for its unique flavor, which is a combination of bourbon, white creme de menthe, and bitters. The drink has a beautiful green color and is often garnished with a sprig of mint. It is typically served in a rocks glass with a metal straw or teaspoon to stir properly.
Ingredient Roles
The Louisville Stinger is a simple cocktail that uses only a few ingredients. Each ingredient plays an important role in creating the unique flavor of the cocktail.
- Bourbon: The base spirit of the Louisville Stinger. It provides the rich, warm flavor that is characteristic of bourbon.
- White Creme de Menthe: This sweet, mint-flavored liqueur is what gives the Louisville Stinger its refreshing taste. It also adds a beautiful green color to the drink.
- Bitters: A few dashes of bitters are added to balance out the sweetness of the creme de menthe and add a subtle depth of flavor to the cocktail.
- Mint: A sprig of mint is used as a garnish and adds an extra layer of fresh, minty flavor to the cocktail.
How to Garnish
Garnishing the Louisville Stinger is simple and adds a beautiful touch to the cocktail. To garnish, simply take a sprig of fresh mint and gently slap it against your hand to release the oils. Place the mint sprig in the glass and serve. This will add an extra layer of fresh minty flavor to the cocktail and also make it look more appealing.
If you want to take your garnishing skills to the next level, you can use a vegetable peeler to create a long, thin strip of lemon or lime peel. Twist the peel over the cocktail to release the oils and then place it in the glass as a garnish.
Variations
The Louisville Stinger is a classic cocktail that can be easily adapted to suit different preferences and dietary requirements. Here are a few variations of the Louisville Stinger:
- Virgin/Mocktail Version: To make a non-alcoholic version of the Louisville Stinger, simply omit the bourbon and add a little extra creme de menthe and bitters. You can also add a splash of soda water to give the drink a little fizz.
- Gluten-Free Version: The Louisville Stinger is naturally gluten-free, as none of the ingredients contain gluten.
- Vegan Version: The Louisville Stinger is vegan-friendly, as none of the ingredients contain animal products.
- Keto Version: To make a keto-friendly version of the Louisville Stinger, simply substitute the white creme de menthe with a sugar-free alternative, such as Jordan's Skinny Mixes or Monin Sugar-Free Mint Syrup.
- Low-Calorie Version: To make a lower-calorie version of the Louisville Stinger, simply use a low-calorie sweetener, such as Stevia or Splenda, instead of sugar.
Common Mistakes When Making
Making the Louisville Stinger is simple, but there are a few common mistakes that can be easily avoided. Here are a few common mistakes to watch out for:
- Using too much creme de menthe: The creme de menthe is a sweet liqueur and can easily overpower the other ingredients if you use too much. Stick to the recommended 1/2 oz.
- Not stirring properly: The Louisville Stinger needs to be stirred properly to ensure that all the ingredients are mixed together. Use a metal straw or teaspoon to stir the cocktail thoroughly.
- Using the wrong type of glass: The Louisville Stinger is typically served in a rocks glass, which is a short, wide glass that is perfect for cocktails that are served over ice. Using the wrong type of glass can affect the taste and appearance of the cocktail.
- Not using a garnish: A sprig of mint is a simple and effective garnish that adds an extra layer of flavor and makes the cocktail look more appealing. Don't skip the garnish!
In conclusion, the Louisville Stinger is a classic cocktail that is perfect for bourbon lovers and mint enthusiasts. With its unique flavor and simple ingredients, it is easy to make and can be adapted to suit different dietary requirements. Avoiding common mistakes when making the cocktail will ensure that you get the best possible flavor and appearance. So, next time you're looking for a refreshing cocktail with a minty twist, give the Louisville Stinger a try!
If you are going to order Louisville Stinger in a bar, don’t forget to mention all the ingredients to the bartender. Louisville Stinger can be served with different ingredients in different places.
