Traditionally a “duo” cocktail containing just two ingredients, the Stinger features as the drink of choice of not one, but two Bond girls: Tiffany Case in Diamonds Are Forever and Domino Vitali in Thunderball. It was originally conceived by heavy-drinking millionaire Reginald “Reggie” Vanderbilt in 1890s New York and gained popularity during Prohibition, when crème de menthe was used to mask the flavour of illicit bathtub spirits. Although the Stinger has failed to inspire bartenders since the 1970s, when made well it can certainly charm drinkers with a sweet tooth. The key is the choice of crème de menthe: always opt for the drier white varieties, such as Giffard Menthe-Pastille. Our version uses a third ingredient: Branca Menta mint amaro, which adds a layer of complexity to the cocktail which more experienced drinkers may appreciate.
60ml (2¼fl oz) VSOP Cognac
20ml (¾fl oz) white crème de menthe
1 teaspoon Branca Menta
lemon twist
Measure the ingredients into a frosted mixing glass and top up with ice to the brim. Stir until very cold, then strain into a chilled vintage coupette. Spritz the lemon peel over the glass to express the oils, then discard.
NOTE: while more recently the Stinger has tended to be shaken and served over crushed ice, early recipes called for a stirred drink served straight up. This makes a stronger but more elegant cocktail and, with the addition of a modifier such as Branca Menta, a superior one.
STINGER
The subject was now boring. She gazed moodily into her Stinger, and then drank it down.
Bond sensed the beginning of a vin triste. “Care to go somewhere else?” he said, knowing that it had been he who had killed the evening.
“Hell no,” she said dully. “Take me home. I’m getting tight. Why’n hell couldn’t you dream up something else to talk about except these goddam hoodlums?”
DIAMONDS ARE FOREVER
CHAPTER 9. BITTER CHAMPAGNE
The waiter came with the bill and their hands separated. But now there was all the time in the world and no need for reassurance from words or contact, and the girl laughed happily up into Bond’s face as the waiter drew out the table and they walked towards the door.
They got into the lift for the Promenade Deck. “And now what, James?” said Tiffany. “I’d like some more coffee, and a Stinger made with white Crème de Menthe, while we listen to the Auction Pool. I’ve heard so much about it and we might make a fortune.”
“All right,” said Bond. “Anything you say.” He held her arm close to him as they sauntered through the big lounge where Bingo was still being played and through the waiting ballroom where the musicians were trying out a few chords.
DIAMONDS ARE FOREVER
CHAPTER 23. THE JOB COMES SECOND
The girl was not impressed. “There used to be a guy in the gangs called Abadaba,” she said. “He was a crooked egg-head who knew all the answers. Worked out the track odds, fixed the percentage on the numbers racket, did all the brain work. They called him ‘The Wizard of Odds’. Got rubbed out quite by mistake in the Dutch Schultz killing,” she added parenthetically. “I guess you’re just another Abadaba the way you talk yourself out of having to spend some money on a girl. Oh, well,” she shrugged her shoulders resignedly, “will you stake your girl to another Stinger?”
Bond beckoned to the steward. When he had gone she leant over so that her hair brushed his ear and said softly. “I don’t really want it. You have it. I want to stay sober as Sunday tonight.” She sat up straight. “And now what’s going on around here?” she said impatiently.
“I want to see some action.”
DIAMONDS ARE FOREVER
CHAPTER 23. THE JOB COMES SECOND
