The Mint Julep, Part III, Louisville Stinger

If you haven't checked them out already, we've been drinking Mint Juleps over the last couple of days.

First, we tried the Traditional Southern-Style Mint Julep, a pleasant drinking bourbon cocktail of great prominence this time of year in the Commonwealth.

Then, we tried the Muddled Mint Julep, a similar, albeit a tad easier to drink version of the classic cocktail.

Today, on Day 3 of our stroll through the world of Mint Julep, I made an executive decision, and decided we'd try the Louisville Stinger in the place of yet another Mint Julep.

For those disappointed that they are not seeing another Mint Julep recipe, my sincerest apologies.  But, this Louisville Stinger is good, very good.  It may be the go-to order this weekend if you want something a little off the beaten path.  As you'll notice in the recipe, it's got bourbon and mint flavor, so you could make an argument that the Louisville Stinger is the long lost distant cousin of the Mint Julep (think of it as the 3rd cousin, three times removed).

And we're off (to drinking)!!

American Bar, page 356

Louisville Stinger

1 ounce bourbon
1 ounce light rum
1/2 ounce white creme de cacao
1/4 ounce creme de menthe

Shake the ingredients vigorously with ice.  Strain into a chilled cocktail glass.

For the Louisville Stinger, I'm using good ol' Jim Beam White Label, Bacardi Rum, and DeKuyper Creme de Cocoa and Creme de Menthe.

This will be an excellent cocktail for Kentucky Derby weekend. First, the mint pairs perfectly with the rest of the ingredients.  There is a nice cool mint flavor that is not too minty.  A little mint can go a long way, and this is just the right amount.  The creme de cacao provides a nice smooth chocolate flavor and aroma, and it too pairs well with the rest of the ingredients. 

Know though, that the mint really dominates the white creme de cacao.  Despite its larger contribution to the ingredient list, the creme de cacao takes a backseat to the minty goodness of the creme de menthe.

Also worth noting is the fact that this drink is shaken, not stirred.  I'm not going to delve too deeply into the ongoing debate between shaking and stirring (not in this post anyway), but on balance, a shaken drink will likely be a little cooler, a little more mellow as a result of the melted ice, and more frothy.  The Lousiville Stinger is all of these things when compared to a Mint Julep, and it's not even served over ice.

No matter which drink you prefer, the Traditional Southern-Style Mint Julep, the Muddled Mint Julep, or the Louisville Stinger, I hope everyone has a great Derby weekend.  My pick is still Ice Box, with a late charge to win it.  Until next week, cheers!

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