Amaretto Stinger - Amaretto & Mint After-Dinner Cocktail

The Amaretto Stinger takes the basic idea of the classic Stinger and swaps its brandy base for sweet, almond-forward amaretto. White crème de menthe supplies the cooling contrast, creating a compact two-ingredient cocktail that sits firmly in after-dinner territory. A hard shake adds the chill and dilution needed to keep the two liqueurs from tasting overly dense.

An Amaretto Twist on the Stinger

The traditional Stinger combines brandy or Cognac with crème de menthe and became established as an after-dinner cocktail in the early 20th century. The exact origin of the Amaretto Stinger variation is not firmly documented. Replacing brandy with amaretto shifts the drink toward a sweeter, nuttier profile while preserving the Stinger's defining mint character.

What You'll Need

Ingredients

• Amaretto - Provides the drink's sweet almond and stone-fruit character. Another amaretto-style liqueur is the closest substitute.
• White Crème de Menthe - Adds concentrated mint flavor and sweetness without changing the drink's color. Green crème de menthe provides similar mint character but produces a vivid green cocktail.

Equipment

• Cocktail shaker
• Jigger
• Strainer
• Cocktail glass
• Ice

Almond Meets Cooling Mint

The drink relies entirely on contrast. Amaretto is warm, sweet, and nutty, while crème de menthe tastes sharply cooling and herbal. Keeping the mint to a smaller proportion lets it cut through the amaretto without taking over. Proper shaking is equally important because the added dilution softens the sweetness and makes the short drink easier to sip.

Substitutions & Variations

• Use green crème de menthe for the same general flavor profile with a dramatically different color.
• Reduce the crème de menthe slightly if you prefer the amaretto to dominate.
• Add a small splash of cream for a richer dessert-style variation.
• Serve over fresh ice in a rocks glass for slower sipping.
• Substitute another amaretto-style liqueur if your usual brand is unavailable.
• For a more traditional Stinger profile, replace the amaretto with Cognac or brandy.

Helpful Tips

• Chill the cocktail glass before you begin because this small drink warms quickly.
• Measure the crème de menthe accurately. Its concentrated mint flavor can overpower the amaretto if overpoured.
• Shake thoroughly for enough dilution to soften the sweetness of both liqueurs.
• Use fresh, solid ice rather than partially melted ice.
• Skip the garnish unless you specifically want an aromatic accent. The drink works cleanly without one.
• Pair it with dark chocolate, biscotti, chocolate-mint desserts, or toasted nuts.
• For multiple servings, combine the liqueurs at a three-to-one ratio, then shake each serving individually with ice.