The Stinger makes a few appearances in the Fleming novels. This sweet cocktail of crème de menthe mixed with a spirit – usually brandy – is a classic before or after dinner drink.
In Diamonds Are Forever, after dinner at ’21’ James Bond and Tiffany case have drinks and coffee.
Tiffany ordered a Stinger made with white crème de menthe and Bond ordered the same.
Near the end of the book, when the two of them are on the ship headed to England, again they have just finished dinner and are awaiting the rest of the evening.
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.
In Thunderball, when Leiter and Bond go to the casino, they head to the tables only after having “coffee and a stinger at the bar”.
White, or clear crème de menthe is critical to a good stinger. Save the green stuff for Largo’s crème de menthe frappe!
