Minty and eye-opening, Vodka Stingers were a popular sip in the 1960s. This retro cocktail — and its alcohol-free counterpart — make fun, flavorful drinks to serve at a book club meeting, especially one centered on a lively discussion of strong, outspoken women.
Vodka Stingers – The Official Beverage of Troublesome Women?
Food and drink themed to a book can make a club gathering feel special. For my recent novel, The Book Club for Troublesome Women, I developed a few recipes inspired by beverages the characters sample during their first meeting. One of those is the Vodka Stinger — a sharp, minty cocktail that also appears in popular culture.
As a theatre fan growing up, I remembered the Vodka Stinger from Elaine Stritch’s performance in the musical Company, where the song “The Ladies Who Lunch” mentions “another Vodka Stinger.” That image of a woman raising a drink as a kind of bitter toast stuck with me and helped inspire the drink choices for my characters.
Another chance to disapprove;
another brilliant zinger.
Another reason not to move;
another Vodka Stinger!
I’ll drink to that.
Stritch’s delivery captured a blend of wit, weariness, and defiance — qualities that fit the “troublesome” characters I wrote about. In my story, a batch of green, minty drinks loosens tongues and opens hearts, helping the women get past small talk and into honest conversation.
Vodka Stingers – Aka Truth Serum
In the book, Charlotte finds liquor in Margaret’s kitchen and mixes what she calls “Truth Serum.” The bright green cocktails she serves are Vodka Stingers by another name, and they do exactly what Charlotte hopes: after a few sips the women begin to share stories and build a new bond.
Below are two easy, crowd-pleasing recipes you can prepare for your club — the classic Vodka Stinger for those who drink, and a Stingless Stinger mocktail for anyone who prefers to stay alcohol-free.
Classic 60s Cocktails – Plus a Delish Mocktail
These bright green, mint-forward drinks are deceptively strong. One will do the trick; two is likely overeager. If you’re driving, pregnant, or simply avoiding alcohol, the stingless mocktail offers all the refreshing flavor without the buzz.
The mocktail combines mint simple syrup, white grape juice, and a cucumber-flavored tonic water for a crisp, not-too-sweet beverage. Cucumber tonic highlights the cool mint; elderflower tonic or plain tonic are acceptable substitutes.
Whether you choose the cocktail or the mocktail, these 60s-inspired drinks are easy to make and perfect for creating a festive, nostalgic atmosphere at your book club.
Mix a batch, gather your friends, and raise a glass to Troublesome Women — with or without the sting.
Print
60s Cocktails: Vodka Stingers (Cocktail or Mocktail) The Book Club for Troublesome Women – Recipe One
Author: Marie Bostwick
Yield: 1 cocktail 1x
Ingredients
Scale
For the Classic Vodka Stinger:
- 2 oz vodka
- 1 oz crème de menthe
For the Stingless Stinger Mocktail:
- 2 oz mint simple syrup (recipe below)
- 2 oz white grape juice
- 3 oz cucumber flavored tonic water (can sub elderflower or plain tonic)
- Optional – 2 drops green food coloring in syrup
Instructions
For the Classic Vodka Stinger:
- Pour vodka and crème de menthe into an ice-filled cocktail shaker.
- Shake vigorously, then strain into chilled cocktail glasses. Serve immediately.
For the Stingless Stinger Mocktail:
To make mint simple syrup: combine ½ cup sugar, ½ cup water, and about half a bunch of fresh mint in a small saucepan. Heat over medium, stirring until it begins to bubble. Reduce heat and simmer 1–2 minutes, then remove from heat and strain out the mint. Add green food coloring if desired and chill completely before using.
- Fill a highball glass with ice, pour in mint simple syrup and white grape juice.
- Top with cucumber-flavored tonic water, stir gently, and serve.