This post may contain affiliate links. Full disclosure policy

Minty and potent, Vodka Stingers were all the rage in the 1960s. This classic 60s cocktail or yummy mocktail is the perfect sipper for a “Troublesome Women” discussion with your book club!

Vodka Stingers – The Official Beverage of Troublesome Women?

As a book club member myself, I know how food and drinks inspired by the book can add a special, festive touch to club meetings. That’s why I’ve created a few recipes based on them that readers will find in my new novel, The Book Club for Troublesome Women.

My first recipe in the series is inspired by beverages that my characters try during their first book club meeting. You might be interested in where I got the idea for using this particular drink.

As a kid, I was crazy for musical theater. I bought soundtracks for every Broadway show I could get my hands on. So even though I couldn’t drink, I’d heard of vodka stingers. It’s the cocktail that the late great Elaine Stritch sang of when she played Joanne in the hit musical Company, during the showstopping number, “The Ladies Who Lunch.”

Another chance to disapprove;
another brilliant zinger.
Another reason not to move;
another Vodka Stinger!
I’ll drink to that.

Though I never had a chance to see Stritch in the role, I’ve never forgotten how her gritty, witty, sharp-edged delivery of that song brought the character to life. I could feel the anger and despair beneath her sarcastic snarl and gravelly disdain, the frustration of a brilliant woman who knows her brilliance has been wasted.

To my mind, Elaine Stritch was the original Troublesome Woman.

Vodka Stingers – Aka Truth Serum

So, it’s not surprising that while considering cocktails for my characters to sip in the book, vodka stingers came immediately to mind.

During the first meeting of the book club, the women are hesitant to open up so the conversation drags initially. All that changes once Charlotte marches into Margaret’s kitchen. There, she finds the liquor and mixes up a batch of tongue-loosening cocktails she calls “Truth Serum.”

The bright green beverages Charlotte serves are actually vodka stingers, but they do have the desired effect. After a few sips, Margaret, Charlotte, Viv, and Bitsy start sharing stories and secrets, and building a bond.

I’m sharing two delicious beverage recipes that are perfect for every member of your book club. The first is for a classic vodka stinger, a very popular drink during the 60s.

Classic 60s Cocktails – Plus a Delish Mocktail

Fair warning – these bright green, minty-flavored cocktails are potent! If you decide to give one a try during your book club meeting (two would be a mistake, trust me on this), make sure you’ve got a designated driver.

If you’re the DD or you just don’t care for the hard stuff, I’ve got you covered. My second Book Club for Troublesome Women beverage – Stingless Stingers – is alcohol free and so tasty!

The combination of juice, flavored tonic, and mint simple syrup is refreshingly delicious and not overly sweet. I recommend cucumber tonic (Fever Tree is my favorite), but elderflower tonic would be good substitute. In a pinch, you could also use plain tonic.

Whether you prefer your beverage with or without the sting, these retro 60s cocktails will add a festive touch to your book club gathering.

Mix some up for your meeting, and raise a glass to Troublesome Women!