Bénédictine – The Bold, Herbal Liqueur That Adds Depth and Complexity to Your Cocktails

Bénédictine liqueur is the rich, herbal spirit that brings bold flavors and a touch of mystery to your cocktails. With a complex blend of 27 herbs and spices, Bénédictine offers layers of sweetness, warmth, and botanical complexity that elevate any drink. Whether you’re crafting a classic B&B, mixing it into a Vieux Carré, or adding a splash to a hot toddy, this iconic liqueur lends a smooth, aromatic quality that makes every sip feel like a luxurious experience. Ready to explore the world of herbal cocktails? Bénédictine is your go-to liqueur for adding depth, complexity, and a touch of history to your drinks.

Bénédictine is a French herbal liqueur made from a secret recipe dating back to the 16th century, using 27 different herbs and spices. Its exact blend remains a closely guarded secret, but it is known to include ingredients like angelica, hyssop, juniper, myrrh, and saffron. The result is a smooth, slightly sweet liqueur with a rich, complex herbal profile and subtle notes of honey and spices. Bénédictine is often enjoyed neat, over ice, or mixed into classic cocktails like the B&B (Bénédictine and Brandy) or the Vieux Carré. With its deep flavor and aromatic complexity, Bénédictine adds a touch of elegance and history to any cocktail.

If you don’t have Bénédictine liqueur on hand, here are a few alternatives that can bring a similar herbal complexity to your cocktails:

  • Chartreuse: A French herbal liqueur with a bold, complex flavor made from over 130 herbs and plants, Chartreuse offers a strong, botanical profile similar to Bénédictine.
  • Drambuie: Made with Scotch whisky, heather honey, and a blend of herbs, Drambuie delivers a sweet, herbal flavor with notes of spice and whisky warmth.
  • Amaro: An Italian herbal liqueur with a slightly bitter edge, amaro offers a rich herbal flavor with a mix of sweetness and bitterness, making it a good substitute in cocktails.
  • Herbsaint: This New Orleans-based liqueur has a strong anise flavor with herbal undertones, and while not identical to Bénédictine, it can provide a similar depth in certain cocktails.
  • Yellow Chartreuse: A milder version of Chartreuse, Yellow Chartreuse has a sweeter, more approachable herbal profile, making it a great substitute for Bénédictine in cocktails that need herbal complexity with a touch of sweetness.

Bénédictine is produced by only one distillery, and the original recipe remains unchanged. Here’s the brand you need to know for authentic Bénédictine:

  • Bénédictine D.O.M.: The original and only brand producing authentic Bénédictine liqueur. Known for its rich, complex flavor and distinctive bottle, Bénédictine D.O.M. has been a staple in cocktail culture for centuries.
  • Use in Classic Cocktails: Bénédictine is a key ingredient in many classic cocktails like the Vieux Carré, B&B, and Singapore Sling, where its herbal complexity enhances the overall flavor profile.
  • Pair with Strong Spirits: The rich, complex flavor of Bénédictine pairs beautifully with strong spirits like whiskey, cognac, or rum, adding depth and warmth to your cocktails.
  • Mix with Citrus or Ginger: Bénédictine’s sweetness and herbal notes are balanced well by tart citrus juices or the spicy kick of ginger, creating a balanced, refreshing cocktail.
  • Serve Neat or Over Ice: For a simple and elegant drink, serve Bénédictine neat or over ice to fully appreciate its rich, complex flavor.
  • Balance with Bitters: Add a dash of aromatic or orange bitters to cocktails featuring Bénédictine to balance the sweetness and enhance the herbal complexity.

Drinks Made with Bénédictine Liqueur

Bénédictine liqueur’s bold, herbal flavor makes it the perfect base for a variety of complex and aromatic cocktails. Here are some popular cocktails you can make with Bénédictine liqueur:

Singapore Sling Cocktail Recipe

Singapore Sling Cocktail Reicpe

A complex cocktail that's a feast for the senses.
Vieux Carré Cocktail Recipe - Classic New Orleans Drink

Vieux Carre

Experience the classic Vieux Carré Cocktail, a rich blend of rye whiskey, cognac, and sweet vermouth. Perfect for a sophisticated and timeless drink!

Absinthe Cocktail

Experience the bold and herbal flavors of the Absinthe Cocktail, a blend of absinthe, Benedictine, and bitters. Perfect for a sophisticated sip!

Angel`s Lips

Indulge in the Angel's Lips Cocktail, a creamy blend of Benedictine herbal liqueur and Irish cream. Perfect for a rich and smooth drink!

Annabelle Special

Enjoy the Annabelle Special, a refined mix of Benedictine herbal liqueur, dry vermouth, and lime juice. Perfect for a sophisticated and refreshing drink!

Antibes

Savor the Antibes Cocktail, a refined mix of gin, Benedictine herbal liqueur, and grapefruit juice. Perfect for a sophisticated and refreshing drink!

April Shower

Enjoy the refreshing April Shower Cocktail with brandy, Benedictine herbal liqueur, and orange juice. Perfect for a springtime treat!

Archdruid

Indulge in the herbal and sophisticated Archdruid Cocktail. A refined blend of Benedictine, herbal liqueurs, dry vermouth, and vodka for a unique drink!

B and B Stinger

Indulge in the B and B Stinger, a refreshing mix of Benedictine herbal liqueur and white crème de menthe. Perfect for a smooth and minty drink experience.

B2 C2

Indulge in the B2 C2, an elegant mix of brandy, herbal liqueur, and orange liqueur topped with champagne. Perfect for a sophisticated and sparkling drink!

BandB

Savor the BandB, a timeless blend of brandy and Benedictine herbal liqueur. Perfect for a smooth and elegant cocktail!

BandB Collins

Enjoy the BandB Collins, a refreshing blend of brandy, Benedictine, lemon juice, and soda. Perfect for a sophisticated twist on a classic cocktail!

Benedictine Cocktail

Indulge in the Benedictine Cocktail, a refined blend of herbal liqueur, bitters, and a touch of lemon, perfectly balanced for a sophisticated sip.

Blessed Event

Celebrate with the Blessed Event Cocktail, a refined mix of apple brandy, Benedictine, and lime juice, perfectly balanced with a dash of orange curaçao.

Bonny Doon

Savor the smooth blend of Scotch whisky, sweet vermouth, and Benedictine in the Bonny Doon Cocktail. Perfect for a refined, herbal sip.

Brain Blender

Dive into the Brain Blender Cocktail, a tropical mix of peach liqueur, rum, brandy, and exotic juices. Perfect for a vibrant and fruity experience!

Brighton Punch

Enjoy the Brighton Punch, a bold blend of brandy, bourbon, and herbal liqueur with a citrusy twist of lemon and orange juices. A refreshing cocktail perfect for any occasion!

Brown Fox

Embrace the elegance of the Brown Fox, a smooth blend of bourbon whiskey and Benedictine herbal liqueur. A sophisticated cocktail perfect for any occasion!

Buzz Bomb

Ignite your taste buds with the Buzz Bomb Cocktail, blending vodka, brandy, herbal liqueur, orange liqueur, lime juice, and champagne for a fizzy delight.

Charybdis

Dive into the Charybdis Cocktail, a bold blend of gin, Scotch, herbal liqueurs, and bitters, finished with a zesty orange twist.

Chrysanthemum Cocktail

Discover the Chrysanthemum Cocktail, an elegant blend of dry vermouth, Benedictine, and a hint of licorice liqueur. A refined, aromatic drink perfect for sophisticated sips!

Cool Cucumber

Refresh with the Cool Cucumber Cocktail, a light and crisp mix of Benedictine liqueur, lemon juice, and champagne, garnished with fresh cucumber. Perfect for a cool and herbal twist!

Cream Sherry Sangaree

Delight in the Cream Sherry Sangaree, a smooth mix of sherry, Benedictine, and club soda with a touch of spice. A refreshing and spiced cocktail perfect for any occasion!

Guillotine Shot

The Guillotine Shot blends Benedictine herbal liqueur, gin, and lemon juice for a bold, citrusy, and refreshing shot with a hint of sweetness.

Harm`s Way

Step into Harm’s Way, a daring mix of aquavit, bourbon, and licorice liqueur with a touch of lime and apple juice. Perfect for a bold and complex cocktail adventure!

Monkey Gland 2

Enjoy the Monkey Gland 2 Cocktail, a herbal and citrus mix of gin, Benedictine liqueur, orange juice, and grenadine. Perfect for a unique and refreshing drink!

Pleasure Dome

Delight in the layered brandy herbal delight of the Pleasure Dome Cocktail. A sophisticated mix of brandy, Benedictine, and crème de cacao for a luxurious treat!

Queen Elizabeth

Indulge in the elegant Queen Elizabeth Cocktail. A refined mix of gin, dry vermouth, and Benedictine herbal liqueur for a sophisticated drink!

Bénédictine liqueur is the bold, herbal spirit that brings depth, complexity, and a touch of elegance to any cocktail. With its intricate blend of 27 herbs and spices, Bénédictine offers a rich, warming flavor that makes it perfect for everything from classic cocktails like the Vieux Carré to cozy winter drinks like the B&B. Whether you’re mixing it with strong spirits like whiskey or enjoying it neat over ice, Bénédictine’s smooth, herbal profile makes it a must-have for creating unique, aromatic cocktails that stand out. Ready to add some complexity to your drinks? Bénédictine is your go-to for crafting flavorful, richly layered cocktails with a sophisticated touch.

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