How to Make a B&B co*cktail (Benedictine and Brandy) - Flour Child (2024)

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The Benedictine and Brandy co*cktail melds the rich and aromatic complexities of Benedictine herbal liqueur with the smooth, warming flavor of fine brandy. With its long and storied history, it’s the perfect drink for those seeking a glimpse into a bygone co*cktail era.

How to Make a B&B co*cktail (Benedictine and Brandy) - Flour Child (1)

The Smooth and Spicy co*cktail

Any co*cktail that uses a liqueur blended by monks -- using a secret recipe hundreds of years old -- has got to be good. This one does not disappoint! It is warm, smooth, and has a slight herbal taste from the Benedictine. It starts out rather sweet, and ends with a comforting warmth. While there are other Benedictine co*cktails, none compare to the B&B co*cktail in taste and smoothness. That is what makes it one of the best classic co*cktails.

At the heart of the B&B co*cktail lies a unique blend of flavors and tradition. B&B stands for "Bénédictine and Brandy," a harmonious pairing of fine French brandy and herbal liqueur. Dating back to the early 1300’s when people began experimenting with various herbs and spirits for medicinal purposes, this co*cktail traces its origins back to the Benedictine monks who crafted Bénédictine D.O.M. in 1510, up to the early 1900s when this co*cktail enjoyed a resurgence of popularity.

Bénédictine liqueur, often referred to simply as "Bénédictine," is a complex herbal liquor with a cognac base. Its secret blend of different herbs lends it a slight herbal taste, while the honey-like sweetness adds an extra dimension to its flavor profile. This medicinal tonic has been cherished since its creation by the monks, who believed it possessed healing properties.

How to Drink Benedictine and Brandy

I prefer having this drink served 'up' and in a snifter glass, not a cordial glass. If you're not familiar with this type of glass, then you really should treat yourself. It's designed with a short stem and a large bowl that allows the spirit to evaporate. The narrow top of the glass traps the aroma, allowing you to inhale the spirit for one of the best ways to enjoy this drink. The large bowl of the glass is meant to be cupped in your hand and used to warm the drink a bit.

The Ingredients for a Perfect B&B co*cktail

There is something special about a mixed drink that contains only two ingredients. I love how a "duo" co*cktail combines two different spirits into something that tastes better together than the ingredients do on their own. Another example of an excellent duo co*cktail is the Classic Martini.

How to Make a B&B co*cktail (Benedictine and Brandy) - Flour Child (2)

For this Benedictine and Brandy drink recipe you will only need:

  • Benedictine liqueur
  • Your favorite Brandy

How to make a B&B

This co*cktail requires no special tools or shakers. Simply pour the ingredients into a glass together.

How to Make a B&B co*cktail (Benedictine and Brandy) - Flour Child (3)
How to Make a B&B co*cktail (Benedictine and Brandy) - Flour Child (4)

Tips for Success

Keep these tips in mind:

  • Use a quality brandy that mixes well with the Benedictine.
  • Use a snifter if serving 'up'.
  • Pre-warm the snifter by running hot water in it first to open up the fragrance of the drink. Some people like to add a lemon twist or orange peel, but I prefer to keep it simple.
  • Use a rocks glass if serving over ice.
  • Use the back of a bar spoon to 'float' the brandy on top of the thicker Benedictine so there's no need for a mixing glass.

Frequently Asked Questions

What does Benedictine and brandy taste like?

This co*cktail combines the sweet taste of brandy with the herbal taste of Benedictine, for a bit of a sweet and spicy taste.

Is Benedictine a Cognac?

They are two separate things. Cognac is a variety of brandy that is produced in the Cognac region of France, whereas Benedictine is an herbal liqueur.

The company that produces DOM Benedictine makes a pre-blended B&B liquor which tastes almost as good as making one yourself. I really like the convenience, and the taste is outstanding.

How do you like your B&B's? Straight up or on the rocks?

Before you go, did you try this co*cktail? Why not leave a comment in the Comments section along with a rating? I always appreciate hearing from you and getting your feedback.

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How to Make a B&B co*cktail (Benedictine and Brandy) - Flour Child (9)

The B&B co*cktail is Sophisticated, Simple and So Delicious

Kevin Mayfield

The warm, smooth Benedictine and brandy is the perfect elegant co*cktail. It calls for equal amounts of the two ingredients, but you can always adjust it to your exact preference.

5 from 1 vote

Print Recipe Pin Recipe

Prep Time 1 minute min

Total Time 1 minute min

Course Classic co*cktails

Cuisine American

Servings 1 co*cktail

Calories 229 kcal

Ingredients

  • 1 ½ ounces Benedictine liqueur
  • 1 ½ ounces brandy

Instructions

  • Pre-warm the brandy snifter by pouring a little hot water in the glass. Swirl it around, then discard.

  • Pour the jigger of Benedictine into the warm brandy snifter.

  • Gently pour the brandy over the back of a bar spoon and let it fall on top of the Benedictine to 'float' it on the thicker liqueur.

Notes

Use only a quality brandy when making this co*cktail. A low quality brandy will be harsh-tasting, and will not complement the Benedictine. Ask your liquor store for a recommendation.

Though it's not the traditional way to serve it, some people prefer this co*cktail over ice. For this version, simply add a couple of co*cktail ice cubes to a rocks glass, and then add the spirits.

Nutrition

Calories: 229kcalCarbohydrates: 14gProtein: 1gFat: 1gSaturated Fat: 1gPolyunsaturated Fat: 1gMonounsaturated Fat: 1gSodium: 4mgPotassium: 14mgSugar: 14gCalcium: 1mgIron: 1mg

Keyword B and B co*cktail, B&B, b&b brandy, b&b liquor, Benedictine, Benedictine and brandy, brandy, elegant co*cktails

Tried this recipe?Let us know how it was!

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About Kevin Mayfield

Reader Interactions

Comments

  1. Lisa says

    How to Make a B&B co*cktail (Benedictine and Brandy) - Flour Child (14)
    I love this drink. Do you know if there is a difference in the B & B pre-mix with white or black label?

    Reply

    • Kevin says

      Happy New Year Lisa. I'm glad you like the B&B too. It is one of my favorites. Regarding the mixes, I have their black label B&B bottle which combines the brandy and the Benedictine together. While checking their website's Products page (https://www.benedictinedom.com/our-liqueurs/), I don't see a white label version to compare it to. The white label bottles I've seen there are for the Benedictine itself.
      Hope that helps a little. Whether you enjoy it pre-mixed or 'home made', it's a wonderful way to start the new year! 🙂
      Kevin Mayfield

      Reply

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How to Make a B&B co*cktail (Benedictine and Brandy) - Flour Child (2024)

FAQs

How to Make a B&B co*cktail (Benedictine and Brandy) - Flour Child? ›

Bénédictine is a unique herbal liqueur and there is no perfect substitute for it. The best option is B&B, which is a blend of Bénédictine and brandy, though it's not as sweet. Yellow Chartreuse is probably the closest in terms of the herbal bouquet and some amaro and pastis may work, too.

What is a substitute for B&B liqueur? ›

Bénédictine is a unique herbal liqueur and there is no perfect substitute for it. The best option is B&B, which is a blend of Bénédictine and brandy, though it's not as sweet. Yellow Chartreuse is probably the closest in terms of the herbal bouquet and some amaro and pastis may work, too.

What is brandy and Bénédictine? ›

Bottles of B&B are a pre-mixed version of this co*cktail. Produced by Bénédictine, it's a blend of 60 percent Bénédictine liqueur and 40 percent French brandy that's aged in French oak barrels and bottled at 40 percent ABV (80 proof). B&B was first made in 1937, making it one of the oldest bottled co*cktails.

What kind of alcohol is B&B? ›

Bénédictine and Brandy (B&B) was created by a bartender at New York's famous Twenty-One Club in 1937. The drink's overnight success soon led to the production of a pre-mixed 60 per cent Bénédictine and 40 per cent cognac version in 1938.

What mixes with Bénédictine? ›

Benedictine really shines in co*cktails that need an herbal liqueur like green chartreuse, but with a more workable color. Classics like the Ford, Monte Carlo, and chrysanthemum all sport the beautiful amber hue that benedictine creates when combined with an aged base spirit.

Do brandy and baileys go together? ›

Yes, you can customize the ratio of Bailey's to brandy in a B&B co*cktail according to your preference. While the classic ratio is 1:1, you may adjust it if you prefer the creaminess of Bailey's or the robust flavor of brandy to dominate. Experimenting with different proportions can help you find your perfect balance.

What does Bénédictine taste like? ›

What is Bénédictine D.O.M. liqueur? Named after the Bénédictine monks of the Abbey of Fecamp in Normandy, France, Bénédictine, for short, is an herbal liqueur. Its flavor is described as a delicate balance of honey, warm spices, citrus, stone fruits, and herbs.

Is brandy liqueur the same as brandy? ›

Eaux-de-vie (brandies) and liqueurs both refer to spirit drinks, but their production methods are very different and they each have their own specific tastes.

How to drink benedictine dom? ›

Most people prefer to mix herbal liqueurs into something else, but Benedictine is deliciously versatile. While it is a beautiful addition to co*cktails, and several classics call for it by name, Benedictine is great on its own. You can try sipping it neat or over ice to enjoy its warm, unique flavors.

Does B&B liqueur go bad? ›

Liqueurs and Cordials

Generally, you'll want to discard open bottles after about 18 months.

What is a fine blend of French brandy and Bénédictine? ›

B&B Liqueur is comprised of two parts - subtle, spiced Benedictine Liqueur and fine French cognac. It's a balance of flavors in a pour that tastes smooth yet finishes bold. The rich, noble notes of B&B are perfectly enjoyed neat in a snifter, yet are equally appealing in a fine selection of co*cktails.

What kind of alcohol is Bénédictine? ›

Bénédictine (French pronunciation: [benediktin]) is a herbal liqueur produced in France. It was developed by wine merchant Alexandre Le Grand in the 19th century, and is flavored with twenty-seven flowers, berries, herbs, roots, and spices.

What is the difference between Benedictine and B&B? ›

While the aroma of Benedictine is sweet and herbal, the B&B has much more of a classy brandy aroma. You might even pick up a little oak in that smell as well. B&B starts off sweet like it's predecessor, however the mid palette is where everything changes.

What is the history of the B&B co*cktail? ›

B&B By Bénédictine is one of the oldest premixed co*cktails. In the 1930s, during Prohibition in the United States, a barman at Club 21 in Manhattan came up with the idea of mixing brandy with Bénédictine.

What is B&B used for? ›

Bed and breakfast (typically shortened to B&B or BnB) is a small lodging establishment that offers overnight accommodation and breakfast.

What should I mix liqueur with? ›

It pairs really well with a twist of lime, too.
  • Add Cointreau to drinks that are normally a little bitter, like cranberry or grapefruit juices, to open up their sweeter notes.
  • Orange liqueurs like Cointreau and triple sec go really well with tequila drinks like margaritas, as well as run drinks.

What is a mixer for Baileys? ›

Baileys and vodka go so well together, and Baileys and coffee is already a classic mix! It's so simple to make at home.

What is the flavor of Bénédictine liqueur? ›

Its flavor is described as a delicate balance of honey, warm spices, citrus, stone fruits, and herbs.

What is the best way to drink coffee liqueur? ›

Coffee liqueur is well suited to a co*cktail. The most obvious option is a White Russian, made famous by the layabout Dude in The Big Lebowski. Coffee liqueur, cream and vodka are combined and mixed with ice.

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