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    Home » Classic Cocktails » How to Make a B&B Cocktail (Benedictine and Brandy)

    Published: Dec 4, 2020 · Modified: Sep 26, 2023 by Kevin Mayfield · This post may contain affiliate links.

    How to Make a B&B Cocktail (Benedictine and Brandy)

    Jump to Recipe Print Recipe

    The Benedictine and Brandy cocktail 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 cocktail era. 

    The classic B&B cocktail shown in a snifter
    Nothing says cocktail elegance like a brandy snifter containing Benedictine and Brandy.

    The Smooth and Spicy Cocktail

    Any cocktail 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 cocktails, none compare to the B&B cocktail in taste and smoothness. That is what makes it one of the best classic cocktails.

    At the heart of the B&B cocktail 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 cocktail traces its origins back to the Benedictine monks who crafted Bénédictine D.O.M. in 1510, up to the early 1900s when this cocktail 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 Cocktail

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

    The two ingredients needed for a Benedictine and Brandy drink in tubes
    Two simple ingredients are needed for a B&B cocktail recipe.

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

    • Benedictine liqueur
    • Your favorite Brandy

    How to make a B&B

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

    Demonstration of mixing Benedictine and brandy for a B&B cocktail
    Pour in the Benedictine first.
    Demonstration of mixing Benedictine and brandy for a B&B cocktail
    Float the brandy using a bar spoon.

    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 cocktail combines the sweet taste of brandy with the herbal taste of Benedictine, for a bit of a sweet and spicy taste.

    Can you drink Benedictine straight?

    Yes, you can. It was originally created to be consumed as a medicinal drink. I like the taste of it by itself just fine.

    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 cocktail? 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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    The classic B&B cocktail shown in a snifter

    The B&B Cocktail is Sophisticated, Simple and So Delicious

    Kevin Mayfield
    The warm, smooth Benedictine and brandy is the perfect elegant cocktail. It calls for equal amounts of the two ingredients, but you can always adjust it to your exact preference.
    5 from 7 votes
    Print Recipe Pin Recipe
    Prep Time 1 minute min
    Total Time 1 minute min
    Course Classic Cocktails
    Cuisine American
    Servings 1 Cocktail
    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 cocktail. 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 cocktail over ice. For this version, simply add a couple of cocktail 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 cocktail, B&B, b&b brandy, b&b liquor, Benedictine, Benedictine and brandy, brandy, elegant cocktails
    Tried this recipe?Let us know how it was!

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    About Kevin Mayfield

    Reader Interactions

    Comments

    1. Lisa says

      January 01, 2022 at 8:32 am

      5 stars
      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

        January 01, 2022 at 5:01 pm

        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
    2. K says

      October 08, 2024 at 12:31 am

      5 stars
      I just found your website whilst searching for a B&B cocktail.

      This website is amazing! So many recipes from a bygone era brought back!

      Reply
      • Kevin Mayfield says

        October 08, 2024 at 11:05 am

        Thank you K, I'm glad you like it. The B&B is a favorite of mine as well.

        Reply
    5 from 7 votes (5 ratings without comment)

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    Hi, I'm Nancy! Welcome to Flourchild where I share classic mid-century recipes from the 1940's - 1970's. I feature many vintage handwritten recipes, and provide modern shortcuts and a variety of healthy and special diet-friendly versions whenever possible. Join me in exploring the delicious flavors and from-scratch cooking techniques of our past!

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