Meet Dom Bénédictine: History in a Bottle
If you’ve ever stared at that elegant, wax-sealed bottle of Dom Bénédictine on the liquor shelf and thought, “What exactly do I do with this?” — you’re not alone. This mysterious liqueur has been around for centuries, but it’s often overlooked in modern home bars. Let’s fix that.
Dom Bénédictine (often just “Bénédictine”) is a French herbal liqueur created in the 16th century by monks—yes, actual monks—in Normandy. It blends 27 herbs and spices into a smooth, layered spirit that’s sweet, spicy, and a little herbaceous. Think honey, saffron, cloves, and a touch of citrus. If there were a cocktail cabinet philosopher, it’d sound like Bénédictine.
I first discovered it during a trip to a cramped Parisian bar where the bartender served it neat as a digestif. It was cold outside, and the drink felt like a warm wool coat from the inside out. Back home, I experimented with it in cocktails and quickly realized: Bénédictine is a powerhouse in small doses, and it pairs beautifully with everything from gin to whiskey.
How to Drink Dom Bénédictine Neat
Let’s not overcomplicate things. You can absolutely sip Bénédictine neat or over a cube of ice, especially after a meal. I like it in a small brandy snifter, just enough to warm in your hands, allowing the aromas to develop. The flavor evolves in the glass — first honey and herbs, then a slow fade of spice and citrus. It’s comforting, layered, and surprisingly smooth for 40% ABV.
Pro tip: If you find it a tad too sweet on its own, try a 50/50 blend of Bénédictine and a good cognac or brandy. In fact, that combo has a name: B&B, and it deserves a place in your after-dinner rotation.
B&B: The Simplicity of Perfect Balance
The B&B (Bénédictine & Brandy) is probably the most traditional way to enjoy this liqueur. It works because Bénédictine’s sweetness and herbs are balanced perfectly by the heat and dryness of brandy. Here’s how I like to build it:
- 1 oz Dom Bénédictine
- 1 oz good-quality brandy or cognac
- Stirred over ice and strained into a chilled coupe or served over a large ice cube in an old-fashioned glass
Optional: Express a lemon peel over the top if you want to brighten things up.
This is your fireside sipper. It’s also the kind of drink that makes you feel a little wiser just for holding the glass.
Three Signature Cocktails with Bénédictine
Here’s where we have some fun. Bénédictine doesn’t need to dominate a cocktail—you only need a barspoon or half an ounce to tilt the balance and add intrigue. Below are three cocktails I absolutely love, each showcasing a different side of this herbaceous gem.
1. The Singapore Sling (with a tweak)
Originally created at the Raffles Hotel in Singapore, this tiki-esque cocktail calls for Bénédictine as a supporting actor. The drink is fruity, but the herbal edge of the Bénédictine keeps it from being overly sweet. Here’s my go-to version:
- 1.5 oz gin
- 0.5 oz cherry liqueur (Heering if you have it)
- 0.25 oz Dom Bénédictine
- 0.75 oz lime juice
- 0.5 oz pineapple juice
- Dash of Angostura bitters
Shake everything well over ice and strain into a Collins glass over fresh ice. Top with club soda if you like some fizz. Garnish with a cherry and a lime wheel. It’s tropical without the umbrella—balanced, bright, and just complex enough to make you feel like you’ve worked for it.
2. The Monte Carlo
Think Manhattan, but with rye whiskey and Bénédictine instead of sweet vermouth. The result is richer, spicier, and a touch herbal. This is one of those quiet powerhouse cocktails that honestly deserves more love.
- 2 oz rye whiskey
- 0.5 oz Dom Bénédictine
- 2 dashes Angostura bitters
Stir over ice until chilled and strain into a coupe glass. Express a lemon peel over the top. It’s bold, classic, and incredibly satisfying.
3. Chrysanthemum — The Unexpected Apertif
This one surprised me the first time I tried it. It’s lighter in ABV than your average cocktail and makes a beautiful, herbal aperitif.
- 2 oz dry vermouth
- 0.5 oz Dom Bénédictine
- 1 dash absinthe (or pastis)
Stirred, not shaken, and served up in a chilled coupe. No garnish required, but a paper-thin orange twist wouldn’t hurt. It’s floral, a little mysterious, and makes a great first drink of the evening.
Using Dom Bénédictine as a Modifier
One of the reasons I always keep a bottle of Bénédictine on hand is its versatility. You don’t need a full ounce to make an impact. Just a barspoon will completely shift a drink’s profile.
Try replacing triple sec or another sweet modifier in your favorite cocktail recipe with Bénédictine. Think Margarita twist with Bénédictine instead of Cointreau—you’ll get more herbal depth and a softer finish. Or add a dash to your Old Fashioned next time. It’s a game-changer.
It also pairs surprisingly well with amari. Think Bénédictine and Averna in small portions to round out a Negroni riff. For lovers of savory, layered cocktails (and let’s be real—if you’ve read this far, that might be you), it’s a match made in bittersweet heaven.
Tips for Hosting with Bénédictine
Looking to impress guests without making ten different drinks? Build a simple menu around one special cocktail—like the Monte Carlo or Singapore Sling—and offer it as your “house special.” Pre-batch the base in a pitcher (skip any citrus or garnishes until serving) and let guests serve themselves. It streamlines your night and puts Bénédictine in the spotlight where it belongs.
For dessert? A shot of chilled Bénédictine served in espresso cups with a square of dark chocolate keeps things simple, elegant, and just a little indulgent.
Where to Store It and How Long It Lasts
Bénédictine is shelf-stable thanks to its alcohol content—no need to refrigerate—but I’d keep it in a cool place away from direct sunlight. Once opened, it will last at least two years, possibly longer. The flavor may mellow slightly over time, but that’s not necessarily a bad thing. I go through a bottle every six months or so, so I never worry.
One mistake I made early on? Keeping the bottle tucked away and forgetting about it. Don’t. It deserves a spot near the front of your bar shelf—right next to the vermouths, amari, and go-to modifiers.
Final Thoughts
Dom Bénédictine isn’t just for monks or bartenders in speakeasies—it’s for anyone who wants to add a little herbal magic to their glass. Whether you’re sipping it after dinner or mixing up a bold Monte Carlo, this liqueur brings something sophisticated and soulful every time you uncork it.
If you’ve been sleeping on it, consider this your wake-up call. Dust off that bottle, grab your shaker, and start experimenting. You might just unlock your new favorite cocktail.