If you’re anything like me, you spend a longer time than you should be going through every ingredient listed on the cocktail menu at your favorite bar. On top of things like simple syrup, various bitters, and classic spirits like bourbon, rye whiskey, vodka, rum, and gin, you’ve likely seen liqueurs like St Germain, Chartreuse, Cointreau, and Bénédictine listed. There’s also a good chance you don’t know the ingredients of one or all of the above liqueurs.
That’s nothing to be ashamed of. I’ve been writing about alcohol for just a shade under twenty years, and I didn’t learn everything about these liqueurs overnight. I could write a story explaining the history and ingredients of each one, but today, you’re going to learn about Bénédictine.
What is Bénédictine?
At its essence, Bénédictine is an 80-proof herbal liqueur made in France. It was first created in the 1500s by a botanist and Bénédictine monk at the Abbey of Fécamp, located on the Normandy coast, named Dom Bernardo Vincelli. While its ingredients are kept secret, it’s believed to include flavors such as hyssop, juniper berries, mace, saffron, myrrh, angelica root, lemon, cloves, orange peels, cinnamon, and more. The recipe dates back to 1510. It’s safe to say, that even if you’ve never heard of Bénédictine, its history is much longer than bourbon whiskey, rye whiskey, and even single malt Scotch. Honestly, it’s been produced far longer than most of of our favorite alcoholic beverages.
How is it made?
It’s made by first distilling a neutral spirit and then infusing it with twenty-seven herbs, botanicals, roots, spices, and fruits. It’s then divided into four batches, each matured for a specific amount of time. After aging, the batches are blended, and saffron and honey are added before the spirit is double-heated and matured again. It’s then finally ready to be filtered and bottled. It’s produced at the Palais Bénédictine, a distillery and museum in Fécamp, France.
Gold in color, thanks to the addition of spices, herbs, and botanicals, Bénédictine is well-known for its velvety-smooth, rich, and memorable flavor profile. Bénédictine is an excellent addition to cocktail recipes due to its well-balanced flavor profile, which combines savory and sweet flavors, and its ability to elevate any drink. This versatile liqueur features notes of candied ginger, cloves, citrus zest, vanilla beans, pine needles, honey, and herbal flavors.
How is it used in cocktails?
Bénédictine is the type of liqueur all home mixologists should always have on their home bar cart. It adds honey, herbal, and gently spicy notes to any cocktail it’s included in. This includes many popular classic and contemporary drinks, including the Vieux Carre, A La Louisiana, Singapore Sling, Chrysanthemum, Ford Cocktail, and more.
I suggest you purchase a bottle and try it on its own to get acquainted with the aromas and flavors. Then, try some of the timeless cocktails mentioned above and experiment with them. Experiment with the flavors and combine them with your favorite spirits and ingredients to see what pairs well. It’s a fun, vibrant liqueur. Treat it that way.
