The B&B Cocktail
The B&B cocktail [B&B stands for Brandy and Bénédictine] is perhaps one of the easiest classic cocktails to make, and definitely one of the most rewarding. Who knew that mixing equal parts of Cognac and Bénédictine D.O.M. could possibly produce such a flavour profile? The grapey tang of Cognac and the herby-honey flavour of Bénédictine D.O.M. combine here to make the B&B a taste sensation that is a lot more than simply the sum of its parts.
What Is Bénédictine D.O.M.?
Bénédictine D.O.M. is a classic French liqueur that has been around since the Benedictine monks in France started mixing herbal infusions with a base spirit to create any number of flavoured liqueurs for mixed drinks as far back as 1300. Bénédictine D.O.M. is an herbal infusion sweetened with honey and blended over a neutral base spirit.
It is said that the B&B Cocktail was first created in 1937 in America, but considering Bénédictine D.O.M. and Cognac have been around for hundreds upon hundreds of years, it is a little far-fetched to assume that some Benedictine monk hadn’t thought to blend the two anywhere up to 700 years ago.
Perfect Pairing: Cognac and Bénédictine D.O.M.
Anyway, while the origins of the B&B might well be debatable, one thing is abundantly clear—and that is that the smooth herby-honey flavour of the Bénédictine D.O.M. blends seamlessly with a good Cognac. This is certainly one of those occasions where I will advise that you use a VSOP or XO Cognac/Armagnac to bring out all of the flavour nuances that the B&B has up its sleeve.
How to Serve the B&B
You could serve a B&B cocktail over ice in an old-fashioned glass if you really want to, but for me, the B&B is about the flavour profile, and there is no better way to open up a Cognac-based cocktail than to blend the two ingredients with one ice cube and then strain into a brandy snifter and start swirling!
B&B Cocktail Recipe Ingredients:
50 ml Cognac or Armagnac
50 ml Bénédictine D.O.M.
Instructions:
Add both ingredients to a shaker with one ice cube.
Swirl gently (do not shake).
Strain into a brandy snifter.
Swirl and sip to enjoy the full flavour experience.
