Benedictine
Is this for me?
Choose this if…
- ✓You want sweetness, flavour depth and lower ABV in your cocktail.
- ✓Features in 31 WhatDrink drinks.
Skip if…
- ✗You want a dry, neutral or high-ABV spirit base.
What is Benedictine?
Benedictine is an herbal liqueur used in classic cocktails, stirred drinks and after-dinner recipes. It adds honeyed sweetness, spice and herbal depth, often in small amounts alongside brandy, whiskey, gin or citrus.
What does Benedictine taste like?
Sweet, herbal and spiced, with honey, baking spice, citrus peel and botanical notes. Benedictine pairs well with brandy, whiskey, gin, lemon, bitters, vermouth, apple and warm spices.
Benedictine profile
Best used for: sours, refreshing drinks, aromatic cocktails, tropical drinks
- Appears in 31 recipes
- Has 4 common substitutes
- High-strength spirit (40% ABV)
Best For
Best With Benedictine
Drink Profile
Best for
- Adding sweetness to cocktails
- Coffee & dessert cocktails
- Best with brandy
- Best with whiskey
- Best with gin
Substitutes & similar
Possible substitutes for Benedictine
Substitutes
How to swap Benedictine
When replacing Benedictine, match both flavor and sweetness. A liqueur substitute can change the aroma, sugar level and color of the drink at the same time.
When to choose it
When to choose Benedictine
Choose Benedictine when the drink needs sweetness plus a specific aroma or flavor accent. Use it carefully because liqueurs can change both taste and sugar balance.
Skip if
Do not choose Benedictine when...
Do not choose Benedictine when the drink is already sweet or heavy. Liqueurs add both flavor and sugar, so they need acidity, dryness, bitterness or spirit strength for balance.
What it is
What kind of liqueur is Benedictine?
Benedictine adds sweetness, aroma and a specific flavor accent. It usually needs balance from citrus, bitterness, dryness or a stronger base ingredient.
Drink counts and recipe data are based on published WhatDrink recipes. Figures may vary as new recipes are added.