The 10 best DOM Benedictine cocktails
Introduction
Elevate Your Cocktails with Enigmatic Benedictine
DOM Benedictine, a botanical-rich liqueur, has tantalized palates and uplifted spirits since the 16th century.
Crafted using a mysterious blend of 27 herbs and spices, this French concoction offers a unique layer of complexity and warmth to cocktails. Its deep, honeyed flavour, accented with nuances of citrus, spice, and floral undertones, makes it an invaluable asset in the cocktail artisan's repertoire. This listicle navigates through the top 10 cocktails that beautifully harness Benedictine's intricate profile, showcasing its versatility across a spectrum of tastes and aromas. From classic concoctions to contemporary twists, each drink is a testament to how DOM Benedictine can elevate a simple mixture to an enchanting libation.
Discover how this illustrious ingredient intertwines with others to create cocktails that are not just drinks, but experiences to be savoured.
Top 10 DOM Benedictine cocktails
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· · · · · · Singapore Sling
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· · · · · · Vancouver
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· · · · · · Widow's Kiss
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· · · · · · New Yorker
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· · · · · · On The Bright Side
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· · · · · · Gypsy Queen
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· · · · · · Vieux Carré
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· · · · · · Bobby Burns
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· · · · · · Milk & Honey
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· · · · · · Poet's Dream
Conclusion
More about DOM Benedictine
1. Singapore Sling
A lavish creation that transports you to the bustling streets of Singapore. This cocktail is a vibrant tapestry of flavors, blending fruit juices with a mix of spirits and a hint of Benedictine. The liqueur's herbal complexity is the secret ingredient that binds everything together, providing depth and an almost mystical quality to the drink. It’s a melting pot of tastes, reflective of the cosmopolitan city it’s named after, offering a sip of adventure with every glass.
Ingredients
Method
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- Add all ingredients to a cocktail shaker with ice and shake well
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- Strain into a highball glass with ice cubes
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- Garnish with a pineapple wedge and a maraschino cherry before serving
2. Vancouver
This cocktail exudes elegance and sophistication, drawing inspiration from the vibrant cocktail scene of Vancouver. It cleverly balances Benedictine’s herbaceous sweetness with the crispness of gin and the layered vermouth, highlighting the spirit's capacity to elevate classic cocktails. With each sip, one uncovers a new layer, much like exploring the city's diverse landscape and culture. It stands as a testament to how a few well-chosen ingredients can create a memorable and harmonious blend.
Ingredients
Method
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- First, gather all the ingredients needed for your cocktail and mix them together in a mixing glass filled with ice
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- Ensure each component is fully incorporated by stirring the mixture for about 10-15 seconds, allowing the flavors to meld together seamlessly
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- After thoroughly stirring, use a fine strainer to separate the liquid from the ice, ensuring a smooth texture in your final drink
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- Pour the strained cocktail into a glass that has been pre-chilled, which will help keep your drink cold and enhance the flavor
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- Enjoy your perfectly mixed cocktail, savoring the balanced blend of ingredients in every sip
3. Widow's Kiss
A concoction steeped in allure, this cocktail marries Benedictine's sweet warmth with the green herbal notes of Yellow Chartreuse and the rich apple undertones of Calvados. It's reminiscent of a forbidden romance, its complexity rewarding those who dare to try it. The Angostura Bitters add yet another layer, making the drink a labyrinth of flavors where each sip brings a different note to the forefront. Its name evokes mystery, perfectly suiting this cocktail's enigmatic nature.
Ingredients
Method
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- Begin by combining all the ingredients in a mixing glass (for stirring) or a shaker (if you prefer your drink shaken) filled halfway with ice
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- If you're stirring, use a long spoon to do so gently for about 10-15 seconds, ensuring the mixture is well-cooled but not overly diluted
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- On the other hand, if shaking is more your style, give it a vigorous shake for 10-15 seconds or until the exterior of the shaker feels frosty to the touch, indicating the drink is nicely chilled
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- Next, take a chilled glass, ensuring it's been kept in the freezer for a bit or filled with ice water for a few minutes to get that perfect chill
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- Finally, strain the mixture into your prepared glass, capturing the ice and any undissolved ingredients, leaving you with a smooth, refreshing cocktail ready to enjoy
4. New Yorker
This cocktail offers a deep dive into the heart of American whiskey culture, with Benedictine providing an unexpected twist. The liqueur's sweetness and complexity cut through the whiskey’s robustness, while a dash of grenadine adds a layer of smooth sweetness, making the drink a perfect balance of strength and subtlety. It's a drink that speaks to the soul, embracing tradition while inviting the new, showcasing the liqueur’s versatility in enhancing classic flavors.
Ingredients
Method
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- Add all ingredients together with ice in a cocktail shaker and shake well
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- Pour into a cocktail glass and serve
5. On The Bright Side
Imagine a drink that mirrors the optimistic break of dawn. This cocktail achieves that with a harmonious blend of hearty whiskey, the sweetness of port, and the earthy undertones of Amaro, with Benedictine adding a whisper of herbal whispers in the background. It's a reminder that even the simplest moments can be elevated into something spectacular, a sip of sunshine, no matter the weather outside. This drink is an ode to joy and the bright side of life, making every moment worth savoring.
Ingredients
Method
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- Rinse a chilled martini glass with the Scotch
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- Next combine the other ingredients in a mixing glass with ice
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- Stir and strain into the rinsed glass before garnishing with an orange twist and serving
6. Gypsy Queen
A modern classic that stands out for its simplicity and elegance. The cocktail is a smooth dialogue between the creamy richness of vodka and the aromatic allure of Benedictine, with a dash of Angostura bitters to introduce a hint of spice. The liqueur is the linchpin that transforms ordinary ingredients into a sophisticated drink, proving that sometimes, less truly is more. It’s a reflection of modern minimalism, capturing the essence of contemporary cocktail culture.
Ingredients
Method
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- Begin by combining all the specified ingredients in a mixing glass filled with ice, ensuring they mix well together
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- Using a long spoon, stir the mixture gently but thoroughly for about 10-15 seconds to properly chill and dilute the drink
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- After stirring, carefully strain the cocktail into a glass that has been pre-chilled in the freezer, to preserve the drink's cold temperature
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- This process helps eliminate any unwanted ice shards or herb bits for a smoother sip
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- Enjoy your meticulously crafted cocktail, ideally served immediately to savor its perfect chill and flavors
7. Vieux Carré
An embodiment of New Orleans’ rich cultural tapestry, this cocktail is a sultry mix of Cognac, bourbon, and vermouth, with Benedictine weaving its magic into the concoction. The drink is a harmonious blend of boldness and complexity, reflective of the city’s vibrant spirit. Each component adds a distinct voice, yet it’s the Benedictine that orchestrates the symphony, adding a touch of mystique that transports one straight to the heart of the French Quarter.
Ingredients
Method
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- In a mixing glass with ice, add all the ingredients and stir until chilled
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- Strain into a rocks-filled lowball glass, garnish with a cherry, and serve
8. Bobby Burns
This drink is a poetic journey through the highlands of Scotland, with whiskey and red vermouth leading the way. The addition of a dash of Benedictine is a nod to the ancient craft of herbal liqueurs, adding a layer of depth and intrigue. It’s a cocktail that celebrates tradition while whispering tales of misty moors and starlit nights, a blend that is both grounding and ethereal. With every sip, it invites introspection and a deeper appreciation for the layers of flavor that can be achieved.
Ingredients
Method
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- Pour all ingredients into a shaker with ice
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- Shake well then strain into a chilled cocktail glass
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- Garnish with the zest of a lemon squeezed over the top, and serve
9. Milk & Honey
A soothing concoction that combines the comforting textures of milk with the rich, herbal complexity of Benedictine. This cocktail is a perfect nightcap, offering a calming embrace. It showcases Benedictine’s ability to morph and complement a seemingly simple base, transforming it into a luxurious drink. The cocktail is a gentle reminder of the pleasures to be found in subtlety and simplicity, a lullaby in a glass, promising sweet dreams.
Ingredients
Method
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- Pour Benedictine into a mug, fill with warm milk and stir
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- Garnish with an orange slice and cinnamon stick and serve
10. Poet's Dream
A cocktail that embodies elegance and creativity, it seamlessly blends dry gin with the vermouth’s crispness, using Benedictine to add whispers of herbs and spices. The drink is a canvas for experimentation, inviting one to explore the subtle harmonies between the different components. It captures the essence of the poet’s dream, where imagination and reality intertwine, offering a sip of inspiration and a moment of reflection in the bustle of everyday life.
Ingredients
Method
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- Begin by combining all of the ingredients into a mixing glass filled with ice, ensuring a thorough integration by stirring for about 10-15 seconds
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- After you've stirred the mixture, carefully strain it into a glass that has been pre-chilled, to preserve the coldness and enhance the drink's flavor
Conclusion
Selecting the top 10 cocktails that feature DOM Benedictine was an exploration of flavor and history.
Every cocktail chosen tells a story, from the birth of the Singapore Sling in the early 20th century to the inventive creations of modern mixologists. These cocktails were selected for their ability to showcase Benedictine’s unique qualities, making each drink special in its own right. Their inclusion highlights the liqueur's versatility, blending harmoniously with everything from whiskey and gin to milk. Whether you crave something sweet, spicy, or smooth, Benedictine’s presence guarantees depth and complexity.
The enduring appeal of these cocktails lies not just in their taste but in their ability to bring people together, making any occasion a little more special.
More info
Want to discover more?
- View all the cocktails that contain DOM Benedictine where you can filter and search the list.
- View the dedicated ingredient page for DOM Benedictine
More about DOM Benedictine
What is the history and origin of DOM Benedictine?
DOM Benedictine is a unique herbal liqueur with a rich history dating back to the 16th century. It originates from France, specifically the Abbey of Fécamp in Normandy. According to tradition, it was first created by the Benedictine monks from a secret recipe blending 27 different herbs and spices from around the globe. The name 'DOM' stands for 'Deo Optimo Maximo', translating to 'To God, most good, most great', reflecting its monastic origins. Despite its long history, the exact recipe remains a closely guarded secret, known to only a few people at any given time, preserving its mystique and timeless appeal.
What are the key flavor notes in DOM Benedictine?
DOM Benedictine boasts a complex and unique flavor profile, characterized by its sweetness and herbal nuances. Among its 27 herbs and spices, key notes include saffron, honey, and fennel, which contribute to its distinct taste. Additionally, drinkers can detect undertones of citrus and spice, creating a rich, multifaceted palate that enhances various cocktails. This complexity makes Benedictine a versatile cocktail ingredient, adding depth and intricacy to both classic and contemporary mixes.
How can DOM Benedictine be served in cocktails?
DOM Benedictine is highly versatile and can be used in myriad ways in cocktails. It's a key ingredient in classic cocktails such as the Singapore Sling, Vieux Carré, and the B&B (a simple yet refined blend of Benedictine and brandy). Beyond these classics, Benedictine's complex palate of herbs and spices allows it to serve as a robust modifier in contemporary cocktails, adding depth and flavor. It can also be enjoyed neat or on ice, serving as a sophisticated digestif. Its versatility makes it invaluable in crafting both traditional and modern cocktails.
Is there a substitute for DOM Benedictine in cocktails?
While DOM Benedictine's unique blend of 27 herbs and spices makes it irreplaceable in terms of exact flavor replication, there are substitutions that can mimic its herbal and sweet characteristics in a pinch. Chartreuse, another herbaceous French liqueur, shares some flavor similarities and can be used as an alternative. However, it's important to note that Chartreuse is generally stronger. For a closer match in sweetness, mixing a herb-infused syrup or a mild whiskey with a dash of honey and herbal tea can approximate Benedictine’s profile, though the complexity may differ.
Is DOM Benedictine suitable for vegetarians and vegans?
DOM Benedictine, being an herbal liqueur that does not explicitly list animal products among its ingredients, is generally considered suitable for vegetarians. However, the suitability for vegans is less clear due to potential processing aids or additives derived from animals that might be used in its production, a common issue with many alcoholic beverages. As the exact recipe and production process are closely guarded secrets, it's recommended for strict vegans to contact the manufacturer directly to ensure it aligns with their dietary requirements.
