You may have noticed some unusual liqueurs joining our regular line up on the liquor shelves in the Brooklyn wine store. With cocktail culture in full swing, we thought you might be interested in creating some classic cocktails at home. Bénédictine is one of those lost liqueurs that is a staple of classic drinks like the Singapore Sling. It is an herbal liqueur with a cognac base and notes of citrus peel and honey. Take 5% off with a same day receipt from Provisions for over $10.
Note that our Bénédictine is the original, not B&B. B&B, which stands for Bénédictine and Brandy, was actually a drink created by a New York bartender at the 21 Club that became so popular that Bénédictine created a premixed blend. The original B&B cocktail was made by floating brandy on Bénédictine over ice using equal parts of both spirits. We actually prefer a Bourbon and Bénédictine, with ratios and flavors more similar to a Manhattan. Sometimes called a “Kentucky Colonel”, the drink is simple and the ratio of bourbon to Bénédictine can be adjusted according to taste.
Kentucky Colonel
2 1/2 oz bourbon (we used Old Pogue)
1/2 oz Bénédictine
lemon twist
Rim a chilled cocktail glass with the lemon twist. Combine bourbon and Bénédictine in cocktail shaker filled with ice and stir (or shake, like we did). Strain into cocktail glass and garnish with twist.