Bénédictine
Bénédictine, known as D.O.M. Bénédictine on the bottle, is a French herbal liqueur from Normandy. It is golden brown, sweet and spicy, with honey, clove and liquorice. Here you can read what Bénédictine is, what it tastes like and which classic cocktails it is used in.
A monastery story from Fécamp
Bénédictine was created in 1863 by Alexandre Le Grand, a wine merchant from Fécamp, on the coast of Normandy. According to the brand's story, he based the recipe on an old herbal elixir made by the Benedictine monks of the abbey in Fécamp. That is where the name comes from. The recipe containing 27 herbs and spices is still a secret.
The label says D.O.M. This stands for Deo Optimo Maximo, Latin for "to God, the best, the greatest". Le Grand used it to reinforce the monastery story. Bénédictine has 40% alcohol and is golden brown in colour. There is also B&B: Bénédictine mixed with brandy, drier than the original.
In short
D.O.M. Bénédictine
Gall & Gall sells one bottle: the classic 70 cl D.O.M. Bénédictine.
D.O.M. Bénédictine
Distinctive and complex, with aromas of herbs and fruit. Dark amber with a golden glow. You can taste clove, liquorice and honey.
Bénédictine is one of the oldest herbal liqueurs. Read more about the other types of liqueur on our liqueur page.
Honey-sweet and spicy
Herbs & honey
A rich aroma of herbs, honey and citrus peel, with a hint of clove.
Sweet and full-bodied
Sweet and syrupy, with honey and licorice. The spices follow immediately, warm and slightly bitter.
Long and warm
A long, warm finish with clove and a hint of orange. You can feel the 40% alcohol, but the sugar makes it smooth.
Flavor profile of D.O.M. Bénédictine at 40% ABV. With ice, it becomes less sweet and smoother.
Three ways to drink Bénédictine
Bénédictine has traditionally been a digestif: a small glass after dinner. But it also works well with ice and in cocktails.
Neat after dinner
Pour 3 to 4 cl into a liqueur glass at room temperature. Take small sips: the flavor is powerful.
Glass: liqueur glass →With ice or sparkling water
In a tumbler with a large ice cube, Bénédictine becomes less sweet. Add a splash of sparkling water and an orange peel for a light long drink.
Half and half with cognac
Mix Bénédictine with cognac or brandy, half and half. That makes your own B&B: drier and fuller than Bénédictine on its own. Delicious in a cognac glass.
About cognac →Cocktails with Bénédictine
Bénédictine features in a few famous classics. You usually only need a small amount.
Old Fashioned
Whiskey, sugar, and bitters. Try replacing the sugar with a bar spoon of Bénédictine.
Hot Toddy
Whiskey, honey, lemon, and hot water. A dash of Bénédictine pairs well with the honey.Vieux Carré
Rye whiskey, cognac, sweet vermouth, a bar spoon of Bénédictine, and bitters, stirred over ice. A New Orleans classic.
View recipe →Singapore Sling
Gin, cherry liqueur, Bénédictine, pineapple juice, lime, and grenadine. Fruity and lingering, served in a highball glass.
View recipe →Manhattan
Whiskey and sweet vermouth. A small amount of Bénédictine makes it rounder and more spiced.
View recipe →The right glass for Bénédictine
A small liqueur glass for sipping neat after dinner, a tumbler with ice, and a cognac glass for mixing with brandy. These are the glasses we recommend ourselves.
Everything else you wanted to know about Bénédictine
Can't find your question here? Read more about liqueur or browse our cocktail recipes.
To liqueur →What is Dom Bénédictine?
What does D.O.M. on the bottle mean?
How much alcohol is in Bénédictine?
How do you drink Bénédictine?
What is B&B?
Which glass do you use for Bénédictine?
Buy Bénédictine
Want the bottle at home right away? Order Bénédictine online from Gall & Gall.
Prices as of October 9, 2026, as provided by Gall & Gall. You can see the current price and availability at Gall & Gall. Glazen.nl receives a small commission if you buy something through these links; you pay nothing extra. No 18, no alcohol.