There are cocktails that arrive with a lot of fuss, and then there’s the B&B. Two ingredients, a glass, and that’s pretty much the whole story.
The name tells you exactly what’s in the glass: Brandy and Benedictine. The brandy brings warmth, fruit and oak, while Benedictine adds its distinctive blend of herbs and spices, along with a touch of sweetness. Put them together and you get a rich, aromatic drink that feels made for lingering over. It’s one of those little classics I come back to again and again, proof that you don’t need a long list of ingredients to make something memorable. Sometimes two bottles have already done all the work.
What exactly is in the B&B
Benedictine is a French herbal liqueur with a famously secret recipe, used in cocktails and mixed drinks since the 19th century. It also shows up in the Vieux Carré, if you want to see it play a supporting role instead of taking center stage. Pair it with brandy and you get a drink that’s spirit-forward, warming and gently sweet.
I like a good-quality brandy here because there’s nowhere for it to hide. Benedictine is already packed with flavor, so you want the brandy to have enough character to stand alongside it. If you love this kind of pared-back, brandy-forward drink, the Sidecar is another one worth having in your rotation.
And yes, the cocktail is sometimes simply called a B&B, while the bottled B&B liqueur made by Benedictine combines the two ingredients for you. Here, though, we’re making it ourselves.
What Does a B&B Taste Like?
The B&B is rich and gently sweet without ever tipping into cloying. The brandy provides the backbone, with notes of dried fruit, oak and spice, while Benedictine brings herbal, honeyed and warmly spiced flavors. The result is smooth and full-bodied, with considerably more going on than you might expect from just two ingredients.
Why A Lush Life Loves It
I love a cocktail that makes you reconsider how much you actually need in the glass. The B&B is practically a lesson in restraint, brandy, Benedictine and nothing else. It’s the sort of drink I’d happily order after dinner when I want something rich, herbal and decidedly old school.
B&B Cocktail FAQ
What does B&B stand for?
B&B stands for Brandy and Benedictine, the two ingredients in the classic drink.
Is a B&B served neat?
Traditionally, yes. A B&B is usually served neat in a small glass, although serving it over ice is perfectly acceptable if that’s how you prefer it.
Is B&B the same as Benedictine?
No. Benedictine is the herbal liqueur, while a B&B combines Benedictine with brandy. B&B is also the name used for the bottled blend produced by Benedictine.
Here is the recipe
B&B
Ingredients
- ¾ oz Bénédictine
- 1 oz brandy
Instructions
- Add all ingredients to a mixing glass with ice
- Stir until chilled
- Pour into a brandy glass