B & B

Pro tips

• Use a quality brandy or Cognac—this two-ingredient cocktail has nowhere to hide, so ingredient quality directly impacts taste.
• Chill your glass before pouring to keep the drink at optimal temperature longer if serving neat.
• Stir ingredients gently with ice before straining if you prefer it slightly diluted and chilled, rather than neat.
• Serve in a snifter to warm the drink slightly in your hand and release the herbal and oak aromatics.

Substitutions

• Mr. Boston Five Star Brandy → Cognac (more refined, higher price point)
• Mr. Boston Five Star Brandy → Bourbon or Rye Whiskey (spicier, less smooth)
• Benedictine → Yellow Chartreuse (herbals shift, lighter and more vegetal)

Storage & make-ahead

Store both Benedictine and brandy in a cool, dark cabinet; once mixed, serve immediately.

What is the B & B cocktail?

A simple, classic cocktail made by combining equal parts Benedictine liqueur and brandy, typically served neat or over ice as an after-dinner drink.

Should you serve B & B cocktail warm or cold?

Traditionally served at room temperature in a snifter or neat, though many enjoy it over a single large ice cube or chilled.

Can you substitute the brandy in a B & B?

Yes. Cognac adds elegance, while bourbon or rye offers a spicier profile. The Benedictine stays constant to define the drink.

What type of glass is best for a B & B?

A snifter or small rocks glass; the snifter concentrates aromas while the rocks glass works well if serving over ice.

Is the B & B cocktail a digestif?

Yes, it's traditionally enjoyed after dinner due to its herbal Benedictine base and warming brandy, which aid digestion.