B & B

Pro tips

• Use high-quality Cognac; the simplicity of this two-ingredient drink makes spirit quality essential.
• Serve in a pre-warmed snifter to open up the herbal and oak notes.
• Maintain a 1:1 ratio by volume to ensure balanced flavor; do not eyeball the pour.

Substitutions

• Cognac → Armagnac (drier, slightly earthier profile)
• Cognac → Brandy (more accessible, less complex)

Storage & make-ahead

Store both Benedictine and Cognac in a cool, dark place; they do not require refrigeration and will keep indefinitely.

Should a B & B be served warm or cold?

Traditionally served at room temperature in a snifter or over ice, though some prefer it warmed gently in a heat-safe glass.

Can I substitute the Cognac in a B & B?

Yes; use another brandy (such as Armagnac or regular brandy) for a similar profile, though Cognac is traditional.

What is the ideal glassware for a B & B?

A snifter, rocks glass, or cordial glass works best to concentrate the aromas of the Benedictine and Cognac.

Is the B & B typically ordered as a shooter or sipper?

It is traditionally a sipper, served in smaller quantities as an after-dinner digestif to be savored slowly.