B & B

Pro tips

• Use a 1:1 ratio by volume (0.5 oz each) for proper balance—Benedictine's sweetness and herbal notes should not overpower the brandy.
• Stir for 15–20 seconds in a mixing glass with large ice cubes to chill without over-diluting; strain into a chilled glass.
• Quality matters significantly in a two-ingredient drink—choose a smooth, aged brandy; cheap brandy will dominate unpleasantly.

Substitutions

• Old Mr. Boston Five Star Brandy → Cognac or Armagnac (richer, more complex flavor)
• Benedictine → Chartreuse (greener, spicier herbal notes; reduce quantity slightly)

Equipment

mixing glass · bar spoon · snifter or coupe glass

What is the B & B cocktail?

B & B is a classic cocktail made with equal parts Benedictine and brandy (traditionally Old Mr. Boston Five Star), stirred or shaken and served neat or over ice.

Do you shake or stir a B & B?

B & B is traditionally stirred in a mixing glass with ice, then strained into a snifter or coupe glass for a silky, well-chilled result.

Can you substitute the brandy in a B & B?

Yes—cognac, Armagnac, or other premium brandies work well. Avoid very young or harsh spirits; the quality of both ingredients matters in a two-ingredient drink.

Is B & B served cold or at room temperature?

B & B is served cold, either chilled neat (stirred with ice and strained) or on the rocks in a rocks glass.

What glassware do you use for B & B?

Serve in a snifter, coupe, or rocks glass depending on your preference—snifter for neat, rocks glass for on-the-rocks.