cl benedictine liqueurs
Contains approximately 263 calories per 1.5 oz serving; provides no significant protein, vitamins, or minerals due to serving size conventions, though honey and botanical infusions contribute minor phytochemical compounds.
About
Benedictine D.O.M. is a French herbal liqueur produced continuously since 1510 by Benedictine monks in Fécamp, Normandy, though the monastery connection is now historical. The liqueur is made from an infusion of 27 herbs, spices, and plants (including angelica, juniper, saffron, and myrrh), combined with a neutral spirit base and honey, resulting in a deep amber-brown liquid with an alcohol content of 40% ABV. The exact formula remains proprietary, though historical records suggest medieval monastic origins. The abbreviation "D.O.M." stands for "Deo Optimo Maximo" (to God, most good, most great).
The liqueur exhibits a complex, bittersweet flavor profile with pronounced herbal, spiced, and slightly floral notes, balanced by natural sweetness. It is traditionally bottled in a distinctive bottle with an ecclesiastical label and green-and-gold branding.
Culinary Uses
Benedictine is employed as a digestif in traditional French practice and features in classic cocktails such as the Vieux Carré and the Singapore Sling. In the kitchen, it serves as a flavoring agent in sauces, particularly for game meats, and in desserts such as crème brûlée and chocolate preparations. The liqueur's herbal complexity makes it suitable for both sipping neat and mixing in aperitif and long-drink preparations. It pairs well with dry spirits like cognac and is sometimes enjoyed with a splash of water to open its aromatic profile.