Benedictine is a great liqueur to have on hand for mixing cocktails, but if you find yourself without it there are plenty of substitutes that can be used in its place.
Amaro, Cointreau Triple Sec, Chartreuse Liqueur, Yellow Chartreuse, Drambuie, Campari, Grand Marnier, Jagermeister, Regular Brandy and Glayva are all viable substitutes that will result in a delicious drink.
If you want to make a richer drink, substitute heavy cream for the Benedictine.
Have fun experimenting with different substitutions to find your perfect cocktail!
What is Benedictine?
The Benedictine tradition has a long and varied history. Founded in Italy by the 6th century monk Saint Benedict, it is one of the oldest living monastic orders still in existence today. The spirit of Benedictine is to live a communal life consisting of prayer and work, modeled after the teachings and examples set forth by its founder.
They strive to cultivate humility and hospitality, always seeking divine guidance through worship and study. While their methods may vary between communities, the underlying principles remain constant; this deep reverence for God shapes their daily lives in meaningful ways. As Benedict wrote in his Rule: “to seek God above all else.
Related: Best Substitutes For Green Chartreuse
Why Substitutes Benedictine?
Substituting Benedictine for other ingredients in recipes can be quite beneficial. For example, cream and butter make a dish creamy and tasty; however, using Benedictine helps to create the same effect without adding unhealthy fats, sugars, or calories.
It also is low in sodium and provides fewer carbohydrates than heavy creams do, making it a healthier option for those watching their nutrition.
With its unique blend of spices such as dill, garlic and parsley, it can give ordinary dishes an unexpected kick that can tantalize taste buds perfect for adventurous cooks! Plus, with its rich texture and subtle sweet flavor, there is no wonder why Substituting Benedictine has become increasingly popular among health-conscious home chefs.
Top 10 Benedictine Substitutes
If you’re looking for a delicious and easy-to-make alternative to traditional Benedictine, look no further! These ten substitutes for Benedictine will have you feeling satisfied in no time.
1. Amaro
Amaro, or Italian herbal liqueur, is growing in popularity as a substitute for Benedictine in cocktails. Made with an infusion of herbs and spices combined with a neutral alcohol base, amaro has a unique and complex flavor profile that infuses depth and complexity into drinks, while providing the same sweetness that Benedictine does.
Amaro can be enjoyed neat as an after-dinner digestif but more commonly it is used as an additional component to cocktails, balancing the bitter and herbal flavors of other ingredients.
When substituting amaro for Benedictine in recipes, the key thing is to keep one’s desired flavor profile in mind; for instance subbing a sweeter variety of amaro will balance aromatized wines with fruitier notes such as vermouth. By experimenting with amaro, bartenders can develop creative cocktails that bring out the best of its aromatic and pleasantly bitter character.
2. Cointreau Triple Sec
Cointreau Triple Sec is an orange-flavored liqueur that makes a great substitution for the hard-to-find Benedictine liqueur. It has the same sweet and citrusy notes as Benedictine, but with added orange flavors.
It’s easy to use in cocktails: simply substitute it one-for-one in any recipe that calls for Benedictine. And since Cointreau is widely available, you can easily swap it into drinks that call for Benedictine and get similar delicious results – perfect when you want a unique tasting cocktail without having to hunt down a special liqueur!
3. Chartreuse Liqueur
Chartreuse liqueur is a unique and distinct spirit, often used as a substitution for the popular Benedictine liqueur. Derived from an ancient recipe of 130 herbs and plants, Chartreuse has a unique flavor profile which makes it perfect for cocktails or sipping on its own.
It can be enjoyed neat or over ice, or mixed with other spirits and flavorings to create delicious cocktails such as the Last Word or Summer Memories Fizz.
Depending on variant, Chartreuse liqueur can be quite vibrant in color ranging from light yellow to emerald green making it an attention-grabbing addition to any drink. All in all, Chartruese makes a great substitution for Benedictine; this powerful and flavorful liqueur can add the necessary complexity to even the most familiar cocktail.
4. Yellow Chartreuse
Yellow Chartreuse is great for substituting Benedictine in many cocktails. Produced by monks since the 18th century, Yellow Chartreuse offers a unique complexity featuring notes of honey, lemon, and berry. Use it as a substitution for Benedictine to add a more herbal hint to any cocktail such as the Japanese Cocktail or Corpse Reviver.
To incorporate Yellow Chartreuse in place of Benedictin, start off with just a dash combined with other ingredients like existing recipes call for. You can always experiment with different amounts until you find what best suits your taste.
Although it’s not a direct 1:1 substitute of Benedictine and Yellow Chartreuse, it adds an interesting herbal and citrus twist when incorporated in your favorite cocktails!
5. Drambuie
Drambuie is a flavored liqueur that is brewed from aged single malt Scotch whisky, honey, herbs and spices. It can be used as a substitution for Benedictine in cocktails such as the Rob Roy and Vieux Carré. The flavor of Drambuie provides a new twist on classic recipes with its sweet and nutty taste, while still incorporating subtle flavors of anise and herbs.
To use Drambuie, begin by measuring it out using either teaspoon or milliliter measurements to achieve the desired amount per recipe. After it has been added to the other ingredients in your drinks, shake vigorously and strain into glasses filled with fresh ice. Enjoy your tasty creations!
6. Campari
Campari is quickly becoming a popular substitute for Benedictine, the classic sweet liqueur. Its unique herbal flavor and bright red color make it the perfect choice for cocktails or as an ingredient to add depth and complexity to other drinks.
Campari is particularly beloved for its bitterness which pairs perfectly with a variety of spirits, including gin, whiskey, and tequila. It can be enjoyed on its own over ice or shaken into tall drinks like Negronis and Americanos.
To experience the flavor of Campari in all its glory, we recommend serving it with a light tonic water, a lime wedge, and dashes of orange bitters – sure to bring out an unmistakeable complexity that’s both refreshing and delightful.
7. Grand Marnier
Grand Marnier is a popular liqueur known for its orange flavor. It is often used as a substitution for the hard-to-find Benedictine liqueur in recipes. Grand Marnier provides more rounded citrus flavor than Benedictine and imparts a slightly more aromatic aroma. It can be used in marinades, drizzles, cocktails and even desserts such as crepes and other pastries, enhancing both the aroma and flavour.
To use it to substitute Benedictine in recipes, ensure that you match the original amount of liquid called for with the amount of Grand Marnier you use ,no matter which balance you adjust, you won’t be disappointed with the delicious results!
8. Jagermeister
For those looking for an interesting spirit to substitute for Benedictine, consider giving Jagermeister a try. Created by a German liqueur brand, Jagermeister is made of 56 herbs and spices blended with spring water and a neutral grain spirit.
With herb-filled dominating flavors and plenty of spice, Jagermeister can be used in place of Benedictine as a sweet addition to many cocktails including classic recipes like the Widow’s Kiss and Seelbach cocktails. Additionally, Jagermeister has become popular all over the world as an iconic shot drink often taken neat served cold or over ice cubes with an orange slice or other garnishes.
Whether it’s the classic cocktail recipes or modern takes on old favorites, substituting Benedictine with Jagermeister is sure to add both sweetness and complexity any mixologist would be proud of.
9. Regular Brandy
Regular Brandy is often used as a substitute for Benedictine in cocktails and other drinks. What makes Brandy such a great substitute for Benedictine is its intense flavor and complex flavor profile from fruity to herbal, spicy to honeyed, it has something to offer any palate.
To use Regular Brandy in place of Benedictine in your favorite drink, just add a tablespoon or two to the original recipe – you’ll get all the same great flavors but with an extra kick!
10. Glayva
If you’re looking for a great alternative to Benedictine liqueur, you should consider Glayva. This flavorful and fantastically smooth liqueur has its origins in Scotland, and is made from a unique blend of spices including cinnamon, clove and nutmeg.
Since it’s not as heavy as other popular liqueurs, Glayva makes the perfect after dinner drink or even an excellent addition to your favorite mixed drinks. To fully enjoy Glayva, you’ll want to pour it over ice or mix with soda for a refreshing long drink.
If you’re feeling experimental, try using it in place of whiskey in your traditional Irish coffee recipe! No matter how you use it, Glayva is sure to brighten up any evening.
To make a richer drink, substitute heavy cream for the Benedictine.
For those looking to add some extra richness and complexity to a classic liquor-based cocktail such as the famous desert liqueur Benedictine, a simple substitution of heavy cream can make all the difference. Not only will the thick, creamy texture turn a typical drink into something more luxurious and satisfying, but it also provides some additional subtle flavor layers with hints of sweetness. Proportions can be adjusted to taste, making the heavy cream an ideal way to craft cocktails at home for special occasions or just for fun.
Conclusion
If you are looking for an alternative to the traditional Benedictine liqueur, there are a few options you can explore. You may want to consider a mix of absinthe and lime juice, which mimics some of the flavors found in Benedictine, but adds its own unique twist. Another option is combining Grand Marnier and Cognac, which has a similar sweetness that comes with drinking Benedictine.
For those looking for a more modern substitute, honey-based liqueurs like Bärenjager make a great alternative. It has similar notes of juniper berries and herbs available in Benedictine and is best served with tonic water as opposed to traditional cocktails. No matter which route you choose, there is sure to be something pleasing to your palate when searching for Benedictine substitutes.