10 Best Benedictine Substitutes

benedictine liquor

A liqueur is a common ingredient in cocktails. But you shouldn’t exclude it from cooking. It can actually have a nice effect on your dish.

One of the many types of liqueur is Benedictine. It is a herbal liqueur from France. And has a blend of 27 herbs together, spiced with a neutral spirit that blends in with honey.

This is a distilled spirit liqueur that is consumed all over the world and is used as a sweetener to the most famous cocktails. But not just as part of beverages and other drinks, the liqueur is often used in cooking as well.

Benedictine is quite often used in many dishes as well. Since you might not enjoy its taste or you have none in your bar cabinet, you wonder if there are other types of liqueurs or drinks that can help you with your recipes?

The best substitutes for Benedictine are Drambuie, Yellow Chartreuse, Chartreuse Liqueur, Glayva, Amaro, Regular Brandy, Jagermeister, Grand Marnier, Fernet Branca, and Campari.

Go on and try the best liquor that suits you.

Substitutes for Benedictine

Substituting liqueurs is a real challenge. Each one is different and unique. They have their individual flavors. It depends on your recipe which one you will use.

We have found the best 10 liquors which can help you with your cocktails or if you are making a dish or dessert. No need to worry, go through each of the substitutes and take your pick.

1. Drambuie

Drambuie

When you think of replacing Benedictine, the first thing that comes to mind is the golden-colored liqueur Drambuie. Made of a combination of herbs, spices, honey, and Scotch whiskey. The sweet flavors are amazing. And the taste is improved with the other tones.

This liqueur gives cocktails sweet traces. However, it’s perfect for cooking as well. Also, generally speaking, it has a bolder taste than Benedictine.

You can serve it with rock or as part of some cocktails. So, don’t be afraid to experiment. Add it to make a nice dessert.

2. Yellow Chartreuse

Chartreuse is a famous French liquor made out of many herbs just like Benedictine. It is a sweet liquor with 40% alcohol. And it is a bit sweeter than Benedictine.

It has traces of citric, honey, violet, saffron, anise, and licorice. Use it in most things that call for Benedictine. Add a bit in your cooking for extra flavor especially in desserts. 

3. Chartreuse Liqueur

This is another herbal liqueur that is also made in France and serves as a good replacement for Benedictine. As previously stated, this liqueur is another green version that you can use in recipes that ask for Benedictine.

Typical for cocktails. However, you shouldn’t exclude it from your desserts and chocolates. It has many herbs that deliver a nice smooth and sweet flavor. The green version has 55% of alcohol with an herbal and floral taste. Use it in most recipes that require Benedictine. 

4. Glayva

Another drink that dates far back is the Glayva. This is yet another way to substitute Benedictine. It’s a mix of Scotch and spices made in Edinburgh.

It has the flavors of almond, honey, cinnamon as well as tangerines. The deep golden color makes it even more unique than it already is with its flavor. Use it in many ways, add it to your cooking to provide more tastefulness.  

5. Amaro

Amaro

Another Italian liqueur that is very similar to Benedictine and can be good to fill in for it is Amaro. What it has in common with benedictine is that it is herbal.

You can drink it on its own or as part of certain cocktails. It is made out of wine and infused with botanicals. Use it in most ways as if you have used Benedictine. 

6. Regular Brandy

Brandy

One of the many types of alcohol that will be good for replacing Benedictine is Brandy. Made of distilled wines, Brandy contains about 60% alcohol. Therefore, it can serve you well.

They’re made differently. However, you can use them as a substitute for each other. Not just as a beverage, Brandy can be good for cooking as well, in desserts or soups. 

7. Jagermeister

Jagermeister is a popular drink. You can either drink it on its own or include it in cocktails. Its unique taste can replace Benedictine in many ways.

The taste of Jeger is a blend of citrus, licorice, spice, saffron with a sweet, rich flavor. Not just as part of cocktails, you can also add Jagermeister into your cooking. It especially pairs well with foods on a grill.

8. Grand Marnier

Grand Marnier

A nice sweet orange-flavored liqueur that can replace Benedictine is the Grand Mariner. This type of beverage has hints of vanilla from the cognac.

This Mariner is actually really good for baking. It’s perfect for roasting duck or other poultry dishes. This orange tasty brandy can serve you well as part of some cocktails. Or in the kitchen.

9. Fernet Branca

A famous Italian liquor is a good replacement for Benedictine in many ways. It is made out of 30 different roots and herbs. And it is aged into oak vats for one year. It has an intense, sweet, yet bitter taste.

The Fernet is also flavored with bitter orange and a grip of many other herbs and species. All of these result in its unique taste. It can be consumed after dinner. Or served in small glasses.

Like any other liquor, Fernet finds its way into the kitchen. You can use it in small doses to add aroma and flavor to your dish.

10. Campari

A famous type of liquor that is a common ingredient in many cocktails is Campari. Since it is often used, it’s a good replacement for Benedictine in different recipes.

Its bitter taste will work well with other liquors. Or it will be good for cooking. The cherry-red-colored liquor contains herbs and fruits which are turned into alcohol. It is great for most of the recipes that ask for Benedictine.

Related Questions

What is the flavor of Benedictine?

Benedictine is a sweet liquor that has a very specific and unique taste. The flavor is smooth, sweet, and similar to honey. However, it has subtle tones of licorice too. It is a combination of 27 herbs, spices, and peels.

Is Benedictine a brandy?

It is a herbal liqueur from France that dates for a very long time. It is actually a type of liqueur but not a brandy.

Is Benedictine a cognac?

Cognac is a type of brandy but Benedictine is a type of herbal liqueur. However, they both taste good and you can include them in both cocktails and cooking.

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