Liquor "Benedictine": composition, history, reviews

2024 Author: Isabella Gilson | [email protected]. Last modified: 2023-12-17 03:14

In the distant and wonderful country of Normandy, in the city of Fécamp, the French herbal liqueur Benedictine is produced. The well-established release of alcohol takes place in the Benedictine Palace, which is located in the city center. Liquor has a pronounced herbal aroma, sweet taste and emerald color. It also has medicinal properties and is inexpensive.

History of Benedictine liqueur

Introduction to a wonderful drink happened in 1510, when one of the monks (from the monastery of St. Benedict) worked hard to create an elixir of youth. He did not reach his goal, but after tasting his “brainchild”, he was greatly amazed by the amazing taste of the drink. So his invention moved to the rank of elite varieties of alcohol.

The Benedictine liqueur recipe is shrouded in secrets, few people knew its true secret. Once he was completely lost, but not forever. In 1863, winemaker Alexandre Legrand unexpectedly discovered old records. As it turned out later,it was the real way to make the drink. Having deciphered the notes, he decided to follow the same path as the creator of the liquor. Legrand began experimenting with the composition, and soon his work was crowned with success.

After a while, he formed his own company for the production of a French drink and called it - "Benedictine". The monastic order approved and signed the permit.

Composition of Benedictine liqueur and manufacturing features

It is known that the recipe for a wonderful drink is kept in the strictest confidence, but there is still little information about it.

Ingredients:

1. Juniper.
2. Saffron.
3. Melissa.
4. Arnica.
5. Cinnamon.
6. Carnation.
7. Vanilla.
8. Lemon.
9. Orange peel.
10. Coriander.
11. Thyme.
12. Honey.
13. Tea.
14. Aloe.
15. Angelica.

If you believe the historical facts, then the total components (herbs and spices) in alcohol - 120 items. The basis of Benedictine liqueur is pure beet spirit, which has gone through several stages of distillation. After a long infusion of the decoction in oak barrels, all of the above herbs, spices, tea and honey are added there. Then the barrels are heated to 55 degrees, allowed to cool and re-sent to infuse. Two months later, the semi-finished product is filtered and bottled.

Proper serving of alcohol

Delicious and fragrant drinkIt is recommended to use not in its pure form. You can add a couple of pieces of ice to it, then its taste will become even more expressive and full. This alcohol goes well with coffee. They are either mixed or alternated. It is best not to throw sugar into coffee, as the liquor is quite sweet.

Recipe for popular mixed drinks

There are many varieties of Benedictine cocktails. It can be mixed with different ingredients and alcohol:

1. In a glass of liquor you need to add "Schweppes" (you can orange juice), a few ice cubes, a slice of lime. You will get a well-known cocktail - "Alchemist", which will surprise you with its spicy and refined taste.
2. Jasmine tea. A jasmine flower is placed at the bottom of the decanter with a mixed drink, which should bloom in hot water.
3. Two parts Benedictine and one part fresh grapefruit juice make another delicious cocktail. The proportions can be selected at your discretion.
4. Mixed alcoholic drink with added milk will be nice and refreshing on a hot day. To prepare, take a glass, Benedictine liqueur, milk (from the refrigerator), 1 cinnamon stick, honey to taste and lemon. All components are mixed, the glass is decorated with a slice of lemon, sprinkled with cinnamon if desired.
5. Scottish drink "Bobby Burns" served in a cocktail glass. But its preparation takes place in a separate bowl, where the liquor itself, Scotch whiskey, martini and lemon zest are added.
6. It is necessary to mix (in a shaker) honey, lemon juice,egg white and liqueur. Top with a sprinkle of nutmeg. This cocktail is called Monk's Drink.

How to cook at home?

Many tried to make the well-known drink on their own. True, few people knew that Alexandre Legrand used mixtures of several distillates, and the production technology was "gracefully" honed and difficult. Despite this, people are still trying to recreate elite alcohol. They choose a simplified version of the recipe. For this you will need the following ingredients:

1. Pure alcohol (1 liter).
2. Ginger powder.
3. Carnation.
4. Vanilla.
5. Saffron.
6. Angelica root.
7. Nutmeg.
8. Zest of an orange or lemon (this will give the tincture a pleasant taste and aroma).
9. Sugar.
10. Water.
11. Honey.

Steps for making alcohol:

1. All components must be crushed and pour prepared alcohol.
2. Decoction should be left to infuse (15 or 30 days) in a dark and cool place.
3. To prepare the syrup, mix sugar (300 grams) and water (0.5 l), simmer.
4. When the broth cools down, you need to add 40 or 50 grams of honey.
5. Now the syrup can be put through the filter system and add orange zest.
6. Next, alcohol is bottled, it is sent to infuse for 2 months.

Varieties of liquor

Today there are three typesliqueur "Benedictine". Each of them has its own peculiarity:

1. Benedictine is the most famous historical drink, the production of which began in 1510.
2. Benedictine Single Cask. This type of alcohol is the most aged of all. It is aged in small wooden barrels for a long time. At the exit, the taste of alcohol is richer, but not very sweet. In addition, the degree of the drink rises to 45.
3. B&B ("Benedictine and Brandy"). This type of liquor appeared in the 20th century (30s), when one bartender decided to mix brandy with Benedictine. The result was another drink with a less sweet taste, but dry. In the future, brandy was replaced with cognac, but the name was not changed.

Useful properties

During the last century, doctors prescribed this liqueur to pregnant women. The fact is that he perfectly helped with toxicosis in the morning. But this is not the only item on the list of useful properties. The effect of treatment occurs due to the various herbs that make up the composition. But it should be remembered that it is still alcohol, so it must be taken in a certain dosage. For he alth purposes, it is recommended to consume 30 grams of alcoholic beverage per day.

Angelica, a perennial herbal plant used in the preparation of liquor, improves the functioning of the digestive tract, and is also excellent for indigestion, bloating and diarrhea. The next important component in the drink is honey. Its medicinal properties help to improve the condition of the cardiovascularvascular system, spleen and liver function.

In addition, this sweet ingredient is recommended for those with low immunity, nervous disorders and insomnia. Most reviews of Benedictine liqueur say that it has a rejuvenating effect. But it is not recommended to get involved in this drink. Previously, all girls and women used this liquor to reduce pain and copious bleeding during menstruation. And the saffron herb stimulates the renewal of the circulatory system.

Contraindications and harm

Many liqueurs have a number of negative he alth effects if consumed without the indicated measure. This drink contains a large percentage of sugar, and therefore calories. Naturally, those who monitor their weight and he alth are not advised to drink it.

Since there are various herbs in the liquor, the likelihood of allergic reactions is high. Like any other alcoholic drink, Benedictine can adversely affect the kidneys and liver. There are also standard contraindications: age under 18, pregnancy and lactation.