Bénédictine substitutes
The closest substitute for Bénédictine is Drambuie, which works but the drink will taste a little different. Honeyed like Bénédictine, but whisky-based. Yellow Chartreuse also works. In a pinch, use Galliano.
What to use instead of Bénédictine
| Substitute | How much | Strength |
|---|---|---|
DrambuieWorks, tastes different Honeyed like Bénédictine, but whisky-based. Same amount | Same amount | 35–40% ABV |
Yellow ChartreuseWorks, tastes different More herbal. Same amount | Same amount | 40–43% ABV |
GallianoLast resort More vanilla and anise. Same amount | Same amount | 30–42.3% ABV |
Almost the same: most people won’t notice. Works, tastes different: still a good drink, just a different one. Last resort: better than skipping the drink.
Swap it in your drink
Pick a substitute to see how much to pour in each drink with Bénédictine, how strong the drink ends up and when to adjust the sugar.
- Bobby Burns
7.5ml (¼ oz) Bénédictine → 7.5ml (¼ oz) Drambuie
Same strength
- Chrysanthemum
30ml (1 oz) Bénédictine → 30ml (1 oz) Drambuie
Same strength
- Ford Cocktail
7.5ml (¼ oz) Bénédictine → 7.5ml (¼ oz) Drambuie
Same strength
- La Louisiane
22ml (¾ oz) Bénédictine → 22ml (¾ oz) Drambuie
Same strength
- Monte Carlo
15ml (½ oz) Bénédictine → 15ml (½ oz) Drambuie
Same strength
- Poets Dream
7.5ml (¼ oz) Bénédictine → 7.5ml (¼ oz) Drambuie
Same strength
- Singapore Sling
7.5ml (¼ oz) Bénédictine → 7.5ml (¼ oz) Drambuie
Same strength
- Vancouver
15ml (½ oz) Bénédictine → 15ml (½ oz) Drambuie
Same strength
- Vieux Carré
1 barspoon Bénédictine → 1 barspoon Drambuie
Same strength
- Widows Kiss
22ml (¾ oz) Bénédictine → 22ml (¾ oz) Drambuie
Same strength
How they compare
| Property | Bénédictine | Drambuie |
|---|---|---|
| Strength | 40% ABV | 35–40% ABV |
| Taste | Sweet honey, Herbal, Citrus peel, Warm spices | Sweet honey, Whisky warmth, Herbal, Spice |
| Aroma | Honey, Herbs, Citrus, Saffron, Spice | Honey, Heather, Scotch, Herbs, Spice |
| Finish | Long, Herbal, Sweet, Complex | Warming, Honey, Long, Complex |
| Property | Bénédictine | Yellow Chartreuse |
|---|---|---|
| Strength | 40% ABV | 40–43% ABV |
| Taste | Sweet honey, Herbal, Citrus peel, Warm spices | Sweet, Honey, Herbal, Citrus, Spice |
| Aroma | Honey, Herbs, Citrus, Saffron, Spice | Honey, Saffron, Herbs, Citrus, Anise |
| Finish | Long, Herbal, Sweet, Complex | Smooth, Herbal, Warming, Medium |
Bottles like Bénédictine
B&B (Bénédictine & Brandy) is made in the same style as Bénédictine, so it swaps in at the same amount. How they differ
What is Bénédictine?
Bénédictine is a French herbal liqueur with honey, citrus, and complex spice notes. Essential for classic cocktails like the Singapore Sling and Vieux Carré.
Got Bénédictine? It also replaces
Questions about Bénédictine substitutes
What is the best substitute for Bénédictine?
Drambuie is the closest substitute for Bénédictine, though the drink will taste a little different. Honeyed like Bénédictine, but whisky-based. Use the same amount.
What can I use instead of Bénédictine in a Singapore Sling?
Drambuie: swap 7.5ml (¼ oz) of Bénédictine for 7.5ml (¼ oz) of Drambuie.
What else tastes like Bénédictine?
B&B (Bénédictine & Brandy) is made in the same style as Bénédictine, so it swaps in at the same amount. Expect small differences in bitterness and sweetness.
Does Drambuie instead of Bénédictine change how strong the drink is?
Barely. In the 10 drinks on this page that use Bénédictine, Drambuie changes the strength by less than one percentage point.
More liqueur substitutes
Out of Bénédictine?
Proof knows these swaps. Tell it which bottles you have and it shows the drinks you can still make.