In the distant and wonderful country of Normandy, in the city of Fekan, a French herbal liquor is produced - Benedictine. The adjusted release of alcohol takes place in the Benedictine Palace, which is located in the city center. Liqueur has a pronounced herbal aroma, sweet taste and emerald color. It also has healing properties, and is inexpensive.
The history of liquor "Benedictine"
Acquaintance with a wonderful drink happened in 1510, when one of the monks (from the monastery of St. Benedict) worked with sweat on his face to create an elixir of youth. He did not achieve the goal, but having tried his “brainchild”, he was greatly struck by the amazing taste of the drink. So his invention passed into the rank of elite varieties of alcohol.
The recipe for the Benedictine liquor is shrouded in secrets; few knew its true secret. Once he was completely lost, but not forever. In 1863, the winemaker Alexander Legrand unexpectedly discovered ancient records. As it turned out later, this was the very real way to make a drink. Having decrypted the notes, he decided to follow the same path as the creator of the liquor. Legrand began experiments on the composition, soon his work was crowned with success.
A little later, he formed his own enterprise for the production of French drinks and named it - "Benedictine." The monastic order approved and signed the permit.
The composition of the liquor "Benedictine" and features of manufacture
It is known that the recipe for a wonderful drink is kept in the strictest confidence, but still little information is available about it.
Ingredients:
- Juniper.
- Saffron.
- Melissa.
- Arnica.
- Cinnamon.
- Cloves.
- Vanilla.
- Lemon.
- The zest of orange.
- Coriander.
- Thyme.
- Honey.
- Tea.
- Aloe.
- Angelica
If you believe the historical facts, then the total components (herbs and spices) in alcohol - 120 items. The basis of the Benedictine liquor is pure beet alcohol, which went 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 insist. After two months, the semi-finished product is filtered and bottled.
The right supply of alcohol
A tasty and aromatic drink is recommended to be consumed 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’s best not to throw sugar in coffee, as the liquor is quite sweet.
Recipe for popular mixed drinks
There are many options for cocktails with Benedictine liquor. It can be mixed with different ingredients and alcohol:
- In a glass with liquor you need to add "Schweppes" (you can have orange juice), a few ice cubes, a slice of lime. It will turn out a well-known cocktail - "Alchemist", which will surprise with its spicy and refined taste.
- Jasmine tea. At the bottom of the carafe with a mixed drink, a jasmine flower is placed, which should bloom in hot water.
- Two parts of Benedictine and one part of fresh grapefruit juice create another delicious cocktail. Proportions can be selected at your discretion.
- A mixed drink with milk will be pleasant and refreshing on a hot day. To prepare take a glass, liqueur "Benedictine", milk (from the refrigerator), 1 stick of cinnamon, honey to taste and lemon. All components are mixed, a glass decorated with a slice of lemon, optionally sprinkled with cinnamon.
- Scottish Bobby Burns is served in a cocktail glass. But its preparation takes place in a separate bowl, where they add the liquor itself, Scotch whiskey, martini and lemon zest.
- It is necessary to mix (in a shaker) honey, lemon juice, egg white and liquor. Top recommend sprinkled with nutmeg. This cocktail is called "Monk's Drink".
How to cook at home?
Many tried to make a well-known drink on their own. True, few knew that Alexander Legrand used mixtures of several distillates, and the production technology was “graceful” refined and difficult. Despite this, people are still trying to recreate elite alcohol. They choose a simplified recipe. To do this, you need the following ingredients:
- Purified alcohol (1 liter).
- Ginger powder
- Cloves.
- Vanilla.
- Saffron.
- Angelica root.
- Nutmeg.
- Zest of orange or lemon (this will give the tincture a pleasant taste and aroma).
- Sugar.
- Water.
- Honey.
Stages of alcohol production:
- All components must be crushed and filled with prepared alcohol.
- The broth should be left to infuse (15 or 30 days) in a dark and cool place.
- To prepare the syrup, you need to mix sugar (300 grams) and water (0.5 l), cook over low heat.
- When the broth has cooled, you need to add 40 or 50 grams of honey.
- Now the syrup can be let through the filter system and add the zest of orange.
- Then the alcohol is bottled, it is sent to infuse for 2 months.
Varieties of liquor
To date, there are three types of liquor "Benedictine". Each of them is distinguished by its feature:
- Benedictine - this is the very famous historical drink, the production of which began in 1510.
- Benedictine Single Cask. This type of alcohol is the most seasoned of all. It is insisted in small wooden barrels for a long time. As a result, the taste of alcohol is richer, but not very sweet. In addition, the degree of the drink rises to 45.
- B & B ("Benedictine and Brandy"). This type of liquor appeared in the 20th century (30s), when one bartender decided to mix brandy with Benedictine. As a result, another drink appeared with a less sweet taste, but dry. In the future, brandy was replaced with cognac, but the name did not change.
Beneficial features
In the last century, doctors prescribed this liquor to pregnant women. The fact is that he did a great job with toxicosis in the morning. But this is not the only item on the list of useful properties. The effect of the treatment is due to the composition of various herbs. But it should be remembered that this is still alcohol, so you need to take it in a certain dosage. For health reasons, it is recommended to consume 30 grams of an alcoholic drink per day.
The perennial herbal angelica plant used in the preparation of liquor improves the digestive tract and also copes with indigestion, bloating and diarrhea. The next important component in the drink is honey. Its medicinal properties help improve the condition of the cardiovascular system, spleen and liver function.
In addition, this sweet ingredient is recommended for those who have low immunity, nervous disorders and insomnia. Most reviews of the Benedictine liquor suggest that it has a rejuvenating effect. But getting involved in this drink is not recommended. Previously, all girls and women used this liquor to reduce pain and excessive discharge of blood during menstruation. Saffron also stimulates the renewal of the circulatory system.
Contraindications and harm
Many liquors have a number of negative health effects if consumed without the indicated measure. Such a drink contains a large percentage of sugar, which means calories. Naturally, those who monitor their weight and health are not advised to drink it.
Since the liquor contains various herbs, 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 up to 18 years, pregnancy and lactation.