BBC
Shake ∙ 3 min ∙ 22.2% ABV ∙
The BBC is a shaken equal-parts cocktail of cognac, Bénédictine, and cream, served up in a coupe and topped with grated nutmeg. Silky and dessert-like, with brandy warmth and honeyed herbal spice from the Bénédictine settling into a creamy, nutmeg-dusted finish — a fireside nightcap.
Ingredients
1
Servings
Garnish
Instructions for 1 serving
- Pre-chill a glass
- Shake all ingredients with ice: Cognac 30 mlBénédictine D.O.M. liqueur 30 mlSingle cream/half-and-half 30 ml
- Fine strain into the chilled glass
- Garnish with grated nutmeg
Tips
- Shake hard with plenty of ice for a full 15-18 seconds since the cream needs vigorous agitation to emulsify and aerate properly.
- Use equal parts cognac, Bénédictine and cream so no single flavor dominates; measure precisely rather than eyeballing the pour.
- Fine-strain into a chilled coupe to catch ice shards, since the cream build is prone to a slushy, grainy texture otherwise.
History
The BBC is a cream-based dessert cocktail thought to have originated in the United Kingdom in the late 1970s. Its name is not a nod to the British Broadcasting Corporation but a simple abbreviation of its three components: Brandy, Bénédictine, and Cream. Beyond this general dating and account of the name, no further detail about a specific creator or venue is documented.
FAQ
What does BBC stand for in a cocktail?
In this context, BBC stands for Brandy, Bénédictine, and Cream, the three equal-part ingredients that make up the drink. It is shaken and served up in a coupe glass with grated nutmeg on top.
What is a BBC drink made of?
Cognac, Bénédictine D.O.M. liqueur, and single cream (or half-and-half) in equal parts, shaken and fine-strained into a coupe glass. It is finished with a dusting of grated nutmeg and carries a vegetarian-friendly, dessert-like profile at around 215 calories per serving.
Is a BBC cocktail shaken or stirred?
Shaken. The cream needs the vigorous agitation of a shake to aerate and blend smoothly with the cognac and Bénédictine; stirring would leave it thin and separated.
What glass is a BBC served in?
A coupe glass, served up with no ice, topped with grated nutmeg.
Is the BBC cocktail the same as the frozen drink or TikTok trend also called BBC?
No, this BBC is a classic-style shaken cognac, Bénédictine, and cream cocktail served in a coupe glass, distinct from any frozen cruise-ship drink or social media trend that shares the same initials. Those are separate, unrelated drinks despite the overlapping name.
