Brainstorm Cocktail Drink

Brainstorm

A shot of Gavin Wrigley looking to the camera in a dimly lit room
Written by
Gavin Wrigley
Andrea
Tested by
Andrea Ottaiano

Make the Brainstorm recipe for an exciting drink! Combine the ingredients to create a cocktail that’s both easy and delicious.

Brainstorm Recipe

Make the Brainstorm recipe to stay cozy this winter! Blend Irish Whiskey, Bénédictine D.O.M. liqueur, and Dry Vermouth for a comforting cocktail.

Prep time:

1 minute

Mixing time:

1 minute

Servings:

1

Calories:

135 kl

Ingredients

  • oz Irish Whiskey
  • ¼ oz Bénédictine D.O.M. liqueur
  • ¼ oz dry vermouth
  • Ice cubes
  • Lemon twist, for garnish, optional

Equipment

  • Mixing Glass
  • Measuring Jigger
  • Strainer
  • Barspoon
  • Coupe Glass

Instructions

  • Prep Glass: Chill your coupe glass with some ice.
  • Add Bénédictine: Measure and pour ¼ oz Bénédictine D.O.M. liqueur into the mixing glass.
  • Add Vermouth: Add ¼ oz dry vermouth to the mix.
  • Add Whiskey: Pour 1½ oz Irish Whiskey into the mixing glass.
  • Prep Mixing Glass: Fill your mixing glass with ice cubes.
  • Stir: Stir your mixture gently until well mixed and chilled.
  • Strain and Serve: Strain the mixture into your chilled coupe glass.
  • Garnish: Add a lemon twist for garnish if desired.

Notes

Substitutes:

  • Irish Whiskey: If you don't have Irish Whiskey, try using Scotch for a smokier flavor or Bourbon for a sweeter profile.
  • Bénédictine D.O.M. liqueur: I've used Drambuie as an alternative; it adds a honeyed note that complements the whiskey well.
  • Dry Vermouth: In a pinch, I've substituted it with white wine and added a dash of bitters to mimic the vermouth's complexity.

Making a Pitcher of Brainstorm:

  1. Scale: To make a pitcher serving 8, multiply all ingredients by 8, using 12 oz of Irish Whiskey, 2 oz of Bénédictine D.O.M., and 2 oz of Dry Vermouth.
  2. Mix: Combine all ingredients in a large pitcher filled with ice and stir well.
  3. Serve: Strain into individual chilled coupe glasses, garnish with lemon twists, and serve immediately.

Making it Non-Alcoholic:

  • Whiskey Substitute: Use non-alcoholic whiskey alternatives available in stores; they capture the essence without the alcohol.
  • Bénédictine Substitute: Create a simple syrup infused with herbs like thyme and honey to mimic Bénédictine's herbal notes.
  • Vermouth Substitute: Use non-alcoholic white grape juice with a splash of apple cider vinegar for acidity.

Making it Vegan:

Use Green Chartreuse instead of Bénédictine and ensure your whiskey and vermouth of choice are vegan friendly certified. 

Nutrition Facts

Calories
135
% Daily Value*
Sodium
 
1
mg
0
%
Carbohydrates
 
2
g
1
%
Sugar
 
1
g
1
%
Potassium
 
7
mg
0
%
Calcium
 
1
mg
0
%
Iron
 
0.01
mg
0
%

 

Brainstorm Cocktail Drink

Brainstorm Recipe

Gavin Wrigley Written by Gavin Wrigley
Jump to Video
Make the Brainstorm recipe to stay cozy this winter! Blend Irish Whiskey, Bénédictine D.O.M. liqueur, and Dry Vermouth for a comforting cocktail.
Prep time: 1 minute
Mixing time: 1 minute
Servings: 1
Calories: 135

Ingredients
 

  • oz Irish Whiskey
  • ¼ oz Bénédictine D.O.M. liqueur
  • ¼ oz dry vermouth
  • Ice cubes
  • Lemon twist - for garnish, optional

Equipment

  • Mixing Glass
  • Measuring Jigger
  • Strainer
  • Barspoon
  • Coupe Glass

Instructions

  • Prep Glass: Chill your coupe glass with some ice.
  • Add Bénédictine: Measure and pour ¼ oz Bénédictine D.O.M. liqueur into the mixing glass.
  • Add Vermouth: Add ¼ oz dry vermouth to the mix.
  • Add Whiskey: Pour 1½ oz Irish Whiskey into the mixing glass.
  • Prep Mixing Glass: Fill your mixing glass with ice cubes.
  • Stir: Stir your mixture gently until well mixed and chilled.
  • Strain and Serve: Strain the mixture into your chilled coupe glass.
  • Garnish: Add a lemon twist for garnish if desired.

Notes

Substitutes:

  • Irish Whiskey: If you don't have Irish Whiskey, try using Scotch for a smokier flavor or Bourbon for a sweeter profile.
  • Bénédictine D.O.M. liqueur: I've used Drambuie as an alternative; it adds a honeyed note that complements the whiskey well.
  • Dry Vermouth: In a pinch, I've substituted it with white wine and added a dash of bitters to mimic the vermouth's complexity.

Making a Pitcher of Brainstorm:

  1. Scale: To make a pitcher serving 8, multiply all ingredients by 8, using 12 oz of Irish Whiskey, 2 oz of Bénédictine D.O.M., and 2 oz of Dry Vermouth.
  2. Mix: Combine all ingredients in a large pitcher filled with ice and stir well.
  3. Serve: Strain into individual chilled coupe glasses, garnish with lemon twists, and serve immediately.

Making it Non-Alcoholic:

  • Whiskey Substitute: Use non-alcoholic whiskey alternatives available in stores; they capture the essence without the alcohol.
  • Bénédictine Substitute: Create a simple syrup infused with herbs like thyme and honey to mimic Bénédictine's herbal notes.
  • Vermouth Substitute: Use non-alcoholic white grape juice with a splash of apple cider vinegar for acidity.

Making it Vegan:

Use Green Chartreuse instead of Bénédictine and ensure your whiskey and vermouth of choice are vegan friendly certified. 

What is a Brainstorm?

A Brainstorm is an Irish Whiskey-based cocktail made of Irish Whiskey, Bénédictine D.O.M. liqueur, and Dry Vermouth. It’s not difficult to make, as it requires only a few ingredients and simple steps like stirring and straining. This cocktail offers a unique blend of flavors that appeal to those who enjoy herbal and slightly sweet drinks.

A side shot of a Brainstorm cocktail in a coupe glass on a black stone coaster placed on a wooden surface in front of a black background

What is a Brainstorm made of – The ingredients

Assemble these components to craft a Brainstorm:

  • Irish Whiskey: Delivers a smooth, rich base with hints of vanilla and oak.
  • Bénédictine D.O.M. liqueur: Infuses herbal complexity and subtle sweetness into the cocktail.
  • Dry Vermouth: Adds a dry, aromatic touch that balances the overall flavor.
  • Ice Cubes: Cools the drink and ensures a well-blended mix.
  • Lemon Twist (optional): Provides a fresh citrus aroma and serves as an elegant garnish.

Irish Whiskey, Benedictine, and dry vermouth laid out on a white bar table

How do you make a Brainstorm?

Follow our instructions to learn how to make a Brainstorm:

1
<p>Start by chilling a coupe glass.</p>

Start by chilling a coupe glass.

2
<p>Add Bénédictine D.O.M. liqueur into a mixing glass to introduce herbal complexity and sweetness.</p>

Add Bénédictine D.O.M. liqueur into a mixing glass to introduce herbal complexity and sweetness.

3
<p>Measure and pour in Dry Vermouth for a dry, aromatic balance.</p>

Measure and pour in Dry Vermouth for a dry, aromatic balance.

4
<p>Pour Irish Whiskey into the mixing glass, providing a smooth and rich base.</p>

Pour Irish Whiskey into the mixing glass, providing a smooth and rich base.

5
<p>Fill your mixing glass with ice cubes and stir gently until all the ingredients are well combined and the drink is chilled.</p>

Fill your mixing glass with ice cubes and stir gently until all the ingredients are well combined and the drink is chilled.

6
<p>Strain the cocktail into your chilled coupe glass.</p>

Strain the cocktail into your chilled coupe glass.

7
<p>Garnish with a lemon twist for a fresh citrus aroma, if desired.</p>

Garnish with a lemon twist for a fresh citrus aroma, if desired.

A Brainstorm cocktail, shot from above, in a coupe glass on a white marmol surface surrounded by Irish Whiskey, Benedictine, and dry vermouth

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FAQ

How many calories are in a Brainstorm cocktail?
A typical Brainstorm cocktail contains around 150-200 calories, depending on the specific brands and quantities of ingredients used.
How strong is the Brainstorm cocktail?
The Brainstorm has an alcohol by volume (ABV) of approximately 25-30%, which translates to about 50-60 proof.
What alcohol is used in a Brainstorm?
The primary spirit in a Brainstorm is Irish Whiskey, complemented by Bénédictine D.O.M. liqueur and Dry Vermouth.
In which glass do you serve a Brainstorm?
Serve a Brainstorm in a chilled coupe glass to enhance its presentation and maintain its temperature.
What does a Brainstorm taste like?
A Brainstorm offers a smooth blend of herbal notes from the Bénédictine, balanced with the rich, oaky flavors of Irish Whiskey and the dry finish of vermouth.
What is the ratio of ingredients in a Brainstorm?
The typical ratio for a Brainstorm is 6 parts Irish Whiskey to 1 part each of Bénédictine D.O.M. liqueur and Strucchi Dry Vermouth.
How is a Brainstorm served?
Serve the Brainstorm "up," meaning it is stirred with ice and then strained into the glass without ice.

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