Nutty Monk

A sophisticated cocktail featuring walnut-infused Cognac and Benedictine liqueur, garnished with a fresh cherry. This drink combines the warmth of toasted walnuts with the complex flavors of aged brandy and herbal liqueur.

1 servings

36 hr 17 min

Published October 4, 2025

Ingredients

•1 liter Cognac
•1 cup walnut halves
•2 tablespoons Benedictine liqueur
•1 dash bitters
•1 cup ice cubes
•1 piece fresh cherry
•1 piece funnel
•1 piece coffee filter

Cooking Instructions

1.
Preheat oven to 350°F. Transfer Cognac to large heatproof pitcher (or mason jar) (reserve Cognac bottle).
5 min
2.
Spread walnuts on large rimmed baking sheet and toast, stirring occasionally, until dark brown, about 10 minutes. Add hot walnuts to pitcher with Cognac and cover with plastic wrap. Let steep 36 hours, agitating gently every 12 hours. Line funnel with coffee filter and set over Cognac bottle. Strain Cognac into bottle, discarding walnuts. DO AHEAD: Infused Cognac can be prepared ahead and stored at room temperature, covered, up to six months.
2170 min
3.
In chilled cocktail shaker, combine 1/4 cup (2 ounces) infused Cognac, Benedictine, bitters, and 1 cup ice. Stir until well chilled, about 30 seconds. Strain into 12-ounce double old-fashioned glass and add remaining 1 large cube of ice (or 2-3 smaller ones). Garnish with cherry and serve.
2 min

Cooking Instructions

Preheat oven to 350°F. Transfer Cognac to large heatproof pitcher (or mason jar) (reserve Cognac bottle).

5 min

Spread walnuts on large rimmed baking sheet and toast, stirring occasionally, until dark brown, about 10 minutes. Add hot walnuts to pitcher with Cognac and cover with plastic wrap. Let steep 36 hours, agitating gently every 12 hours. Line funnel with coffee filter and set over Cognac bottle. Strain Cognac into bottle, discarding walnuts. DO AHEAD: Infused Cognac can be prepared ahead and stored at room temperature, covered, up to six months.

2170 min

In chilled cocktail shaker, combine 1/4 cup (2 ounces) infused Cognac, Benedictine, bitters, and 1 cup ice. Stir until well chilled, about 30 seconds. Strain into 12-ounce double old-fashioned glass and add remaining 1 large cube of ice (or 2-3 smaller ones). Garnish with cherry and serve.

2 min