Bénédictine DOM
Why Is It So Popular in Malaysia?

Malaysia accounts for a disproportionately high share of the global sales of Bénédictine DOM, a French herbal liqueur drink made up of a secret elixir of 27 aromatic plants and spices thought to include Angelica root, hyssop, juniper, myrrh, saffron, mace, fir cones, aloe, arnica, lemon balm, tea, thyme, coriander, clove, lemon, vanilla, orange peel, honey, red berries, cinnamon, nutmeg and six unknown ingredients. 

By Хрюша - Own work, CC BY-SA 3.0, https://commons.wikimedia.org/w/index.php?curid=4776554

The drink was concocted in the 19th century by Alexandre Le Grand, a French wine merchant who cleverly marketed it as the favourite tipple of Benedictine monks at the Abbey of Fécamp in Normandy whose long lost recipe had been rediscovered by his grandparent. To add authenticity to his story he added the initials D.O.M. on every bottle, meaning Deo Optimo Maximo (To God, most good , most great), an abbreviation used by the monks on their documents.

Alexandre Le Grand. Photo by (mir) unbekannter Bildhauer - Own work, CC BY 3.0, https://commons.wikimedia.org/w/index.php?curid=9981936

The United States is the biggest market, followed by Malaysia, Singapore and UK. It is said that Burnley in England is a big consumer of 'Béné and hot' (diluted with hot water), popularised by returning soldiers of the East Lancashire Regiment who developed a taste for it in France during World War One. 

So why is Bénédictine DOM so popular in Malaysia?

The drink is more usually known as DOM in Malaysia where it is thought to have healing properties. The taste is honey sweet, pungent and herbal. Some Malaysian Chinese regard it as a health tonic particularly for mothers with newborns. Gift companies advertise baby shower gift hampers which include a bottle of Béné alongside the pacifiers, wipes and baby talc.

Newborn Gift Basket with Bénédictine by Gifts from Heaven

As it is 40% alcohol or 80 proof, nobody is suggesting it is good for baby, but Malaysian mums seem to find it a comfort.

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AUTHOR BIO

cartoon of author with an orangutan

David (the one on the left) is the writer behind Malaysia Traveller, sharing firsthand travel advice from over five decades of living and travelling across Asia and the Middle East. Based in Malaysia since 2009 and now in Kuching, he has published 700+ pages, personally visited every place he covers, and uses only his own photos. Readers can learn more on his About Me page. He also shares updates on Facebook and YouTube. He loves uncovering overlooked places even many Malaysians have never visited.