Dubonnet Cocktail Recipe

The Dubonnet Cocktail has a rich history dating back to the 19th century. It was created by Joseph Dubonnet, a French chemist, who wanted to make quinine more palatable for French Foreign Legion soldiers fighting malaria in North Africa. The cocktail quickly gained popularity among the French aristocracy and later became a favorite of Queen Elizabeth II.

• The Dubonnet Cocktail is a classic aperitif, perfect for stimulating the appetite before a meal.
• It's often associated with sophistication and elegance, making it a popular choice for upscale events and gatherings.
• The cocktail has inspired many variations over the years, but the original recipe remains a timeless classic.

The Dubonnet Cocktail offers a delightful balance of flavors, with a slightly bitter, herbal taste from the Dubonnet, complemented by the sweetness of the gin and the zesty notes of the lemon twist. It's a smooth, refreshing, and complex cocktail that leaves a pleasant, lingering aftertaste.

• Dubonnet is a fortified wine-based aperitif, infused with herbs, spices, and quinine, which gives it its distinctive bitter flavor.
• The Dubonnet Cocktail is sometimes referred to as the 'Queen's Cocktail,' as it's a well-known favorite of Queen Elizabeth II.
• In the 1930s, the Dubonnet Cocktail was often served with a splash of soda water to create a lighter, more effervescent version of the drink.

1. Chill a cocktail glass by filling it with ice and water, then set it aside.
2. Fill a mixing glass with ice.
3. Add the Dubonnet, gin, and orange bitters to the mixing glass.
4. Stir the mixture for 20-30 seconds, until well chilled.
5. Empty the cocktail glass and strain the mixture into the glass.
6. Garnish with a lemon twist, expressing the oils over the drink and placing it in the glass.

• Use fresh ice for the best taste and texture.
• Stir, don't shake. This cocktail is best when it's stirred to maintain the clarity of the drink.
• Express the lemon twist over the drink to release the oils and enhance the flavor.

Hors-d'oeuvres

• Charcuterie Boards: The richness of cured meats can be balanced by the herbal notes of the Dubonnet.
• Cheese Plates: Especially those featuring semi-hard cheeses like Gouda or Comté, which will complement the botanicals in the gin.
• Smoked Salmon: Its subtle flavors will be enhanced by the citrus notes from the lemon twist.
• Spiced Nuts: A mix of almonds or walnuts would echo the warmth and spice from the orange bitters.

Desserts

• Dark Chocolate: A piece of dark chocolate can bring out the deeper, fruity notes of Dubonnet.
• Lemon Tart: The sharpness of the dessert will mesh well with the brightness of the cocktail's lemon twist.

• Dubonnet: Can be replaced with other fortified wines like Vermouth.
• Gin: Try using vodka for a different flavor profile.
• Orange bitters: Angostura bitters can be used as a substitute.

Dubonnet Rosé Spritz

• Swap Dubonnet Rouge for Dubonnet Rosé and add a splash of sparkling water. This version is lighter and effervescent, ideal for a summer afternoon.

Herbal Dubonnet

• Muddle a sprig of thyme or rosemary in the mixing glass before adding the other ingredients. This twist adds an herbal fragrance to the cocktail, pairing fantastically with Mediterranean cuisine.

The Vermouth Swap

• Replace Dubonnet with a sweet vermouth. You'll steer the drink into a more classic, Manhattan-esque experience, rich with herbal complexity and a less pronounced fruitiness.