Dubonnet Cocktail
Every Valentine’s Day I’ve made a cocktail that pairs well with the theme. They’re usually pink or have angel in the title. Well, this year I chose to make a red cocktail that not only dates all the way back to the mid 1800’s, but also just happens to be Queen Elizabeth’s favorite drink.
Dubonnet was originally created in 1846 by Parisian chemist Joseph Dubonnet, who was searching for a way to help the French Foreign Legionnaires drink quinine, which was (and still is) used to combat malaria. A blend of red wines, herbs, spices and quinine, Dubonnet is really just the french version of tonic water. If you’re anything like me, you’re not a quinine (or tonic) fan because of the bitter flavor the elixir has. But unlike tonic water, Dubonnet is nice and sweet with some herbal notes that make the drink both delicious on its own and mixed into a cocktail.
Queen Elizabeth knew this, which is why she’s famously quoted as saying “I think that I will take two small bottles of Dubonnet and gin with me this morning, in case it is needed.” The Dubonnet Cocktail was known to be the Queen Mother’s favorite drink, one she often had before or with lunch. Since the apple doesn’t often fall far from the tree, it’s not that surprising that Queen Elizabeth II also enjoys the cocktail on occasion.
After tasting the cocktail myself, I can see why. It’s sweet and tangy and makes a delicious after dinner drink. The Dubonnet would be great on its own but also with dessert. I liked it so much I can’t wait to have another on Sunday… or maybe even later tonight.
Dubonnet Cocktail
Ingredients:
- 1-1/2 oz. Dubonnet Rouge
- 1-1/2 oz. gin
- 1 dash of Angostura bitters
Directions:
- Pour all ingredients into a cocktail shaker. Add ice and shake vigorously for about 30 seconds. Strain into a chilled cocktail glass, add a twist of lemon and serve.
