What is Dubonnet?
Dubonnet is a deep red French aperitif that has been enjoyed since 1846. This unique blend was developed by Sir Joseph Dubonnet, a Parisian wine merchant and chemist, who combined fortified red wine with quinine, a medicinal compound derived from the cinchona tree, originally intended to help prevent malaria among soldiers in North Africa. Today, Dubonnet features a base of red wine infused with herbs, spices, cinchona, and cane sugar.
As favored by Queen Elizabeth, Dubonnet pairs beautifully with gin in cocktails. The herbal notes of gin complement the aperitif's distinctive spicy and sweet profile. While the queen preferred Gordon's gin for her cocktails, any gin can be used. Dubonnet is also delightful on its own, whether served at room temperature, over ice, or mixed into various drinks.
For those who wish to stick with gin, the queen's preferred cocktail can be elevated into a more intricate Opera cocktail by adding a splash of maraschino liqueur and two dashes of bitters. Instead of a standard glass, it is typically served in a martini glass.
Additionally, Dubonnet can add an exciting twist to a classic Manhattan. Simply substitute part of the vermouth with Dubonnet and bitters for a richer flavor. For those seeking a simpler option, Dubonnet also works wonderfully in a spritz cocktail, which typically includes white wine or Prosecco, an aperitif or liquor, and a splash of soda water.
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