Dubonnet cocktail
The Dubonnet cocktail is a sweet cocktail made of gin and a fortified wine (also called Dunnobet rouge), and dates back to the 19th century. The drink is usually served as an aperitif.
As to the origin of the cocktail, they say that Joseph Dubonnet, a Parisian pharmacist, was trying to find cure for malaria and in 1846 created cinchona wine. The drink turned out to be very bitter, so the young pharmacist supplemented it with essences of various herbs and spicy tinctures.
Initially, it was used for its medicinal purpose – it was taken by infected soldiers. One day Madame Dubonnet served vermouth at a home reception as an aperitif, and the guests liked the new drink.
This cocktail later became known as a Dubonnet.
- Prep Time:
- Total Time:
- Type: Cocktail
- Units: 2
Equipment
- Lowball glass
Ingredients
- 40 ml Dubonnet Rouge
- 40 ml gin
- lemon wedge (to garnish)
Instructions
- Fill a mixer with ice, and pour in the Dubonnet and gin.
- Stir well until chilled.
- Strain the liquid into a cocktail glass full of ice and garnish with a lemon wedge
FAQ
What’s in a Dubonnet cocktail?
It’s a simple two-part mix of Dubonnet Rouge (a fortified wine aperitif) and gin, stirred and served over ice with a lemon twist. Sometimes called the “Dubonnet Cocktail,” it’s one of the simplest classic aperitif drinks.
How strong is it?
A standard serve (40ml gin at 40% ABV + 40ml Dubonnet at 15% ABV) comes to about 2 alcohol units, making it similar in strength to a Manhattan.
Who made it famous?
The Dubonnet cocktail is famously linked to Queen Elizabeth II, who reportedly enjoyed it regularly before lunch, always with a slice of lemon.
What glass is it served in?
Traditionally in a lowball (Old Fashioned) glass with ice, though some serve it “up” in a coupe for a more formal style.
What does it taste like?
Herbal, slightly bitter-sweet, with notes of quinine and spice from Dubonnet balanced by the crisp bite of gin. It’s more complex than a Gin and Tonic, but much softer than a Negroni.
What are the best gin cocktails?
If you like a gin cocktail like this classic Dubonnet we also have a roundup of the 10 best gin cocktails, it’s not official, but we think you’ll find the list quite inspiring!
Which cocktails are considered “royal favourites”?
The Dubonnet cocktail is famously linked to Queen Elizabeth II, who enjoyed it before lunch. The Gin and Tonic has long been a staple in the British royal household, especially with Gordon’s gin. And the Martini – often made very dry – was a go-to for both Queen Elizabeth the Queen Mother and Prince Philip. Together, these three make up the best-known royal cocktail choices.
Are there other cocktails with royal connections?
Yes – champagne-based cocktails like the Kir Royale and French 75 also carry regal names and associations, though they’re more French in origin than British.
What is an aperitif?
The word Aperitif was originally used by the French to refer to an alcoholic drink to be consumed before dinner. Some popular examples of an aperitif are; the French Martini, Vesper Martini, Negroni, Aperol Spritz or the Cardinale cocktail.