The Dubonnet cocktail is designed to showcase the finest gin you have in the bar. Originally an un-garnished cocktail from the 1930s, it is now served with a twist of lemon or orange peel.
It is said that Queen Elizabeth II enjoys a Dubonnet and Gin martini before lunch and there are several variations of this cocktail, where Dubonnet replaces the dry vermouth. To celebrate the Queen’s Jubilee Simon Difford created a new martini and increased the alcohol volume in keeping the dry vermouth.
Dubonnet is a sweet, fortified wine aperitif made from a blend of fortified wine infused with herbs and spices, including blackcurrant, black tea varietals, and quinine. Created in 1846 by Joseph Dubonnet, a chemist and wine merchant from Paris, Dubonnet designed his fortified wine to help French soldiers imbibe quinine against malaria in North Africa.
The spirit was awarded a coveted Royal Warrant in 2021.
Ease of Making: Easy, amend quantities as needed.
Glass Type: Nick & Nora or Old Fashioned (Tumbler)
Taste: Boozy, spirit led with herbal notes, citrus from the garnish
Recipe:
- 30 ml Explorer’s Gin
- 30ml Dry Vermouth
- 30ml Dubonnet
- Garnish with either lemon or orange peel
Method:
- Place ice into a cocktail shaker
- Add the gin, vermouth and dubonnet
- Stir the spirits with a barspoon until chilled
- Strain into a chilled glass
- Garnish
Variations:
- Different dry vermouths will influence the flavour profile, we enjoy Lillet Blanc
- If you can not chill your glass, add ice like, which will help dilute this punchy number!
