Dubonnet & Gin (The Queen’s Favorite Cocktail)

Did you know that Dubonnet and gin was the Queen of England’s favorite cocktail? Dubonnet is seeing a resurgence in popularity recently, especially since the Queen’s death. As a gin lover, I couldn’t wait to try this beautiful pink cocktail. I was not disappointed. It’s not too sweet, and is a perfect balance to herbaceous gin.

What is Dubonnet?
Dubonnet is a French aperitif that’s been around for over 170 years. It’s made from a blend of red grapes, with hints of aromatics, herbs, blackcurrant and a touch of quinine. Said to help combat malaria, quinine was originally a key component in tonic water, hence the popularity of gin and tonic in the tropics. With has 14.8% alcohol by volume, it can be served in a variety of ways including, on the rocks or with soda or as the Queen preferred, with gin and a twist or slice of lemon.

How do you make a Dubonnet and gin cocktail?
The ratio the Queen preferred for her drink, which she had on the rocks before lunch, was 2 parts Dubonnet to 1 part gin. Serve it with either a twist or a slice of lemon. For this version, I envisioned a more elegant cocktail. I used a cocktail shaker, added crushed ice and poured it into two pretty coupe glasses fit for a Queen.

Recipe

PREP TIME: 5minutes mins
COURSE: Aperitif
CUISINE: French
SERVINGS: 2 servings
CALORIES: 148 kcal

INGREDIENTS
2 ounces London dry gin
4 ounces Dubonnet
2 slices lemon (or twists)

INSTRUCTIONS:
Measure Dubonnet and gin and pour into a cocktail shaker filled with ice.
Shake vigorously. Pour into two coupe glasses. Garnish with lemon twists or wedges.

NUTRITION
Serving: 1 cocktail
Calories: 148kcal
Carbohydrates: 1g
Protein: 0.1g
Fat: 0.02g
Saturated Fat: 0.01g
Polyunsaturated Fat: 0.01g
Sodium: 0.4mg
Potassium: 10mg
Fiber: 0.2g
Sugar: 0.2g
Vitamin A: 2IU
Vitamin C: 4mg
Calcium: 2mg
Iron: 0.1mg

19% ABV