“This New Dubonnet Isn’t the Queen’s, but It’s Improved”, says the New York Times, so as I search for 2020 Christmas Cocktail recipes I figured I should try it for myself.
According to Heaven Hills, who distributes the American version of Dubonnet, for over 170 years, Dubonnet Rouge Grand Aperitif de France has been celebrated around the world as an authority on the aperitif tradition. But the version made and sold in the US is different from the original.
Dubonnet is red wine based, made from a distinct blend of grapes Rubyred, Rubicabernet and Muscat of Alexandria that give it a rich and balanced flavor. The proprietary blend of herbs & spices, black currant, essence of tea varietals, and other ingredients lends complexity to the taste and potent body. Cinchona Tree Bark an original medicinal ingredient derived from bark of the cinchona tree lends a dry tannin note and cane sugar adds a touch of sweetness.
For my taste test I went with a very basic version of the queens favorite Dubonnet cocktail. 1 part Dubonnet, 1 part Gin. I used Drumshanbo Gunpowder Irish Gin.
I tried two different versions of the same cocktail, one straight up Dubonnet and Gin and one shaken with ice. I preferred the latter version.
If you are intrigued, try it out and check out some other Dubonnet based recipes here.
