Dubonnet Aperitif Wine is a type of fortified wine that was first created in France in 1846 by Joseph Dubonnet. It is made by blending fortified wine (usually red wine) with a proprietary mixture of herbs, spices, and quinine. Dubonnet has a deep red color and a rich, complex flavor that is both sweet and bitter, with notes of fruit, herbs, and spices.
Dubonnet is often served as an aperitif, which means it is typically consumed before a meal to stimulate the appetite. It can also be used as an ingredient in cocktails, such as the Dubonnet Cocktail, which is made by mixing Dubonnet with gin and a twist of lemon.
Dubonnet gained popularity in the early 20th century, particularly in the United States, where it was marketed as a health tonic. Today, it is still enjoyed by many as a sophisticated aperitif or cocktail ingredient.
About Dubonnet Aperitif Wine
Origin: Dubonnet Aperitif Wine was first created in 1846 by a French chemist and wine merchant named Joseph Dubonnet. It quickly gained popularity in France and later became popular around the world.
Ingredients: Dubonnet Aperitif Wine is made from a blend of fortified wine, herbs, spices, and quinine. The exact recipe for the herbal mixture is a closely guarded secret, but it is said to contain ingredients such as cinchona bark, orange peel, and other botanicals.
Flavor and Proof: Dubonnet has a complex flavor profile that is both sweet and bitter, with notes of fruit, herbs, and spices. It has an alcohol content of around 16-18% ABV (alcohol by volume).
Usage: Dubonnet is typically served as an aperitif, either on its own or mixed with other ingredients to create cocktails. It is also sometimes used in cooking as an ingredient in sauces or marinades.
Production and Manufacturer: Dubonnet Aperitif Wine is produced by the Dubonnet company, which is now owned by Pernod Ricard. The wine is made in a similar way to other fortified wines, with the addition of the proprietary herbal mixture. The exact production methods and aging processes used by the Dubonnet company are not publicly disclosed. Dubonnet is widely available in liquor stores and online retailers around the world.
Dubonnet Aperitif Wine has a rich and complex flavor that makes it a versatile drink that can be paired with a variety of foods. Here are some food pairings that can complement the flavor profile of Dubonnet:
- Cheese: Dubonnet pairs well with a range of cheeses, from mild and creamy varieties like Brie or Camembert to sharper and tangier cheeses like Roquefort or Gorgonzola.
- Charcuterie: A plate of cured meats, such as salami, prosciutto, or chorizo, can be a great accompaniment to Dubonnet. The saltiness and richness of the meats can balance out the wine’s bitterness.
- Chocolate: The sweetness of chocolate can balance out the bitterness of Dubonnet. Dark chocolate, in particular, pairs well with the wine’s rich and complex flavors.
- Fruits: Fresh or dried fruits, such as figs, apricots, or cherries, can be a great pairing for Dubonnet. The fruit’s sweetness can complement the wine’s bitterness.
- Spicy snacks: Spicy snacks like nuts or crackers can be a great pairing for Dubonnet. The heat of the spice can be balanced out by the wine’s sweetness.
- Seafood: Dubonnet can be paired with seafood dishes like smoked salmon, oysters, or shrimp cocktail. The wine’s herbal notes can complement the briny and oceanic flavors of seafood.
Overall, Dubonnet Aperitif Wine is a versatile drink that can pair well with a variety of foods, making it a great addition to any meal or snack.
Dubonnet Aperitif Wine can be served in a variety of ways, depending on personal preference and occasion. Here are a few ways that Dubonnet is commonly served:
- On its own: Dubonnet can be enjoyed on its own, served in a small wine glass or tumbler. It is typically served chilled, either over ice or straight from the fridge.
- With a twist: A twist of lemon or orange can be added to a glass of Dubonnet to enhance the citrus notes in the wine.
- With soda: Dubonnet can be mixed with soda water or tonic water to create a refreshing and low-alcohol drink. This is a popular way to enjoy Dubonnet in France, where it is often served as an apéritif.
- In a cocktail: Dubonnet is a common ingredient in classic cocktails like the Dubonnet Cocktail or the French Martini. It can also be used in more modern cocktails, where its complex flavor profile can add depth and complexity.
- With ice: Dubonnet can be served over ice, either in a tumbler or in a wine glass. This is a simple and refreshing way to enjoy the wine on a hot day.
Overall, Dubonnet Aperitif Wine is a versatile drink that can be enjoyed in a variety of ways. Whether served on its own, mixed with soda or tonic water, or used in a cocktail, Dubonnet is a sophisticated and complex drink that is perfect for any occasion.
Dubonnet Aperitif Wine is a versatile drink that can be mixed with a variety of other ingredients to create delicious and complex flavors. Here are a few mixers that can be combined with Dubonnet to create different types of drinks:
- Soda Water or Tonic Water: Mixing Dubonnet with soda water or tonic water creates a refreshing and low-alcohol drink that is perfect for sipping on a hot day.
- Fruit Juices: Dubonnet can be mixed with fruit juices like orange juice, grapefruit juice, or cranberry juice to create a sweet and fruity drink.
- Vermouth: Combining Dubonnet with a dry or sweet vermouth can create a complex and flavorful drink. This is a popular combination in classic cocktails like the Dubonnet Cocktail.
- Sparkling Wine: Mixing Dubonnet with sparkling wine, such as Champagne or Prosecco, can create a sophisticated and celebratory drink that is perfect for special occasions.
- Bitters: Adding a few drops of bitters, such as Angostura bitters or orange bitters, to a glass of Dubonnet can create a more complex and layered flavor profile.
Overall, Dubonnet Aperitif Wine can be mixed with a variety of ingredients to create different types of drinks, depending on personal taste and occasion. Experimenting with different mixers can lead to new and exciting flavor combinations that showcase the complexity and versatility of Dubonnet.
Dubonnet Aperitif Wine Cocktail Recipes
5 Classic Cocktail Recipes
Dubonnet Cocktail
Ingredients:
- 2 oz Dubonnet Aperitif Wine
- 1 oz gin
- Lemon twist, for garnish
Steps:
- Fill a mixing glass with ice.
- Add Dubonnet Aperitif Wine and gin.
- Stir for about 20-30 seconds until well-chilled.
- Strain into a chilled cocktail glass.
- Garnish with a lemon twist.
Queen Mother Cocktail
Ingredients:
- 1.5 oz gin
- 1.5 oz Dubonnet Aperitif Wine
- 1 dash orange bitters
- Lemon twist, for garnish
Steps:
- Fill a mixing glass with ice.
- Add gin, Dubonnet Aperitif Wine, and orange bitters.
- Stir for about 20-30 seconds until well-chilled.
- Strain into a chilled cocktail glass.
- Garnish with a lemon twist.
Zaza Cocktail
Ingredients:
- 1.5 oz rye whiskey
- 1.5 oz Dubonnet Aperitif Wine
- Orange twist, for garnish
Steps:
- Fill a mixing glass with ice.
- Add rye whiskey and Dubonnet Aperitif Wine.
- Stir for about 20-30 seconds until well-chilled.
- Strain into a chilled cocktail glass.
- Garnish with an orange twist.
The Ruby Cocktail
Ingredients:
- 2 oz Dubonnet Aperitif Wine
- 1 oz ruby port
- 1 dash orange bitters
- Orange twist, for garnish
Steps:
- Fill a mixing glass with ice.
- Add Dubonnet Aperitif Wine, ruby port, and orange bitters.
- Stir for about 20-30 seconds until well-chilled.
- Strain into a chilled cocktail glass.
- Garnish with an orange twist.
Dubonnet Spritz
Ingredients:
- 2 oz Dubonnet Aperitif Wine
- 2 oz soda water
- 1 oz sparkling wine
- Orange slice, for garnish
Steps:
- Fill a wine glass with ice.
- Add Dubonnet Aperitif Wine, soda water, and sparkling wine.
- Stir gently to combine.
- Garnish with an orange slice.
5 Modern Cocktail Recipes
The Royal Tryst
Ingredients:
- 1 oz gin
- 1 oz Dubonnet Aperitif Wine
- 1 oz fresh grapefruit juice
- 1/4 oz honey syrup
- Grapefruit twist, for garnish
Steps:
- Fill a cocktail shaker with ice.
- Add gin, Dubonnet Aperitif Wine, grapefruit juice, and honey syrup.
- Shake well for 10-15 seconds.
- Strain into a chilled coupe glass.
- Garnish with a grapefruit twist.
Dubonnet Mule
Ingredients:
- 1.5 oz vodka
- 1 oz Dubonnet Aperitif Wine
- 1 oz fresh lime juice
- 2 oz ginger beer
- Lime wedge, for garnish
Steps:
- Fill a copper mug with ice.
- Add vodka, Dubonnet Aperitif Wine, and lime juice.
- Stir to combine.
- Top with ginger beer.
- Garnish with a lime wedge.
The Audrey
Ingredients:
- 1.5 oz bourbon
- 3/4 oz Dubonnet Aperitif Wine
- 1/2 oz fresh lemon juice
- 1/2 oz honey syrup
- 1 dash orange bitters
- Lemon twist, for garnish
Steps:
- Fill a cocktail shaker with ice.
- Add bourbon, Dubonnet Aperitif Wine, lemon juice, honey syrup, and orange bitters.
- Shake well for 10-15 seconds.
- Strain into a chilled coupe glass.
- Garnish with a lemon twist.
Dubonnet Negroni
Ingredients:
- 1 oz gin
- 1 oz Dubonnet Aperitif Wine
- 1 oz Campari
- Orange twist, for garnish
Steps:
- Fill a mixing glass with ice.
- Add gin, Dubonnet Aperitif Wine, and Campari.
- Stir for about 20-30 seconds until well-chilled.
- Strain into a chilled rocks glass over ice.
- Garnish with an orange twist.
Dubonnet Smash
Ingredients:
- 2 oz bourbon
- 1 oz Dubonnet Aperitif Wine
- 1/2 oz fresh lemon juice
- 1/2 oz simple syrup
- 2-3 fresh mint leaves
- Lemon wheel and mint sprig, for garnish
Steps:
- In a rocks glass, muddle fresh mint leaves with simple syrup.
- Fill the glass with crushed ice.
- Add bourbon, Dubonnet Aperitif Wine, and lemon juice.
- Stir to combine.
- Garnish with a lemon wheel and mint sprig.