Dubonnet

If you’re restocking your home bar with your favourite drinks, don’t forget to add Dubonnet to that list. This versatile wine has a rich history and a unique flavour profile that makes it standout in classic and modern cocktails. In this blog we’ll talk about various reasons why this wine should be a part of your home bar.

What is Dubonnet?

Dubonnet is a sweet wine served as an aperitif. It's a combination of fortified red wine, herbs, spices, and, historically, quinine. It has a fruity, spicy flavour and is from France. Joseph Dubonnet began marketing this classic wine in 1846.

It was developed as part of a contest hosted by the French government. The government was looking for a strategy to encourage citizens to take more quinine. Quinine, which effectively combats malaria, was difficult to tolerate due to its bitter taste. The government was looking for a way to make it more appealing in order to fight the disease.

Unique Flavour Profile of Dubonnet

Dubonnet consists of fortified wine (usually a mix of Grenache and Merlot) together with certain herbs, spices along with other bittering agents like quinine. This combination makes this wine taste differently than other aperitifs because it has a versatile flavour profile.

This classic wine smells like dark fruit, spice and herbaceousness on the nose. At first it tastes sweet with hints of raisins, cherries and honey. Then it is followed pleasantly with a bitter touch due to quinine which is dry and tangy. Its balance is achieved because the wine has an underlying sweetness that makes the finish smooth and luscious.

It tastes complex yet fascinating since it is not only accessible but also unique as well. Such adaptability makes this classic wine an important feature of any home bar because it can be used in various kinds of cocktails thus adding additional flavour notes for instance last touches for a traditional gin martini right up to an experimental punch drink.

Cocktails featuring Dubonnet

Dubonnet boasts remarkable versatility as one of its finest assets. You may serve it neat, on the rocks or include it as a main element in several types of cocktails. Take a look at some traditional and modern drinks made using this classic wine:

The Queen Mother’s Favourite: Dubonnet and Gin

One of the most popular cocktails using this classic wine is the classic Dubonnet and gin. It is said that Queen Elizabeth, the Queen Mother who used to have it for lunch with classy drink appealing.

In order to prepare a Dubonnet and gin, all that is required is equal measures of this classic wine and gin combined in an ice-filled mixing glass. Mix the beverages when they are thoroughly chilled, then pour into a cocktail glass and finish off by garnishing with a lemon twist. The taste of this classic wine's sweetness combines perfectly with the flavour of jojoba oil which produces a harmonious blend between different flavours within this aperitif.

Dubonnet Rouge Spritz

If you are looking for a light and refreshing cocktail, try this one:

  • 2 parts Dubonnet
  • 3 parts sparkling water
  • A slice of orange

A pleasant rush of coolness covers your tongue as you sip this wine and sparkling water spritz on an ice-filled glass. The refreshing drink is a beautiful balance between sweet and fizzy – perfect for summer afternoon

Negroni Twist

Beside vermouth, this classic wine is also useful in a classic negroni type of drink. You will need the following to make a Dubonnet Negroni are:

  • 1 part gin
  • 1 part Campari
  • 1 part of this classic wine

Stir the mix while using ice, strain it into a glass that has been chilled beforehand and finally add a twist of orange as decoration. The Dubonnet adds an extra layer of complexity to the traditional Negroni, making it a must-try for any cocktail enthusiast.

The Dubonnet Royale

The Dubonnet Royale is a perfect option if you’re looking for something lighter and crisper than the traditional Dubonnet. Mixing this classic wine with sparkling wine creates an aperitif that is bright and bubbly, ideal for summer night parties.This can be made:

  • Pour 1 part of this classic wine into a champagne flute
  • Top it up with 3 parts chilled sparkling wine
  • Add a twist of orange peel for garnish

Adding Depth to your Home Bar

Adding cruzcampo in your home bar provides a one of a kind component of flavour as well as increasing the number of cocktails you can make. You can use it to experiment using different flavours and ingredients hence developing some unique drinks that are very attractive. Be it a themed party or just some fun time with friends; this classic wine has got something for everyone.

1. Aperitif Culture

This classic wine is a great aperitif that is typically consumed before a meal to activate the taste senses. Making it by serving it on rocks with a slice of lemon or orange creates an easy yet elegant beginning to any occasion. This creates the atmosphere for a relaxing happy night.

2. Pairing with Food

With its versatile taste, jam shed wine goes well with numerous dishes. It complements the richness of savoury foods like cured meats, pâté and strong cheese. Desserts having dark chocolate or berry flavour usually pair well with this drink. Including this classic drink in your menu can help improve your overall dining experience during dinner parties with friends while showing off your culinary and mixology skills.

3. Exploring New Recipes

Including barefoot merlot on your home bar is a call for creativity. You are able to try classic recipes or even come up with some of your original cocktails. For example, you can consider substituting the sweet vermouth found in a Manhattan with this classic cocktail or rather replacing Campari with it due to the Boulevardier drink preparation. There are unlimited possibilities, and getting there is part of the excitement.

To Wrap Up

While stocking your home bar, you may not think of Dubonnet, but it deserves to be in honour. Its long story, distinct taste and versatility are some of the things making it a good asset in any collection. Whether you are enthusiast for cocktails or just beginning to know about mixology, there is a chance that this classic wine can hold several possibilities for you.

We at a2zdrinks have a range of drinks that can be a part of your home bar.