Thursday, May 22, 2014

Thirsty Thursday: The Dubonnet Cocktail

Hello Vintage-istas,

For this week's Thirsty Thursday installment, we're going to show you our slightly updated version of a classic and simple drink: the Dubonnet Cocktail! However, don't let yourself be fooled by this cocktail's surprising crispness. Although it is deliciously cool and refreshing, it is not for the faint of fortitude!


Part French, part English, this cocktail has a bit of a confused national identity. Its French half, Dubonnet, is the aperitif for which this cocktail is named. A wine-based drink that comes in either rouge, blanc, or gold (red, white, or gold, respectively) Dubonnet was created in 1846 by Joseph Dubonnet and can be enjoyed by itself, chilled, or as a feature ingredient in a number of cocktails. The English side of this cocktail is London dry gin. In particular, the Dubonnet cocktail is most famous for whom it is enjoyed by: England's Queen Elizabeth the Mother and now her daughter, Queen Elizabeth II. While there are many ways this cocktail has been altered throughout its century and a half history--perhaps most notably the ratio of its two prime ingredients--its sheer simplicity is what makes this cocktail a favorite of ours whenever the occasion calls for an easy and cold cocktail!


 Here are the Ingredients:

1 part Dubonnet, chilled
1 part dry gin
Dash of bitters
Squeeze of fresh orange juice
Orange twist for garnish


Preparation:
Now, it is first important to briefly be introduced to the general evolution of this cocktail. In the early twentieth century, this drink was commonly served with a gin-to-Dubonnet ratio of 2-to-1. Throughout the middle of the century the ratio became 1-to-1 (as you may be able to see on our vintage mixing glass pictured above and below). Today, it is not uncommon to find the above ratio to be completely reversed to 1-to-2, as Queen Elizabeth II purportedly enjoys it. For us, we like to meet in the middle with a 1-to-1 ratio.

In a mixing glass, combine gin and chilled Dubonnet over ice. Then, add one dash of bitters for each serving. I really like using citrus-flavored bitters throughout summer months, so I have elected to go with orange bitters. Next, stir the drink gently and thoroughly with a bar spoon and set aside for a brief moment. Squeeze a small amount of fresh orange juice into the bottom of a chilled cocktail glass. You will often find recipes calling for lemon but because it is summer, I find using oranges (along with the orange bitters) gives this cocktail a refreshing update. Our version of this drink is really a mix between a Dubonnet Cocktail and a Tabby Cat. However, we elected for gin as opposed to vodka, so we are sticking with the Dubonnet moniker. Then, strain gin and Dubonnet mixture into the cocktail glass, which will automatically mix nicely with the squeeze of orange juice. Finally, garnish with an orange twist or slice (or lemon if you opt to stick with the more traditional form of this cocktail) and enjoy!


Recommended accompaniment:


Accompany this Franco-Anglo drink with a French classic, "C'est si bon," and enjoy!

Salut!

The Vintage Chanteuse

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