The Dubonnet Cocktail
This recipe outlines the creation of The Dubonnet Cocktail, a classic and elegant drink. It features a simple two-ingredient base of Dubonnet Rouge and gin, garnished with a fresh lemon twist. Perfect for those who appreciate a sophisticated, balanced aperitif, it's quick to prepare and ideal for a refined start to any meal or gathering.
Equipment
- 1 Mixing Glass or a shaker tin
- 1 Jigger for precise measurement
- 1 Bar Spoon for stirring
- 1 Cocktail Strainer
- 2 Chilled Cocktail Glasses
Ingredients
Main
- 1 1/2 ounces Dubonnet Rouge
- 1 1/2 ounces gin
- 1 lemon twist for garnish
Instructions
- Ensure your cocktail glasses are chilled by placing them in the freezer for at least 10 minutes or by filling them with ice and water.
- Measure 1 1/2 ounces of Dubonnet Rouge using a jigger and pour it into a mixing glass filled with fresh ice.
- Measure 1 1/2 ounces of gin and add it to the mixing glass with the Dubonnet Rouge and ice.
- Stir the mixture gently with a bar spoon for about 30 seconds to thoroughly chill and combine the ingredients.
- Discard the ice and water from your chilled cocktail glasses.
- Place a cocktail strainer over the mixing glass and strain the chilled cocktail into the prepared glasses.
- Take a fresh lemon and carefully cut a twist of its peel, avoiding too much pith.
- Express the oils from the lemon twist over the surface of the drink by gently twisting it, then drop it into the glass as a garnish.
Notes
For an optimal Dubonnet Cocktail, always ensure your ingredients are well-chilled, and your cocktail glasses are pre-chilled to maintain the drink's temperature. While the recipe suggests a lemon twist, a high-quality, expressed lemon peel adds a fragrant burst of citrus oil, elevating the aroma. The balance of Dubonnet Rouge and gin is crucial; consider adjusting slightly to personal preference, perhaps leaning more towards gin for a drier profile or more Dubonnet for a richer, sweeter note. Using a good quality gin will significantly impact the final flavor. This classic aperitif is elegant and simple, perfect as a pre-dinner drink.