Queen Elizabeth II: three ways to enjoy her favourite aperitif

Toast the memory of Her Majesty with this trio of royalty-inspired tipples, all featuring Lizzie’s beloved Dubonnet

From her bowl of Special K in the morning to her Friday lunches of fish and chips, Queen Elizabeth II’s fondness for simple, everyday dishes is one of the reasons why her connection with the public was so strong. She also had a sweet tooth, which she would sate most afternoons with scones with jam and clotted cream.

Just as well-documented was her habitual tipple before lunch and dinner, and few drinks were closer to her heart than a glass of gin and Dubonnet. Known around the world as the ‘Queen’s cocktail’, it was also a favourite of the Queen Mother, and both enjoyed a glass before lunch to rouse their appetite.

Similar to a Negroni, but with a sweeter edge, Dubonnet is a concoction of red wine, herbs and spices, and its mix of sweet and bitter flavours pairs wonderfully with gin’s citrus notes.

So, if you want to raise a glass to the Queen’s memory and boost your cocktail game at the same time, give these royalty-approved tipples a go, starting with the OG…

Purchase a bottle of Dubonnet from Amazon for £9.50

The classic: gin and Dubonnet

You only need two key ingredients to master this mix. It’s also a great way to use up some of that leftover Gordon’s from your summer garden parties.

Ingredients

Crushed ice and/or two ice cubes, optional

2oz Dubonnet Rouge

1oz dry gin

Lemon peel

Method

1. Fill a rocks glass with crushed ice (if using).
2. Pour in your measures of Dubonnet and gin.
3. Twist your lemon peel to release its aromas and drop into the glass.
4. Pop in your ice cubes and enjoy.

Read more: everything you need to know about Queen Elizabeth II’s funeral

The Opera: gin, Dubonnet and Maraschino liqueur

This one’s a little bit like a martini, but the Maraschino liqueur gives it a hint of sour cherry. Grab your favourite martini glass, but leave the shaker in the cupboard, you’ll just need something to mix it in for this.

Ingredients

Crushed ice

3oz dry gin

1oz Dubonnet Rouge

½oz Maraschino liqueur

2 dashes Angostura bitters

Lemon or orange peel

Method

1. Pour ice into your mixing glass and fill up to halfway.
2. Add the remaining ingredients.
3. Stir for about 30 seconds until the mixture is nice and chilled.
4. Strain the drink into a Martini glass.
5. Garnish with a twist of lemon or orange peel.

Dubonnet Manhattan: bourbon, Dubonnet and vermouth

While the original Dubonnet was invented by a Parisian wine merchant in the mid-19^th century, the US has its own equally popular version, which is slightly sweeter by comparison. This drink pays homage to the classic American cocktail by swapping out gin for an American bourbon.

Ingredients

Crushed ice

2oz bourbon

1oz American Dubonnet

¼oz dry vermouth

3 dashes Angostura bitters

1 cherry

Method

1. Pour ice into your mixing glass and fill up to halfway
2. Add the bourbon, the American Dubonnet and the vermouth
3. Stir the mix continuously with a spoon until the liquid is chilled
4. Strain the drink into the martini glass
5. Garnish it with your cherry

Read more: how to make the perfect pumpkin spiced latte