Spending a week in New Orleans way back in June revived my taste for the cocktail. I tallied the divine drinks I supped somewhere, I promise, and will recount them, eventually. As the parent of an almost-three year old, making the local bar scene isn't a priority. The kinds of drinks appearing on our drink menus are the uninspired one derided by most folks who are serious about drinking; the ilk who turn up their noses at vodka drinks and the frou-frou direction the martini has taken. Guess I'm in that group as well.
I've always loved gin-based drinks--the gin and tonic is my standard--, and with the reading I've done recently, I've learned that real martinis are made with gin, not vodka.
But this post is about the Dubonnet Cocktail, not the martini, which though much maligned, is not really a favorite drink of mine. And pardon the Dubonnet cocktail in an inappropriate wine glass. My barware is woefully limited to these lovely wineglasses and a matching lo ball-type glass. We've never been much for cocktails, hence the need for cocktail glasses was nil. We've a plethora of shot glasses.
However, after slipping offer to Target to purchase a silver cocktail mixer this afternoon and mixing together equal parts of Dubonnet and Hendrick's Gin, then dressing it up with a lemon rind, methinks I have a new favorite. Luckily I had the Hendrick's on hand. Looked at two liquor stores for Old Tom but neither had it, nor had they heard of it. However, I managed to order a bottle of pisco.
Back to Dubonnet cocktail. When served on the rocks its the cocktail of royalty. Apparently the Queen Mother liked it that way. And its a favorite of Elizabeth II, also, who nip a bit before lunch. Imagine it gives her the pep she needs to play with that passell of corgis.
Dubbonet is a wine-based apertif featuring a touch of quinine. Thus, it combats malaria. Always good in warmer climates, especially the southern states during mosquito season.
And, Pia Zadora shilled for the brand in the 1970s and 1980s. Who knew? I don't remember those commercials at all. Yet, she was my favorite Love Boat star. I faithfully clipped stories she appeared in from the Star and National Enquirer to paste into my scrapbook. Ah, memories.
Dubonnet Cocktail
1.5 ounces Dubonnet
1.5 ounces Gin
Ice
Lemon Peel
Prepare lemon peel.
Pour ice into cocktail mixer. Add Dubonnet and gin. Shake, mix, do your thing. Pour contents into glass.Rub rim with lemon peel and let it rest on rim's edge decoratively.
Serve and drink.
While this recipe is for equal parts Dubbonet and gin, the Queen Mother preferred hers at 30% gin and 70% Dubbonet, so tweak the proportions until you arrive at a mixture that you may call your own.
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