Dubonnet: what is it, history, how to drink
Dubonnet is made on the basis of fortified wine, including hin tree bark, spices, and fragrant herbs.
The exact recipe is kept secret, only the manufacturers are privy to it. It is only known that white Macabeo grapes, red Carignan and Grenache grapes are used as raw materials, the fruits of which are soaked in alcohol and enriched with light wines, after which Dubonnet is aged for a long time in oak barrels and filtered.
Description of the drink Dubonnet
The strength of Dubonnet is about 15%. It can be red, amber and white. The flavoring ingredients used are orange peel, vanilla, colombo, angelica, green coffee, and plants from the gentian family. They give the product a bright recognizable flavor.
The composition is completely natural: the drink does not contain any dyes or sugar. The taste also contains notes of cinnamon, chocolate, chamomile and elderberry.
In terms of its characteristics, Dubonnet is closest to vermouth, but has a softer bouquet and longer aging (about 3 years).
The history of the creation of Dubonnet
The French owe the drink to a talented merchant and pharmacist Joseph Dubonnet. It was his 1846 wine mix that won a competition organized by the government to invent a product that neutralizes the taste of quinine.
At that time, the bitter drug was the only effective remedy for malaria raging among soldiers, and a drink was needed to soften its unpleasant bitterness and specific aroma... The new aperitif solved the problem: the taste of quinine was successfully disguised, and Joseph Dubonnet became famous.
The apothecary's wife also became a celebrity, organizing a successful advertising campaign. Madame Dubonnet first treated her friends to the newly invented drink, and then actively promoted its popularity.
Art Nouveau posters dedicated to Dubonnet became one of the symbols of the era. The images were created by the famous artists of the time, Cassandre and Jules Cheret.
Posters with the memorable slogan "Dubo, dubon, dubonnet" and a playful red-haired lady with a white cat instantly attracted attention. At that time, they could be found in all the subway tunnels. Images of cats were present on many posters, and the idea to use them for advertising purposes belonged to Madame Dubonnet.
Today, Art Nouveau drawings are highly valued and are a collector's item, and Dubonnet is popular not only among ordinary French people but also among royalty in Britain.
How to drink Dubonnet
Drink Dubonnet as an aperitif, chilling the drink a little, adding ice or serving at room temperature with lemon. Include the product in a variety of cocktails, combining it with rum, bourbon, vodka, vermouth, sparkling wines, citrus juices and liqueurs.
Update: 02.01.2019
Category: Wine and Vermouth