Dubonnet owes its existence to a contest held in 1826 to find a way to make quinine drinkable for French soldiers fighting in Africa were malaria was rampant. In response, Joseph Dubonnet created Dubonnet a blend of fortified wine, herb, spices and quinine.
The French weren't the only ones working out how to get people drinking quinine - the English had a similar situation in India and it lead to the creation of that most British concoction, Gin and Tonic (Quinine gives Tonic Water its flavour).
I've decided to make a French equivalent, not a "G and T" but a "G and D" - Gin and Dubonnet.
G & D
1 part Dubonnet
1 part Gin
ice
- Half fill a tumbler with cracked ice.
- Pour over equal parts of Dubonnet and Gin - stir briefly to combine and serve.
Naturally, if you prefer it sweeter, add more Dubonnet, if you like it dryer, use more Gin.
I knew G&T was a medicinal drink, but I didn't know where it came from. Also never heard of Dubonnet before. Great post, thanks very much.
ReplyDeleteThanks Adele - Dubonnet fell out of fashion quite a while ago, hopefully there will be a revival
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