The Queen’s Favorite Cocktail

Dubonnet and gin, slightly tweaked.

Queen Elizabeth II was known, among other things, for her imbibing. 

She liked cocktails, especially those based in gin. At one point it was reported that she drank four cocktails a day, even in her ninth decade, although some later reports disputed the consumption figure.

Although she drank dry Martinis and German sweet wine, her favorite drink was reported to be a combination of gin and Dubonnet, a sweet aromatized wine similar to sweet vermouth but with a slightly more fruit-forward character. The drink is so associated with the Queen that Dubonnet, which is found in a number of classic cocktails but which remains somewhat obscure, has reportedly been selling out in advance of the her funeral today, at least in the U.K.

This combo of ingredients is typically known simply as the Dubonnet Cocktail. Recipes vary somewhat, but many call for it to be served up, with an equal parts ratio and a lemon peel for garnish. But Queen Elizabeth’s version departed in two ways: First, she liked her drink served over ice. Second, she liked a two-to-one ratio, heavier on the Dubonnet. 

With all respect to the Queen’s preferences, I like to make a few changes to the drink myself.

I’ll keep the 2:1 Dubonnet:gin ratio, which makes this something like a reverse Martini, or an Astoria. But in keeping with its Martini-ish character, I’ll also serve this up, stirred over ice for chill and dilution, then strained into a nice cocktail glass with no ice. I’ll also add some bitters — a combo of orange and Angostura aromatic bitters, a little like a Bamboo — to ground this drink and give it greater depth. 

Most any dry gin will work, but if you have a choice, aim for something a little punchier and a little less floral. I like both Boodles and Beefeater here. For thematic purposes, do try to make sure it’s actually a British gin. 

Improved Dubonnet Cocktail

• 2 dashes orange bitters (such as Regan’s)

• 2 dashes Angostura Aromatic bitters

• 1 ounce dry gin (such as Boodles) 

• 2 ounces Dubonnet

INSTRUCTIONS

1. Combine all ingredients in a mixing glass. 

2. Add ice, then stir for 15-20 seconds, until well chilled. 

3. Strain into a cocktail glass.

4. Garnish with a strip of lemon. 

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