Dubonnet Rouge
Dubonnet Rouge is the quintessential French quinquina aperitif, masterfully blending fortified red wine with herbs, spices, and quinine for a sophisticated balance of sweetness, spice, and gentle bitterness. Bottled at 14.8% ABV, it offers a smooth and aromatic drinking experience with remarkable depth.
Created in 1846 by Joseph Dubonnet, this enduring classic embodies French elegance and craftsmanship. Today, under Pernod Ricard, Dubonnet remains one of the world’s most celebrated aperitifs - rich, complex, and endlessly versatile.
Perfect served over ice with an orange slice or as the base for timeless cocktails, Dubonnet Rouge delivers refined pleasure and historical charm in every glass - a true icon of aperitif culture.
France
700ml
14.80% ABV
NVDubonnet Rouge is a legendary French aperitif that harmoniously balances rich, spiced sweetness with the gentle bitterness of quinine. First created in 1846 by Parisian chemist Joseph Dubonnet to make quinine (used to prevent malaria) more palatable for French Foreign Legionnaires in North Africa, it quickly became a beloved classic for its elegant, complex taste.
Today, Dubonnet Rouge is cherished for its layered profile of red fruit, herbs, and subtle spice — a timeless companion to aperitif hours and refined cocktails alike. Its smooth, bittersweet complexity bridges the gap between vermouth and fortified wine, making it both historic and versatile.
Dubonnet has over 175 years of heritage, symbolising French innovation, craftsmanship, and style. The aperitif’s creator, Joseph Dubonnet, was an acclaimed chemist and wine merchant who developed the unique blend of fortified wine, herbs, and quinine that remains virtually unchanged today.
Now produced under the Pernod Ricard portfolio, Dubonnet continues to be crafted in France following its original recipe. It has earned a place among Europe’s most iconic aperitifs — famously enjoyed by connoisseurs, mixologists, and even the British royal family.
Style: Aromatised Wine Aperitif (Quinquina)
Region: France
Producer: Dubonnet (Pernod Ricard)
Distillation / Production: Blend of fortified red wine, herbs, spices, and quinine; infused and macerated to create a complex, bittersweet flavour profile
Base Wine: French red wine
Maturation: Rested and blended for flavour integration and balance
Cask Influence: Neutral vats preserve freshness and aromatics
Filtration / Proofing: Cold-filtered for clarity and smoothness
Appearance: Deep ruby red with amber reflections
ABV: 14.8 %
Nose:
Aromas of red berries, herbs, citrus peel, and warm spice with a hint of quinine bitterness.
Palate:
Rounded and complex — flavours of ripe cherry, orange zest, cinnamon, and dark honey balanced by subtle herbal bitterness. Smooth and gently fortified, with excellent length.
Finish:
Long and refined — lingering red fruit sweetness with earthy spice and a delicate quinine note.
Overall Character:
Elegant, bittersweet, and aromatic — a timeless aperitif that bridges fruit richness with herbal depth.
Neat:
Serve well-chilled over ice with an orange slice for a classic aperitif.
Cocktails:
A versatile staple in aperitif and classic cocktail culture, ideal for:
Dubonnet & Gin (The Queen’s Favourite)
Dubonnet Spritz
Dubonnet Manhattan
Dubonnet Negroni
Boulevardier Twist
Culinary Use:
Excellent as a reduction base for sauces or glazes accompanying red meats or game; adds depth to desserts with red fruit or chocolate.
Food Pairings:
Charcuterie and soft cheeses
Duck or pâté
Chocolate and berry desserts
Occasions:
Aperitif hour
Cocktail soirées
Elegant dinner parties
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