God save the Queen
It might be the first and last time that I ever say this, but thank you Queen Elizabeth II.
Why?
Because she has given me the Dubonnet cocktail.
There I was a few weeks back bored and half watching an episode of recent BBC documentary series The Monarchy when I noticed one of the royal staff giving a very detailed and specific rundown on what exactly the Queen likes to drink pre-dinner. My ears pricked up.
She will only drink the Dubonnet cocktail. The cocktail is equal parts gin and Dubonnet (a French wine-based aperitif), stirred over ice and served in a pre-chilled martini glass.
Obviously because I do everything that the Queen tells me I rushed out and bought some Dubonnet to try this myself. Or rather, I tried to rush out because hardly anyone stocks the stuff.
But I have finally located some and boy, is it great. In fact, here’s one I made 5 minutes ago just to illustrate this entry:
The Queen is right - it is a great drink. And the pleasing red colour (poorly illustrated by our red wall) makes it even better.
Long live the Queen (until the next top cocktail tip). Wonder what her favourite ale is…
Tags: cocktails, the royal family
January 8th, 2008 at 9:28 pm
Her favourite beer is Special Brew. Or maybe Kestrel if theres nothing else……..
January 12th, 2008 at 12:30 pm
Hey! Happy Birthday!
And just so you know, I have never forgotten your birthday, just to do something about it. On time.
I think, but I’m not sure that Jesus was 33 when he did all the stuff and was crucified.
Yes I realise that this comment is for the previous post, but if you are like me you might not notice it there.
January 14th, 2008 at 7:51 pm
Hello Alison - thanks for the birthday greetings. I know that you don’t forget and it’s much appreciated!
As is the thought that Jesus was 33, that’s pretty young. I never really thought about Jesus even having an age as such but obviously he must have…
January 16th, 2008 at 6:57 pm
AHA!! YOU TRIED IT!!
Now I will do so. I saw the episode where she was served that unlikely-sounding combo, and thought ‘that can’t possibly work’, but I trust your judgement.
I used to love Dubonnet as it was the one drink, heavily diluted with lemonade, that I was allowed a small glass of at Christmas when a kid ( about age 10 onward!). A Proustian moment beckons…
And belated Birthday Wishes!
January 17th, 2008 at 11:50 am
ISBW, I fully recommend the Dubonnet cocktail. It is simple, yet elegant.
I’m not sure how Dubonnet would work with lemonade, very sweet I imagine but a lovely pink colour. Anyhow, I am impressed by what a sophisticated family you must have!!
January 17th, 2008 at 5:18 pm
Mmm, maybe ’sophisticated’ isn’t quite the word…when I was a very thin four-year old, my Mother used to feed me “a tonic” to help me gain weight - it was Guinness and milk.
And she wondered why I turned out like I did.