Although the Queen might have stopped drinking her regular drink for health reasons, her association with Dubonnet has been confirmed.
Monarch gave the brand a highly coveted Royal Warrant. Bottles can now bear the label ‘By appointment with HM the Queen’ and an official crest.
Simon de Beauregard (a Pernod Ricard director) confirmed the honor and said to The Mail that he was delighted for Her Majesty’s appreciation of his beautiful brand.
From next year, the bottles will have the “by appointment” labels.
The Queen’s favourite drink is said to comprise one part gin to two parts Dubonnet – a sweet, fortified wine blended with herbs, spices and quinine – poured over two ice cubes and topped with a slice of lemon.
Although she may have had to give up drinking for health reasons, the queen’s long-standing association with Dubonnet is now official. The Monarch awarded the brand a highly coveted Royal Warrant which allows bottles to be labeled ‘By appointment of HM the Queen’ and an official crest. Although she is shown with wine, it is believed that her preference is for Dubonnet and gin.
According to some, she inherited her fondness for the spirit from the Queen Mother.
Due to the less-than-regal slogan “Do ‘ave Dubonnet”, 20,000,000 bottles of Dubonnet sold each year at their peak during the 1960s and 70s.
The public lost interest in it, but the trend has made a comeback.
Globally, approximately 500,000 Dubonnet bottles were sold last year, compared to 350,000 in the preceding 12 months.
According to Mr de Beauregard, “The growth can partly be attributed to lockdown but it could also have more to do the consumers searching for lower-alcohol drinks.”
It is 14% [alcohol by volume]It is now about 40% in vodka and gin, while it’s still popular among the younger generation to be used in Negroni cocktails.
The Queen was seen in a COP26 video message that was recorded last Friday. This message will be played in Glasgow Monday. Dubonnet bottles from next year will have the labels ‘by appointment.
The largest market is Britain, however, it sells well in Canada and Australia as well as France, France, Australia, France, and more surprising, Colombia.
According to some reports, the Queen, 95, may have given up her tipple after being advised by doctors. However, Dubonnet was created for health purposes.
Joseph Dubonnet, a Parisian chemist, began selling the drink after a French competition to persuade French Foreign Legionnaires to North Africa to take quinine.
In 2009, Queen Elizabeth requested that Lord’s provide a Dubonnet or gin for her visit. However, there was some controversy as Lord’s’ bars were not equipped to stock them.
A butler was dispatched to a local supermarket to buy a bottle – but since spectators are banned from bringing spirits into the ground, he was not allowed back in… until the chief executive intervened.
How to make a royal gin, and Dubonnet
Queen’s Tipple – One part gin, one part Dubonnet Stir well, add two ice cubes to a glass and garnish with a piece of lemon.
The Queen’s TippleDubonnet and gin are equal parts. Stir and pour into a glass. Add a lemon slice.
Negroni with Dubonnet Mix one part Dubonnet with one part Campari, and one part Gin. Stir well, add two ice cubes to the mixture and garnish with a slice orange.
Dubonnet on IceDubonnet can be served over ice cubes.
Dubonnet & Soda Mix half Dubonnet with half sparkling water or club soda over ice cubes. Add orange zest.