Dubonnet Rouge-Summer Thyme herbal remedy recipes for drink refreshment

This summer the classics roll back into fashion with a new look of sophistication. Drink recipes gain new meaning when mixologists say ‘go fresh’ and reach for the window box herb garden or local farmer’s market grown delicacies. Spirits with long standing histories become the ‘new’ flavor of the day when mixed in modern classics. Dubonnet Rouge, retailing for a suggested price of only $13 becomes stylish and affordable as it stands among much higher priced liqueurs and aperitifs on the liquor store shelf.

 

Dubonnet Rouge blends herbs, spices and fruit peels together with medicinal quinine and fortified wine. Although it was originally purposed to ward off disease by making the ingestion of quinine more pleasant just as other spirits of the past, Dubonnet Rouge’s use in cocktails caught on and continues. While there are traditional style cocktails such as the well-known Dubonnet drink recipe of equal parts Dubonnet Rouge and dry gin, topped with a splash of orange bitters and lemon twist; there are yet more modern day offerings created by masters in the field. 

 

Summer Thyme, courtesy of Michael Green, plucks fresh thyme from the garden with a squeeze of fresh lemon juice and a dash of ordinary table salt and pepper for an inspiring cocktail. D. McKnight offers up the Dubonnet Mint Julep as an aperitif version of this bourbon classic. Each of these fresh herb additions pair wonderfully with the aromatics of Dubonnet Rouge. Get inspired. Sample for yourself. 

 

1 ounce Dubonnet Rouge

2 ounce Vodka

2 sprigs of fresh thyme

Squeeze of lemon juice

Salt and pepper

 

In a cocktail shaker, combine Dubonnet Rouge, vodka, one thyme sprig, lemon juice, and a pinch of salt and pepper. Shake vigorously with ice. Pour into a rocks glass filled with crushed ice and garnish with a lemon slice and second sprig of thyme.

 

2 ounce Dubonnet Rouge

3 ounce Bourbon

1 teaspoon sugar

Handful of mint

 

Muddle mint with sugar then add ice, Dubonnet Rouge and bourbon. Stir rapidly to mix. Serve in a julep cup.