Dubonnet Rouge is a sweet, aromatized wine-based aperitif that has been enjoyed since 1846. It was originally created by Joseph Dubonnet to make quinine more palatable for French Foreign Legionnaires in malaria-prone regions.

Key Details:

• ABV: 14.8% (France) / 19% (U.S.)
• Base Wine: Blend of Ruby Red, Ruby Cabernet, and Muscat of Alexandria grapes
• Botanicals: Cinchona bark (quinine), blackcurrant, tea varietals, and other herbs/spices
• Flavor Profile: Sweet, fruity, and slightly bitter with herbal complexity

Tasting Notes:

• Nose: Aromatic herbs, dried fruit, and citrus
• Palate: Rich caramel, honey, and subtle spice
• Finish: Smooth and lingering with a balanced sweetness

Dubonnet Rouge is often enjoyed neat, on the rocks, or in cocktails like the Dubonnet Cocktail, which pairs it with gin and a lemon twist.