Dubonnet and Gin Cocktail
As we contemplate a life without our late, great QE II in it, let’s pay homage to her favorite drink which is a cocktail made with gin and Dubonnet. It had been her mother’s before her. Given the age that both these ladies attained, this bears looking into.
All this and more is contained in the book “To the Queen; A Royal Drinkology” by Thomas J.M. Mace Archer DeLacroix Mills, which is exactly as described; a book all about the Queen’s drinking habits, along with those of other members of her family. Elizabeth II always has one of her favorite Dubonnet and Gins before lunch. It is in her blood—her mother, Queen Elizabeth the Queen Mother, once noted as she was about to embark on a trip, "...I think that I will take two small bottles of Dubonnet and gin with me this morning, in case it is needed..." To quote from the book:
…in a well-known exchange over lunch between Queen Elizabeth II and her mother, the late Queen Mother, Elizabeth II stated, “I wonder if I might have a second glass of wine?” to which her mother replied with a smile, “Is that wise? You know you have to reign all afternoon.”
The Dubonnet cocktail is really quite good. Dubonnet is a sweet, wine-based aperitif, blended with fortified wine, herbs, and spices (including a small amount of Quinine) and pairs well with the medicinal austerity of gin. As an aside, Dubonnet was first sold in 1846 by Joseph Dubonnet, in response to a competition run by the government of France to find a way of persuading members of the French Foreign Legion in North Africa to drink Quinine, which combats Malaria but is very bitter. This has a familiar ring to it, to anyone familiar with the history of that oh, so British drink the Gin and Tonic.
The brand name Dubonnet was taken over by Pernod Ricard in 1976. You may remember in late 1970s an advertising campaign starring Pia Zadora. Or maybe not. Dubonnet is available in Rouge, Blanc and Gold (Vanilla and orange) varieties. No longer distributed by the Pernod Ricard Group, Dubonnet can be difficult to find in the US. Lillet Rouge is a suitable substitute.
The royal warrant for Gordon’s gin is a very real thing (although remember that in England it comes in the green bottles we associate with Tanqueray) and it is perfectly suited to this drink.
By - Prep: 5 mins
- Yields: Makes 1 Cocktail
Maitake Wild Rice Salad
Maitake mushrooms sometimes called Hen-of-the-Woods, or "dancing mushrooms" in Japan, are found at the base of trees, particularly old-growth oaks or maples. Compared to other mushrooms, maitake has shown better results in preventing and treating cancer and other health conditions. Maitake also has a positive effect on overall immunity. This Maitake Wild Rice Salad uses walnuts, which pair well with the nutty wild rice. I actually used a wild rice blend which is finished with lemon juice.
- Prep: 10 mins
- Cook: 20 mins
- Yields: 6 Servings
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- Yields: 4 Servings
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- Prep: 25 mins
- Cook: 1 hrs
- Yields: 6 Servings
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- Prep: 15 mins
- Cook: 15 mins
- Yields: 4 Servings
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- Prep: 5 mins
- Cook: 3 hrs
- Yields: 12 Servings
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- Prep: 20 mins
- Cook: 40 mins
- Yields: 4 - 6 Servings
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- Prep: 20 mins
- Cook: 15 mins
- Yields: 4 Servings
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This Grilled Broccoli is something I will have on repeat. It's marinated in soy sauce, honey, Worcestershire, and ketchup, which gives the broccoli so much flavor. It's ready for the grill in 10 minutes, alternatively, you can roast it in the oven at 425°F for 16-20 minutes.
- Prep: 5 mins
- Cook: 20 mins
- Yields: 6 Servings
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- Prep: 5 mins
- Cook: 40 mins
- Yields: 6 Servings
