Dubonnet

Dubonnet is a fortified wine with a slightly bitter, herbal taste which is frequently served as a before-dinner aperitif.  The slightly bitter taste is attributed to "quinine" which is one of the beverage's ingredients. 

Dubonnet is used in countless cocktails.  The aperitif is most simply served on the rocks with a twist of lemon.  Dubonnet comes in two versions, red (rouge) and white (blanc or "blond") with the white version being dryer than the red.

The beverage was first produced by Joseph Dubonnet in 1846 in France. Paul Dubonnet started production to the U.S. around 1941.  The brand was sold to Pernod-Ricard in 1976.

Substitute For Dubonnet

If you don't have Dubonnet you can use one of the following substitutes:

• If you need a substitute for Dubbonet blanc (white Dubonnet) use white vermouth.
• For Dubonnet Rouge (red Dubonnet) use Lillet Rouge which will be more bitter.
• OR - Another option for rouge is to use Byrrh (pronounced [BIHR] ).  This is another fortified wine-based aperitif that includes quinine and herbs.  It is more bitter than Dubbonet.

Where To Buy

Look for Dubonnet in most well-stocked liquor stores.  You can also purchase it online at Bevmo.com.