A Royal Ritual in a Glass: The Queen’s Gin and Dubonnet
- Oliver Day
- Sep 22
- 3 min read
Updated: Oct 6
Forget champagne. The Queen’s daily drink of choice was far more mischievous. Long before lunch, Her Majesty was known to sip a simple but distinctive serve: gin and Dubonnet over ice with a slice of lemon. It was a quiet ritual that became legendary, a very British aperitif that combined strength, sweetness, and just enough ceremony.
The Queen’s Daily Drink: A Sip of Tradition
Reports from palace insiders often mentioned the same pattern. Before her midday meal, the Queen enjoyed a small glass of gin and Dubonnet. Typically, it was a ratio of two parts Dubonnet to one part gin, garnished with lemon and ice. This wasn’t indulgence for the sake of it. Rather, it was a continuation of a distinctly British tradition of the aperitif—a civilised nod to the hours ahead.
The Queen’s favourite drink was gin and Dubonnet, woven into her life for decades. It stood alongside her corgis, her horses, and her hats as one of those small but constant rituals that spoke volumes about British taste.
Why Dubonnet Became Hard to Find
Many admirers of this royal ritual struggle to recreate it. Dubonnet, a fortified wine infused with herbs and spices, once had pride of place in British drinks cabinets. Over time, its presence faded. Trendier aperitifs and imports took over. Today, Dubonnet can be surprisingly difficult to source in the UK, even for loyalists who want to raise a glass in the Queen’s style.
The Decline of a Classic
The decline of Dubonnet is a tale as old as time. As tastes evolved, so did the contents of our drinks cabinets. The classics often get overshadowed by the new and shiny. But fear not! There are alternatives that can bring a hint of that royal spirit back into your glass.
Alternatives to Dubonnet: Finding the Right Substitute
So what do you do if you cannot find a bottle of Dubonnet? A few aperitifs offer a similar profile:
Lillet Rouge – A French aperitif with sweet, herbal depth.
Vermouth Rosso – Italian, yet it shares the same botanical warmth.
English Spiced Vermouths – More bitter, but complex and aromatic.
All are worthy substitutes, but none capture the exact spirit of the Queen’s favourite serve. They may offer a taste of nostalgia, but let’s be honest—they’re not the same.
Crafting Your Own Version
If you’re feeling adventurous, why not try crafting your own version? Mixing different spirits and flavours can lead to delightful discoveries. Who knows? You might just stumble upon a new favourite.
G&D — The Queen’s Cocktail, Bottled for Today
That is where G&D comes in. G&D is a ready-to-drink blend of gin and fortified wine, bottled properly in Britain at 22%. It takes the essence of the gin and Dubonnet ritual and makes it effortless. No mixing. No hunting dusty shelves. Just mischief in a glass, ready to pour.
Step Inside the Inner Circle and be first to taste the Queen’s cocktail reborn.
How to Drink It: Embrace the Royal Spirit
The Queen preferred her gin and Dubonnet served over ice with a slice of lemon. G&D works perfectly in the same way. Pour it into a coupette or a rocks glass, and you have history in your hand.
Of course, the spirit of British mischief allows for variation. Try it chilled at a long lunch, on a shoot weekend, or late at night on a city rooftop. It appears wherever Britain still knows how to misbehave.
Perfect Pairings
What pairs well with this delightful drink? Think light canapés, fresh seafood, or even a cheeky slice of cake. The possibilities are endless, and each bite enhances the experience of sipping this royal concoction.
Carry On the Ritual: A Toast to Tradition
The Queen’s favourite drink has not disappeared. It has been rebottled for a new generation. G&D carries the same spirit—strong, unapologetic, and distinctly British.
Join the Mischief
Mischief awaits. So, are you ready to raise a glass? Embrace the ritual, and let the spirit of the Queen’s cocktail inspire your next gathering. After all, every sip is a celebration of British heritage and a nod to the mischievous side of life.
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