Dubonnet cocktails inspire magic of French Riviera

 Do you Dubonnet? If you don't, then you should. 

Make something magical at your next brunch, dinner or celebration with cocktails inspired by Dubonnet aperitifs.

Dubbonnet aperitifs have been anticipating good things to come since 1845 when Parisian chemist and wine merchant Joseph Dubonnet created this exceptional aperitif.

Originally, created to make quinine more palatable for Foreign Legionnaires battling malaria in North Africa, the French aperitif with the storied past has been preparing the palate with its mix of fortified wine, a proprietary blend of herbs, spices and peels, and medicinal quinine.

Derived from the Latin, aperio, meaning to uncover or lay bare, aperitifs are consumed to open the palate, to prepare the appetite for a meal. Dubonnet, one of the many different styles of aperitif, is part of a special class of  aromatized wines or fortified wines that flavored with herbs, roots, flowers, barks and other botanicals.

In the world of sophisticated drinks and mixology, Dubonnet is legendary.  Bring the flavor of the French Riviera to your next gathering with this crisply, aromatic recipe and make your own legend.

adapted from Dubonnet recipes

The Riviera

1 1/2 ounce Dubonnet Rouge

1/2 ounce Grand Marnier

1 ounce freshly squeezed blood orange juice

Add all the ingredients to a shaker half-filled with ice. Shake well and strain into a chilled five-ounce martini glass. Garnish with an orange slice.