Dubonnet Citrus Shandy

Dubonnet Citrus Shandy

Dubonnet is a French Apéritif (pronounced Dube-O-NAY)

Apéritif is a word originating from the Latin word aperio, which means to revel, bare, uncover, make clear.  Apéritifs were originally conceived to "open" or prepare the appetite for a meal. Dubonnet is mix of fortified wine, a proprietary blend of herbs, spices and peels, and the medicinal quinine. I 1st discovered this drink in my early 30's, over lunch with a devastatingly interesting French Canadian professor whom I worked with. A great memory of a sunny day at a French restaurant discovering a new drink.

Dubonnet is delicious on the rocks with just a squeeze of lemon, but I made this mixture as a fun way to drink Dubonnet Rouge in the summer.

Dubonnet Citrus Shandy

1 Cup Dubonnet Rouge
1 Cup Lemonade
4 shakes of orange bitters
juice of 2 limes
6 torn basil leaves

add all ingredients to a large cocktail shaker
pour over crushed ice, top with Pellegrino
garnish with a lemon wheel and a piece of basil

CHEERS!