Dubonnet is a wine-based aperitif which includes — among its many ingredients —  a small amount of a quinine, a bitter herb. Dubonnet was created in the 1840s to convince French Foreign Legionnaires in North Africa to drink quinine to combat malaria. Those Legionaires probably didn’t have the benefit of ice or soda. Today, Dubonnet is available in Rouge, Blanc and Gold.

Dubonnet Riff
2 ounces Dubonnet Rouge
1 ounce fresh tangerine juice
2 ounces of soda water

Add 3 or 4 ices cubes to a wine glass. Pour in all the ingredients. Stir gently until chilled. Garnish with a small wedge or slice of tangerine.

Tasting notes: Refreshing, enlivened by tangerine, some tasters notice a pleasantly prune-y aftertaste.

Feeling nostalgic for days of yore?

• Read the classic Legionaire adventure novel Beau Geste or the Gary Cooper movie version of Beau Geste
• Or the scholarly version: The French Foreign Legion: A Complete History of the Legendary Fighting Force
• We’re listening to Frank Sinatra’s big band French Foreign Legion – Big Hits & Highlights of 1959, Vol. 14
• Ready to join? Life in the French Foreign Legion: How to Join and What to Expect When You Get There Don’t forget the Dubonnet!

Tomorrow: Punchy pineapple pisco

Contents copyright 2014 My Daily Cocktails.