A royal tipple: The Queen Mother’s favourite gin and dubonnet cocktail

Tom Parker Bowles reveals the understated drinking habits of the British monarchy, with the late Queen and Queen Mother both favouring the classic gin and Dubonnet cocktail, a simple yet sophisticated drink, often enjoyed before lunch

Drink a cocktail fit for royalty (John Carey)

“Despite the vast and magnificently stocked cellars at both Windsor Castle and Buckingham Palace, the monarchs, from Queen Victoria to King Charles III, were not (and are not) great drinkers,” writes Tom Parker Bowles, saying that it would be the occasional glass, rather than endless bottles.

“And while the Queen Mother is affectionately remembered for liking the odd tipple – you’d certainly never go thirsty at one of her splendid lunches – it was more about being a generous host.”

A gin and Dubonnet cocktail was much appreciated by the late Queen and Queen Mother alike, though, typically sipped before lunch.

“It has a stirring mixture of sweet, bitter and vaguely herbal flavours. And certainly puts a spring in one’s step,” he says.

The Queen Mother’s gin and Dubonnet cocktail

‘Cooking and the Crown’ details the history of food within the royal family (Aster)

Makes: 1

Ingredients:

2 parts Dubonnet

1 part gin

4 cubes of good ice

A slice of lemon

Method:

1. Pour the booze into a tumbler with the ice and mix well.

2. Garnish with the lemon slice

Recipe from ‘Cooking And The Crown’ by Tom Parker Bowles (Aster, £30), available 26 September.