10 Surprising Substitutes for Dubonnet Rouge in Recipes

Dubonnet Rouge, a sweet and spicy wine-based aperitif, is a staple in many classic cocktails and recipes. But what if you can’t find it on store shelves or want to mix things up with a new flavor profile? Fear not!

We’ve got you covered with 10 surprising substitutes for Dubonnet Rouge that will elevate your drinks and dishes to the next level. From sweet vermouth to fruit-infused liqueurs, these alternatives will add a twist to your favorite recipes and open up a world of new flavor possibilities.

So, whether you’re a seasoned mixologist or a culinary newbie, get ready to shake (or stir) things up with these Dubonnet Rouge substitutes!

10 Dubonnet Rouge Alternatives In a Nutshell

1. Sweet Vermouth
Use in: Cocktails, sauces, and braising liquids
Ratio: 1:1

2. Lillet Rouge
Use in: Cocktails, sauces, and braising liquids
Ratio: 1:1

3. Campari
Use in: Cocktails, sauces, and braising liquids
Ratio: 1:1 (note: Campari is more bitter, so adjust to taste)

4. Cynar
Use in: Cocktails, sauces, and braising liquids
Ratio: 1:1 (note: Cynar is more bitter, so adjust to taste)

5. Cherry Liqueur (e.g. Cherry Heering)
Use in: Cocktails, desserts, and fruit sauces
Ratio: 1/2 to 1 (depending on desired sweetness)

6. Cranberry Juice
Use in: Cocktails, sauces, and braising liquids
Ratio: 1:1 (note: will add a fruity flavor)

7. Pomegranate Molasses
Use in: Cocktails, sauces, and braising liquids
Ratio: 1/4 to 1/2 (depending on desired sweetness)

8. Red Wine (e.g. Merlot or Cabernet Sauvignon)
Use in: Braising liquids, sauces, and marinades
Ratio: 1:1

9. Aperol
Use in: Cocktails, sauces, and braising liquids
Ratio: 1:1 (note: Aperol is more bitter, so adjust to taste)

10. Grenadine
Use in: Cocktails, desserts, and fruit sauces
Ratio: 1/2 to 1 (depending on desired sweetness)

1. Sweet Vermouth: A Classic Alternative

Sweet Vermouth is a natural substitute for Dubonnet Rouge, as both are sweet and fortified wines. While Dubonnet Rouge has a more pronounced flavor profile, Sweet Vermouth is a more subtle and versatile alternative.

Use in: Cocktails, sauces, and braising liquids

Ratio: 1:1

Tips:

• Sweet Vermouth is a great substitute in cocktails, as it adds a sweet and herbal flavor.
• Use Sweet Vermouth in sauces and braising liquids for a rich and fruity flavor.
• Experiment with different sweet vermouth brands to find the one that works best for you.

2. Lillet Rouge: A French Twist on Dubonnet

Lillet Rouge is a French aperitif wine that shares similarities with Dubonnet Rouge in terms of its sweet and fruity flavor profile. While Lillet Rouge is slightly lighter in color and flavor, it’s a great substitute in many recipes.

Use in: Cocktails, sauces, and braising liquids

Ratio: 1:1

Tips:

• Lillet Rouge is a great substitute in cocktails, as it adds a sweet and fruity flavor with hints of citrus and spices.
• Use Lillet Rouge in sauces and braising liquids for a rich and fruity flavor with a slightly lighter tone than Dubonnet Rouge.
• Experiment with different cocktail recipes that feature Lillet Rouge as a main ingredient to find your new favorite drink.

3. Cherry Liqueur: Adding a Fruity Flair

Cherry Liqueur, such as Cherry Heering, is a sweet and fruity liqueur that can add a delicious twist to recipes that call for Dubonnet Rouge. With its rich, fruity flavor, Cherry Liqueur is a great substitute in many recipes.

Use in: Cocktails, desserts, and fruit sauces

Ratio: 1/2 to 1 (depending on desired sweetness and flavor)

Tips:

• Cherry Liqueur is a great substitute in cocktails, adding a sweet and fruity flavor with hints of cherry and almond.
• Use Cherry Liqueur in desserts, such as cherry pies or tarts, for a rich and fruity flavor.
• Experiment with different fruit sauces, such as cherry or raspberry, by adding Cherry Liqueur for a deeper flavor profile.

4. Cranberry Juice: A Refreshing Substitute

Cranberry juice is a sweet and tangy liquid that can add a refreshing twist to recipes that call for Dubonnet Rouge. With its fruity flavor and hint of tartness, cranberry juice is a great substitute in many recipes.

Use in: Cocktails, sauces, and braising liquids

Ratio: 1:1 (or to taste)

Tips:

• Cranberry juice is a great substitute in cocktails, adding a sweet and tangy flavor with a refreshing twist.
• Use cranberry juice in sauces and braising liquids for a fruity and slightly tart flavor.
• Experiment with different types of cranberry juice, such as cranberry-grape or cranberry-orange, for a unique flavor profile.

5. Pomegranate Molasses: A Sweet and Tangy Option

Pomegranate molasses is a sweet and tangy liquid that can add a rich and fruity flavor to recipes that call for Dubonnet Rouge. With its deep red color and complex flavor profile, pomegranate molasses is a great substitute in many recipes.

Use in: Cocktails, sauces, and braising liquids

Ratio: 1/4 to 1/2 (depending on desired sweetness and flavor)

Tips:

• Pomegranate molasses is a great substitute in cocktails, adding a sweet and tangy flavor with hints of fruit and spice.
• Use pomegranate molasses in sauces and braising liquids for a rich and fruity flavor with a deep red color.
• Experiment with different recipes that feature pomegranate molasses as a main ingredient, such as Middle Eastern-inspired dishes or cocktails.

6. Campari: A Bitter and Complex Alternative

Campari is a bitter and complex Italian liqueur that can add a unique flavor profile to recipes that call for Dubonnet Rouge. With its bold and herbal flavor, Campari is a great substitute in many recipes.

Use in: Cocktails, sauces, and braising liquids

Ratio: 1:1 (or to taste)

Tips:

• Campari is a great substitute in cocktails, adding a bitter and complex flavor with hints of herbs and spices.
• Use Campari in sauces and braising liquids for a bold and herbal flavor that pairs well with red meat or game.
• Experiment with different cocktail recipes that feature Campari as a main ingredient, such as the classic Negroni.

7. Cynar: A Unique and Herbaceous Substitute

Cynar is an Italian bitter liqueur that can add a unique and herbaceous flavor to recipes that call for Dubonnet Rouge. With its complex flavor profile and bitter notes, Cynar is a great substitute in many recipes.

Use in: Cocktails, sauces, and braising liquids

Ratio: 1:1 (or to taste)

Tips:

• Cynar is a great substitute in cocktails, adding a unique and herbaceous flavor with hints of bitter notes.
• Use Cynar in sauces and braising liquids for a complex and herbaceous flavor that pairs well with red meat or game.
• Experiment with different cocktail recipes that feature Cynar as a main ingredient, such as the classic Cynar Spritz.

8. Aperol: A Bitter and Citrusy Option

Aperol is an Italian bitter liqueur that can add a bitter and citrusy flavor to recipes that call for Dubonnet Rouge. With its bright orange color and citrusy flavor, Aperol is a great substitute in many recipes.

Use in: Cocktails, sauces, and braising liquids

Ratio: 1:1 (or to taste)

Tips:

• Aperol is a great substitute in cocktails, adding a bitter and citrusy flavor with hints of orange and herbs.
• Use Aperol in sauces and braising liquids for a bright and citrusy flavor that pairs well with red meat or game.
• Experiment with different cocktail recipes that feature Aperol as a main ingredient, such as the classic Aperol Spritz.

9. Red Wine: A Wine-Based Substitute for Dubonnet

Red wine can be used as a substitute for Dubonnet Rouge in many recipes. With its rich, fruity flavor and bold tannins, red wine can add depth and complexity to a variety of dishes.

Use in: Sauces, braising liquids, and marinades

Ratio: 1:1 (or to taste)

Tips:

• Red wine can be used in place of Dubonnet Rouge in many recipes, adding a rich and fruity flavor to sauces and braising liquids.
• Experiment with different types of red wine, such as Merlot or Cabernet Sauvignon, to find the one that works best for your recipe.
• Use red wine in marinades to add flavor to meats and vegetables before cooking.

10. Grenadine: A Sweet and Fruity Alternative

Grenadine is a sweet and fruity syrup that can add a sweet and fruity flavor to recipes that call for Dubonnet Rouge. With its bright red color and sweet flavor, grenadine is a great substitute in many recipes.

Use in: Cocktails, desserts, and fruit sauces

Ratio: 1/2 to 1 (depending on desired sweetness and flavor)

Tips:

• Grenadine is a great substitute in cocktails, adding a sweet and fruity flavor with hints of cherry and orange.
• Use grenadine in desserts, such as cakes and ice cream, for a sweet and fruity flavor.
• Experiment with different fruit sauces, such as cherry or raspberry, by adding grenadine for a sweeter and more fruity flavor.

FAQs

Q: What is Dubonnet Rouge?

A: Dubonnet Rouge is a sweet and fruity wine-based aperitif that is commonly used in cocktails and desserts.

Q: Why would I want to substitute Dubonnet Rouge?

A: You may want to substitute Dubonnet Rouge if you can’t find it in stores, if you’re looking for a different flavor profile, or if you want to experiment with new recipes.

Q: What are some good substitutes for Dubonnet Rouge?

A: Some good substitutes for Dubonnet Rouge include sweet vermouth, Lillet Rouge, cherry liqueur, cranberry juice, pomegranate molasses, Campari, Cynar, Aperol, red wine, and grenadine.

Q: How do I use these substitutes?

A: You can use these substitutes in cocktails, sauces, braising liquids, and desserts. The ratio of substitute to recipe will depend on the specific recipe and your personal taste preferences.

Q: Are there any tips for using these substitutes?

A: Yes, here are some tips:

• Experiment with different ratios of substitute to recipe to find the perfect balance of flavor.
• Consider the flavor profile of the substitute and how it will affect the overall taste of the dish.
• Don’t be afraid to try new combinations of ingredients and flavors to create unique recipes.