Tom Parker Bowles has unveiled a charming cocktail favored by the late Queen Elizabeth II and the Queen Mother—a refreshing choice ideal for a summer afternoon. Although the royal family isn’t known for heavy drinking, both monarchs appreciated this simple yet elegant beverage as a pre-luncheon treat.
In his book, Cooking & The Crown, Tom shares, “Despite the extensive and impressive wine cellars at Windsor Castle and Buckingham Palace, monarchs from Queen Victoria to King Charles III have never been heavy drinkers. The Queen Mother, fondly remembered for her generosity as a host, enjoyed the occasional tipple, especially during her splendid lunches.”
The drink, famously called ‘The Queen Mother’s Gin and Dubonnet,’ is a straightforward mix of four ingredients: Dubonnet—a sweet, aromatic fortified wine infused with quinine—gin, a squeeze of lemon, and plenty of ice. This combination delivers a luxurious, slightly sweet, yet sharp and herbal flavor that adds a refreshing zest to the afternoon.
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Tom emphasizes that the Royal Family’s modest drinking habits contrast with rumors about Queen Camilla’s lifestyle. He clarified in an interview with The Times that such claims are “inaccurate” and likely sparked by a Channel 4 comedy series, The Windsors. “She’s never drunk a glass of gin in her life,” Tom said. “Doesn’t smoke… never seen her so much as tipsy.”
Though reports note that Queen Camilla previously smoked, recent insights describe her current lifestyle as very healthy. Together with King Charles, she enjoys hearty meals made from fresh produce, often grown on their own estate.
Tom’s book is a culinary journey through over a century of Royal dining, from Queen Victoria’s era to the present day. Alongside elegant cocktails like the Gin and Dubonnet, it features classic recipes such as ‘Pommes Elizabeth’ and ‘Pudding au Pain et aux Cerises’, inviting readers to bring a taste of Royal tradition into their homes.
In addition to this cocktail, Tom highlights other Royal favorites like iced coffee and lemonade, complete with their personalized royal recipes.