Alfonso
A sugar cube soaked in bitters, with Dubonnet and Champagne. Named after King Alfonso XIII of Spain.
Built in glass · Champagne flute · Easy · about 2 minutes · about 12% ABV
Ingredients
- 30 ml Dubonnet Rouge
- 1 Sugar cube
- 2 dashes Angostura bitters
- 90 ml Champagne or sparkling wine
- Lemon twist (garnish)
Method
- Ice the glass
- Pour 30 ml Dubonnet Rouge into the glass
- Add 1 sugar cube
- Add 2 dashes of Angostura bitters
- Top with 90 ml champagne or sparkling wine
- Stir once
- Garnish
Tip
Soak the cube in bitters before you add it.
About the Alfonso
Named after King Alfonso XIII of Spain, who was said to have enjoyed it while in exile in France. It appears in the Savoy Cocktail Book.
The sparkling family. Champagne cocktails go back to Jerry Thomas's 1862 book, where a sugar cube and bitters were dropped into a glass of sparkling wine. The French 75, the Kir Royale and the Bellini, created in Venice in the 1940s, made sparkling drinks the symbol of celebration.
Alfonso FAQ
What's in an Alfonso?
30 ml dubonnet rouge, 1 sugar cube, 2 dashes angostura bitters, 90 ml champagne or sparkling wine, garnished with lemon twist.
How strong is an Alfonso?
About 12% ABV once mixed with ice, which is 1.3 Australian standard drinks per serve. That is about as strong as a glass of wine or lighter.
Should I shake or stir an Alfonso?
Neither. Build it straight in the glass over ice, then give it one gentle stir.
What glass do you serve an Alfonso in?
A champagne flute, about 180 ml. Chill the glass first and serve without ice. No champagne flute? Use a small wine glass.
