Antoine Special

Pro tips

• Use quality dry vermouth—it's half the drink; refrigerate an opened bottle to preserve botanicals.
• Chill your glass before serving to keep the drink cold longer without excessive dilution.
• Stir for 10–15 seconds with ice to properly chill and slightly dilute without over-watering the herbal balance.

Substitutions

• Dubonnet → Lillet Blanc (lighter, more floral; reduces bitter-sweet notes)
• Dry Vermouth → Blanc Vermouth (softer, less herbaceous; adds slight sweetness)

What type of drink is the Antoine Special?

It's a classic aperitif cocktail made with fortified wines—Dubonnet (a quinquina) and dry vermouth—served as an elegant pre-dinner drink.

How do you serve the Antoine Special?

Traditionally stirred with ice and strained into a coupe or cocktail glass, optionally garnished with a lemon twist or cherry.

Can I substitute the Dubonnet?

Lillet Blanc or other quinquina wines work as replacements, though they'll shift the flavor profile slightly toward drier or more floral notes.

Should this cocktail be shaken or stirred?

Stirring is traditional for spirit-forward aperitifs; shake only if you prefer a lighter texture and more dilution.