Zaza Cocktail Drink

Zaza Drink

A shot of Gavin Wrigley looking to the camera in a dimly lit room
Written by
Gavin Wrigley
Andrea
Tested by
Andrea Ottaiano

Looking for a unique drink to satisfy your cravings? The Zaza Cocktail is just what you need! With simple ingredients, you can easily create and enjoy this delightful beverage.

Zaza Drink Recipe

Discover the Zaza Cocktail! Mix gin, Dubonnet Rouge, and a twist of lemon to create a delightful drink perfect for any occasion.

Prep time:

1 minute

Mixing time:

1 minute

Servings:

1

Calories:

166 kl

Ingredients

  • oz Gin
  • oz Dubonnet Rouge
  • Lemon twist, for garnish, optional
  • Ice cubes

Equipment

  • Chilled Coupe Glass
  • Measuring Jigger
  • Cocktail Shaker
  • Strainer & Fine-strainer

Instructions

  • Prep Glass: Fill your Coupe Glass with ice, give it a good stir and set aside.
  • Add Dubonnet Rouge: Measure and pour 1½ oz Dubonnet Rouge into the shaker.
  • Add Gin: Pour 1½ oz Gin.
  • Shake: Ice up the shaker and shake vigorously for about 15 seconds.
  • Prep Glass: Discard the ice from your coupe glass.
  • Strain: Fine strain your drink into your coupe glass.
  • Garnish: Garnish with a lemon peel.

Notes

Substitutes:

  • Gin: If you don't have Gin, try using vodka for a cleaner taste. I've also experimented with white rum, which adds a different but pleasant flavor profile.
  • Dubonnet Rouge: If you need help finding Dubonnet Rouge, sweet vermouth works well as an alternative. I've used Lillet Rouge for a slightly different twist, which brings a bit more complexity to the drink.
  • Lemon Twist: An orange twist can work in a pinch if you're out of lemons. It changes the aroma slightly but still complements the drink nicely.

Making a Pitcher of Zaza Drink:

  • Scale: To make a pitcher that serves 8, multiply all the ingredients by 8. That would be 12 oz of Gin and 12 oz of Dubonnet Rouge.
  • Mix: In a large pitcher, combine the Gin and Dubonnet Rouge with ice cubes. Stir well.
  • Serve: Strain the mixture into individual chilled Coupe glasses. garnish with a twist of lemon, and serve immediately.

Making it Non-Alcoholic:

  • Gin Substitute: Use a non-alcoholic gin substitute; these are available and reasonably mimic Gin's botanicals.
  • Dubonnet Rouge Substitute: To mimic the complex flavors of Dubonnet Rouge, opt for a non-alcoholic red wine or make a simple syrup infused with herbs and spices.
  • Proceed As Usual: Use these non-alcoholic substitutes instead of the regular ingredients, follow the original steps, and enjoy a non-alcoholic version.

Making it Vegan:

Some liqueur brands may use animal-derived fining agents in their production process, so check labels to ensure they meet vegan standards.

Nutrition Facts

Calories
166
% Daily Value*
Sodium
 
4
mg
0
%
Carbohydrates
 
6
g
2
%
Sugar
 
3
g
3
%
Potassium
 
40
mg
1
%
Protein
 
0.1
g
0
%
Calcium
 
3
mg
0
%
Iron
 
0.1
mg
1
%
Zaza Cocktail Drink

Zaza Drink Recipe

Gavin Wrigley Written by Gavin Wrigley
Jump to Video
Discover the Zaza Cocktail! Mix gin, Dubonnet Rouge, and a twist of lemon to create a delightful drink perfect for any occasion.
Prep time: 1 minute
Mixing time: 1 minute
Servings: 1
Calories: 166

Ingredients
 

  • oz Gin
  • oz Dubonnet Rouge
  • Lemon twist - for garnish, optional
  • Ice cubes

Equipment

  • Chilled Coupe Glass
  • Measuring Jigger
  • Cocktail Shaker
  • Strainer & Fine-strainer

Instructions

  • Prep Glass: Fill your Coupe Glass with ice, give it a good stir and set aside.
  • Add Dubonnet Rouge: Measure and pour 1½ oz Dubonnet Rouge into the shaker.
  • Add Gin: Pour 1½ oz Gin.
  • Shake: Ice up the shaker and shake vigorously for about 15 seconds.
  • Prep Glass: Discard the ice from your coupe glass.
  • Strain: Fine strain your drink into your coupe glass.
  • Garnish: Garnish with a lemon peel.

Notes

Substitutes:

  • Gin: If you don't have Gin, try using vodka for a cleaner taste. I've also experimented with white rum, which adds a different but pleasant flavor profile.
  • Dubonnet Rouge: If you need help finding Dubonnet Rouge, sweet vermouth works well as an alternative. I've used Lillet Rouge for a slightly different twist, which brings a bit more complexity to the drink.
  • Lemon Twist: An orange twist can work in a pinch if you're out of lemons. It changes the aroma slightly but still complements the drink nicely.

Making a Pitcher of Zaza Drink:

  • Scale: To make a pitcher that serves 8, multiply all the ingredients by 8. That would be 12 oz of Gin and 12 oz of Dubonnet Rouge.
  • Mix: In a large pitcher, combine the Gin and Dubonnet Rouge with ice cubes. Stir well.
  • Serve: Strain the mixture into individual chilled Coupe glasses. garnish with a twist of lemon, and serve immediately.

Making it Non-Alcoholic:

  • Gin Substitute: Use a non-alcoholic gin substitute; these are available and reasonably mimic Gin's botanicals.
  • Dubonnet Rouge Substitute: To mimic the complex flavors of Dubonnet Rouge, opt for a non-alcoholic red wine or make a simple syrup infused with herbs and spices.
  • Proceed As Usual: Use these non-alcoholic substitutes instead of the regular ingredients, follow the original steps, and enjoy a non-alcoholic version.

Making it Vegan:

Some liqueur brands may use animal-derived fining agents in their production process, so check labels to ensure they meet vegan standards.

What is a Zaza Drink?

A Zaza drink is a gin-based Gin and Dubonnet Rouge cocktail garnished with a lemon twist. It’s easy to make, requiring only two main ingredients and simple preparation steps. This elegant cocktail offers a delightful blend of botanical flavors from the Gin and the rich, slightly sweet notes from the Dubonnet Rouge.

A side shot of a Zaza cocktail in a coupe glass on a wooden board with a shaker and a red cloth around

What is a Zaza Drink Made of – The Ingredients

For a Zaza drink, use these ingredients:

  • Gin: Provides the botanical base and primary spirit for the cocktail.
  • Dubonnet Rouge: Adds rich, slightly sweet notes with herbal undertones.
  • Twist of Lemon: Enhances the drink with a fresh citrus aroma and acidity.
  • Ice Cubes: Chills the drink and dilutes it slightly for balanced flavors.

How do you make a Zaza Drink?

Learn the steps to craft a Zaza drink with our guide:

1
<p>Fill your coupe glass with ice cubes to chill the drink.</p>

Fill your coupe glass with ice cubes to chill the drink.

2
<p>Measure and pour 1½ oz of Dubonnet Rouge into the mixing glass, adding rich, slightly sweet notes.</p>

Measure and pour 1½ oz of Dubonnet Rouge into the mixing glass, adding rich, slightly sweet notes.

3
<p>Pour 1½ oz of Gin, providing the botanical base for the cocktail.</p>

Pour 1½ oz of Gin, providing the botanical base for the cocktail.

4
<p>Fill the mixing glass with ice.</p>

Fill the mixing glass with ice.

5
<p>Use a bar spoon to stir the ingredients gently, ensuring they mix well.</p>

Use a bar spoon to stir the ingredients gently, ensuring they mix well.

6
<p>Strain the drink into your chilled coupe glass.</p>

Strain the drink into your chilled coupe glass.

7
<p>Garnish the drink with a twist of lemon, enhancing it with a fresh citrus aroma.</p>

Garnish the drink with a twist of lemon, enhancing it with a fresh citrus aroma.

History and Origin of the Zaza Drink

The Zaza drink traces its roots back to early 20th-century France. Bartenders in Paris created this cocktail, inspired by the popular French aperitif culture. They named it after a character from the well-known play “Zaza.” The combination of Gin and Dubonnet Rouge quickly gained popularity for its simple yet sophisticated flavor profile.

A Zaza cocktail, shot from above, in a coupe glass on a beige surface surrounded by Gin and Dubonnet Rouge

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FAQ

How many calories are in a Zaza drink?
A typical Zaza drink contains around 150-200 calories, depending on the Gin and Dubonnet Rouge brands used.
How strong is the Zaza drink?
The Zaza drink has an alcohol by volume (ABV) of approximately 20-25%, translating to 40-50 proof.
What alcohol is used in a Zaza drink?
The primary alcohols in a Zaza drink are Gin and Dubonnet Rouge.
In which glass is a Zaza drink served?
Bartenders typically serve a Zaza drink in a coupe glass.
What does a Zaza drink taste like?
A Zaza drink offers a balanced flavor profile with botanical notes from the Gin and rich, slightly sweet undertones from the Dubonnet Rouge.
What is the ratio of ingredients in a Zaza drink?
The standard ratio for a Zaza drink is 1:1, meaning equal parts gin and Dubonnet Rouge.
How is a Zaza drink served?
Serve a Zaza drink shaken with ice and strained in a chilled glass.

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