The Modern’s Très Jolie: A Refined Aperitif Combining Dubonnet and Vermouth
A harmonious blend of French heritage and modern flair to awaken every taste bud.
Introduction to The Modern’s Très Jolie Cocktail
In the ever-evolving landscape of modern mixology, few venues capture the spirit of sophistication like The Modern at the Museum of Modern Art in New York City. Among its curated list of drinks, the Très Jolie aperitif cocktail stands out—a meticulously constructed balance of French and American aperitif traditions, tied together with contemporary finesse.
This cocktail demonstrates the careful layering of flavors that characterize an influential aperitif. Marrying Dubonnet Rouge with dry vermouth, lifting the result with Cointreau and orange bitters, and finishing with a fresh orange twist, Très Jolie is designed not just for the palate, but for the full experience: pre-dinner refreshment, conversation starter, and celebration of both the classic and the new.
The Art of Aperitifs: An Overview
An aperitif is traditionally a light, low-alcohol drink served before meals to stimulate the appetite and socialize. Classic European origins meet American innovation at The Modern bar, where bartenders develop drinks that serve as an introduction to a meal’s full symphony of flavors. In this environment, well-known staples like vermouth and Dubonnet are spotlighted for their aromatic and palate-stimulating properties.
- Vermouth offers a backbone of herbal, dry elegance.
- Dubonnet Rouge adds a fruity, gently bitter depth reminiscent of fortified wines.
- Citrus liqueurs and bitters layer complexity and freshness.
The Très Jolie, with its precise spirit selection and balanced ratios, exemplifies this aperitif philosophy. The result is a drink that is both classic in inspiration and modern in execution.
The Foundation: Understanding the Ingredients
Each component of the Très Jolie contributes distinct characteristics. The interplay between them is what elevates this cocktail from simple pre-dinner refreshment to something memorable.
Dubonnet Rouge
Dubonnet Rouge is a French-fortified wine aromatized with herbs, spices, and quinine. This iconic ingredient is slightly sweet, with deep notes of cherry, blackcurrant, tea, and a gentle bitterness. Once a mainstay of Parisian cafés and, notably, a favorite of Queen Elizabeth II, Dubonnet finds new relevance in modern bars for its versatility in both classic and contemporary cocktails.
Dry Vermouth
Dry vermouth such as Dolin is the stabilizing element here—a pale-colored, wine-based spirit with botanicals that lend crispness, structure, and subtle herbal bitterness. Vermouth brings the drink in line with traditional aperitif profiles, ensuring that the final result is refreshing and appetite-stimulating, rather than rich or heavy.
Cointreau (Triple Sec)
A splash of Cointreau (a variety of triple sec) provides a burst of citrus aroma and layered sweetness without overwhelming the other ingredients. Its clean, vibrant orange flavor acts as a bridge between the bitter botanicals of the fortified wines and the bright, zesty finish.
Orange Bitters
Two dashes of orange bitters impart complexity and lift the orange notes from the Cointreau, amplifying both aroma and depth. Bitters are critical for balance, introducing subtle spice and earthiness to round out the sharpness of the citrus and botanicals.
Orange Twist Garnish
The finishing touch—a twist of fresh orange peel—releases essential oils over the top of the drink, ensuring the first sip is as aromatic and inviting as the last.
What others are reading
Crafting the Très Jolie: Step-by-Step Recipe
Transparency and precision are hallmarks of The Modern’s approach. While many cocktails demand improvisation, the Très Jolie rewards careful measurement and attention to technique. Below is a faithful, optimized adaptation for home or professional bartenders.
| Ingredient | Amount | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Dry Vermouth (preferably Dolin) | 2 oz (60 ml) | Provides herbal, crisp base |
| Dubonnet Rouge | 1 oz (30 ml) | Fruity, deeply aromatic, gently bitter |
| Cointreau (or high-quality triple sec) | 1/2 oz (15 ml) | Citrusy, sweet, aromatic |
| Orange Bitters | 2 dashes | Brightens, deepens, balances |
| Orange Peel | 1 | Twisted over drink for aromatic finish |
Preparation Method
- Chill a coupe glass. Place glass in freezer or fill with ice water while preparing ingredients.
- Add ingredients to a mixing glass. Combine vermouth, Dubonnet, Cointreau, and bitters.
- Fill mixing glass with ice. Use large, cold cubes for slow dilution.
- Stir steadily for 20–30 seconds. Aim for balanced dilution and full integration; the aroma should brighten with each stir.
- Strain into chilled glass. Discard ice from coupe, then pour the cocktail into the glass using a fine strainer.
- Express the orange twist over drink. Hold the orange peel over the glass and squeeze to release oils. Discard or drop in as garnish.
The Modern’s Approach: Philosophy and Service
At The Modern, the Très Jolie isn’t merely a menu item—it’s a deliberate introduction to the meal ahead. The bar’s approach emphasizes understated elegance, balance, and a respect for history. By relying on a medley of European staples and minimalist preparation, bartenders create a drink that is as suitable for a solitary aperitif at the bar as it is for toasting artful company.
- Ingredients selected for both tradition and compatibility—French and Italian influences merge harmoniously.
- Chilled, short-glass service signals restraint and refinement.
- Orange tones throughout echo and enhance the underlying botanical notes.
Such a drink aligns with the ethos of aperitif culture: welcoming, artful, and restrained yet expressive.
Dubonnet and Vermouth: History and Pairing Principles
Blending Dubonnet Rouge and dry vermouth is not arbitrary. This pairing draws from nearly two centuries of European aperitif evolution:
- Dubonnet was created in 1846 by Parisian chemist Joseph Dubonnet. Its combination of red wine, quinine, and botanicals was designed to make quinine (an antimalarial) more palatable for French legionnaires stationed in North Africa.
- Vermouth originated in Turin, Italy, in the 18th century. Renowned for its role in classic cocktails such as the Martini and Manhattan, vermouth’s dry styles provide a sharp, herbal contrast to Dubonnet’s smoother, sweet richness.
When layered purposefully, these two aromatized wines create a delicate interplay: sweet balances dry, fruit rounds out herbs, and bitterness stimulates appetite. The addition of orange notes—common to both the bitters and the garnish—brings these disparate flavors into a harmonious whole.
Tasting Notes and Serving Suggestions
The Très Jolie opens with pronounced aromas of fresh orange oil and dried red fruit. On the palate, the drink is light yet expressive:
- Initial Taste: Lively citrus and sweet cherry transition swiftly into gentle herbal tones.
- Mid-Palate: Layers of spice from the bitters and botanicals emerge, joined by subtle bitterness and a clean, drying line of acidity from the vermouth.
- Finish: Lingering orange and quinine create a crisp, refreshing conclusion.
Best served well-chilled in a coupe or Nick & Nora glass, the Très Jolie is ideal before a meal, or as a light sipper for art openings, brunch gatherings, and evenings when elegance is called for.
Variations and Customizations
Part of the allure of classics like the Très Jolie is their adaptability. Though the symmetry of The Modern’s cocktail is hard to improve upon, creative drinkers can explore variations for personal taste or ingredient availability:
- Alternative vermouths: Substitute a lighter bianco (white) vermouth for an even more floral profile.
- Liqueur swaps: Try Grand Marnier or another orange liqueur if Cointreau isn’t available.
- Bitters experimentation: Use aromatic bitters alongside orange for new undertones (e.g., Peychaud’s or Angostura).
- Garnish creativity: Experiment with a lemon twist or a sprig of rosemary for subtle botanical complexity.
- Lower or raise sweetness: Adjust ratios to preference; slightly more Dubonnet for those who enjoy bolder fruit, or more vermouth for dryer palates.
These modifications allow for interplay while always keeping the fundamental structure—an interplay of dry, sweet, and bright aromas.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
What is Dubonnet Rouge and where can I find it?
Dubonnet Rouge is an aromatized, fortified red wine from France, infused with herbs, spices, and quinine. It is widely stocked in well-supplied liquor stores and many specialty beverage shops—particularly those carrying aperitif wines or imported European spirits.
Can I use a different brand of dry vermouth?
Absolutely. Dolin is preferred for its delicate, balanced character, but other reputable dry vermouths (such as Noilly Prat or Martini & Rossi Extra Dry) will work well. Adjust amounts slightly if your chosen vermouth is especially pungent or subdued.
Is Très Jolie suitable as a pre-dinner drink?
Yes, Très Jolie was developed as an aperitif—specifically designed to awaken the palate without overpowering subsequent food courses. Its low alcohol content and aromatic profile make it ideal for the start of an evening.
Can this cocktail be batched for a party?
Definitely. Multiply the ingredients by the number of servings needed, mix in a large vessel with ice, stir for even dilution, strain, and refrigerate. Serve individual portions into chilled glasses, adding a fresh orange twist just before serving for optimal aroma.
How can I make a non-alcoholic version?
Replace Dubonnet and vermouth with a blend of non-alcoholic red grape juice and a botanical tonic, plus a splash of orange syrup for depth. Add a dash of orange bitters (non-alcoholic if desired) and finish with a twist of orange peel to echo the original’s aromatic signature.
Conclusion: Why Très Jolie Commands a Place at the Table
The Modern’s Très Jolie elegantly encapsulates the revival of classic aperitif culture—where drinks are balanced, sophisticated, and endlessly inviting. Whether served at a world-class restaurant or mixed at home for a quiet celebration, this cocktail rewards care and camaraderie. It is a testament to the timeless appeal of well-chosen ingredients, sharp technique, and a touch of creative flair at the bar.
Let the Très Jolie be your invitation to rediscover the pleasures of the aperitif hour—where modern hospitality meets enduring charm, and every sip sets the stage for what follows.
References
Similar Articles
Read full bio of medha deb
