Gin and tonic may be a favourite tipple of the British, but for the Queen, the combination is just a little boring. The reigning royal is instead a major fan of a gin and Dubonnet.

According to her cousin Margaret Rhodes, Queen Elizabeth II indulges in the cocktail before lunch daily as a part of her greater drinking routine. “She takes a gin and Dubonnet before lunch, with a slice of lemon and a lot of ice. She will take wine with lunch and a dry Martini, and a glass of champagne in the evening,” so says Margaret.

What exactly is Dubbonet? It’s a Parisian aperitif that blends together fortified wine, herbs and spices. Its taste is said to resemble a mix between Campari and sweet vermouth in flavour.

The gin and Dubbonet cocktail was also said to be a favourite of the Queen mother. So it seems that the apple really doesn’t fall far from the Royal tree…