The Zaza cocktail is a classic drink that radiates French elegance, combining the crisp dryness of gin with the sweet, gently spiced notes of Dubonnet, a wine-based aperitif. What makes this cocktail especially interesting is that, when shaken, it becomes a Zaza cocktail, while when stirred, it is usually known as a Dubonnet cocktail. In other words, the mixing method subtly changes the drink’s character. The shaken version is colder and slightly lighter, whereas the stirred version feels smoother and more refined. The Zaza is like an old theatre poster: a little forgotten, a little mysterious, yet stylish and full of character. It is not a flashy cocktail; instead, it makes a restrained, sophisticated entrance.
Story
The origins of the Zaza cocktail date back to the early 1900s. Its name most likely became popular thanks to the operetta of the same name, along with its later film adaptations, which captured the spirit of turn-of-the-century French culture. The cocktail evokes a similar mood: elegant, floral, and slightly decadent, as if it were being served in a Parisian salon. Incidentally, “Zaza” is also a diminutive form of the female name Isabella.
Ingredients
1 ½ oz (45 ml) gin
2 oz (60 ml) Dubonnet
How to Make a Zaza Cocktail
Pour the gin and Dubonnet into a shaker filled with ice, then shake vigorously to chill the drink thoroughly and give it a smooth, silky texture. After that, strain into a chilled cocktail glass.
Serving and Garnish
The Zaza cocktail is served without ice in a classic cocktail or coupe glass. For garnish, a lemon peel twist is a common choice. However, the garnish should never feel ostentatious; rather, it should subtly enhance the drink’s nostalgic, artistic atmosphere.
Calorie Content
A single serving of the Zaza cocktail contains approximately 140–150 calories, mainly due to the sugar content of the Dubonnet. Since it contains only a few ingredients, it is a relatively light drink.