What will we all eat and drink as we watch the Queen’s funeral on Monday?

Forget the bubbly! Many of those raising a glass in memory of Queen Elizabeth II this weekend will be drinking Dubonnet.

The Pernod Ricard-owned aperitif, believed to be the Queen’s favourite tipple, sold out from Tesco’s and Waitrose’s online stores this week, as shoppers rushed to stockpile the drink ahead of Her Majesty’s funeral.

It is understood the royal Dubonnet cocktail favoured by Queen Elizabeth comprised two parts Dubonnet to one part gin – preferably Gordon’s – with a wedge of lemon. So, we can expect an uplift in sales of Gordon’s gin and lemons, too, if mourners plan to faithfully recreate it.

The spike in Dubonnet sales, although perhaps amusing, is not surprising. Waitrose sold out of it ahead of the Platinum Jubilee in June – and reported an impressive 50% year-on-year sales increase.

But it isn’t just alcohol sales which will likely be impacted by the Queen’s passing. Along with Dubonnet and Gordon’s, a whole host of fmcg brands – and 100 food and drink businesses – were granted the Royal Warrant by the late Queen Elizabeth II during her reign. They too can expect a healthy boost to sales before they expire after a two-year grace period. 

Like Robertson’s marmalade. In addition to the Royal Arms, its jars feature Paddington Bear – who has himself become a symbol of remembrance for Queen Elizabeth, following his Platinum Jubilee skit with her earlier this year.

Surely Robertson’s products will fly off the shelves this weekend as shoppers recreate the famous scene in the Queen’s honour. If Royal Parks’ statement discouraging mourners from leaving out marmalade sandwiches in tribute to her is anything to go by, its preserves will have seen an uplift in sales already.

And if shoppers plan to toast the Queen with an afternoon tea – which was one of her favourite meals, according to her former chef Darren McGrady – we can also expect sales of tea, scones, jams, and clotted creams to spike. As a result, brands such as Tiptree and Twinings – also bearing the Royal Arms – will likely benefit.

But whether these brands will retain their royal status is now up to King Charles III. All Royal Warrants became void with the death of the Queen last week, and it is understood that companies will have to reapply for one as they must every five years.

If food and drink companies are not granted new Royal Warrants by King Charles, they will have two years to remove the Royal Arms from their packaging, which will potentially lose them kudos with the public.

Robertsons and Twinings are likely to be safe. At the time of the Queen’s death, both brands also held Royal Warrants issued by the former Prince of Wales. Presumably, this means they’re likely to continue being used within the Royal household. On the other hand, the Queen’s favourite tipples - Dubonnet and Gordon’s - did not win Charles’ backing.

So, if you’re going to raise a glass to Her Majesty this weekend, note the significance of the moment. Afternoon teas are here to stay, but the royal Dubonnet cocktail might soon be consigned to history.