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The Kir Royale is an elegant mix of champagne and blackcurrant liqueur that has become an established, go-to apéritif for generations now. But don’t let the words elegant or sophisticated trick you into thinking this is a complicated drink because it’s not. You don’t have to be a renowned lifelong mixologist to entertain guests with this fizzy, fruity, and light classic cocktail.
Bar Tools
- Jigger
To Serve: In a champagne flute.
Ingredients
- 1/2 oz. Créme de Cassis (blackcurrant liqueur)
- Champagne, to top
To Garnish: Raspberries are the most common but seasonal berries, if desired, are still appropriate.
How to Make
Pour Créme de Cassis into a champagne flute. Top with your champagne and add berries to garnish, if desired.
Nutritional Facts and ABV
- ABV (alcohol by volume): 11.7%
- Calories: 124
- Total carbohydrates: 8 grams
- Total added sugar: 6 grams
History
The Kir Royale pays homage to the French priest Canon Félix Kir, who was revered for his leadership during World War II. The original Kir became a popular drink that people would enjoy by mixing their local white wine with Crème de Cassis liqueur and sharing savory afternoon snacks with friends. As the name implies, the Royale became a classier, more upscale version of the drink when the French would swap out the traditional white wine of the Kir for their best champagne. This made the Kir Royale a drink associated with special occasions.
FAQ
Are Créme de Cassis and Chambord the same thing?
While the two liqueurs may seem similar enough (and some Kir Royale recipes will call for Chambord), the two aren’t the same. They actually have very distinct tastes, as they come from wildly different berries. Créme de Cassis is made of blackcurrant, a dark, tart berry that actually isn’t allowed to grow in the United States. Chambord, meanwhile, is a black raspberry liqueur.
Haven’t I seen this recipe before with different liqueurs, or with white wine instead of champagne, etc?
If you’ve heard of the Kir Royale then you’ve most likely tried or seen very similar drinks. Just as the Kir Royale evolved as an elegant, classy take on the Kir, several other recipes have spun off from the original. For example, using Prosecco instead of champagne will give you a Kir Pétillant. A Cider Royale calls for hard apple cider, and so on with many other Kir-variants.
How dark or light should my Kir Royale be?
The traditional Kir Royale recipe is designed to give your champagne a sweet twist and doesn’t require much Créme de Cassis. However, like most drinks, you’ll find your own preferred taste for this cocktail and may end up with a darker drink by adding more blackcurrant liqueur.
