A Word From The Cook

“The first Kir Royale I ever tasted was in a lovely French Bistro in Paris. I don’t really like sweet drinks, so I was hesitant at first. I was delighted to discover that the perfect Kir is a crisp, refreshing, aperitif. Creme de Cassis gives it a light blackcurrant sweetness. For those who prefer more sweetness, a sugar cube can be added.”

Recipe

Ingredients:

  • Kir:
  • Chilled dry white wine
  • Crème de cassis
  • Kir Royale:
  • Champagne or Prosecco
  • (to stay with the French theme, stick with Champagne, but Prosecco tastes lovely too)
  • Crème de cassis
  • Champagne Cocktail (a.k.a Modified Kir Royale)
  • Sugar cubes
  • Bitters
  • Garnish with lemon twist
  •  

Step 1 – Make a Kir with Dry White Wine in a Wine Glass

Pour the crème de cassis into a wine glass.

Fill the glass with wine (use a ratio of about 1:5 one part cassis to 5 parts wine). You can vary the ratio, but avoid making a drink that’s too syrupy. Dry wine should be used to balance out the sweetness of the cassis.

For an even lighter aperitif, you can substitute some chilled club soda, for a portion of the wine.

Step 2 – Make a Classic French Kir Royale with Champagne in a Champagne Flute

Pour the crème de cassis into a champagne flute.

Fill the glass with champagne (use a ratio of about 1:5 one part cassis to 5 parts wine). You can vary the ratio, but avoid making a drink that’s too syrupy.

For a sweeter drink, place a sugar cube at the bottom of the flute before adding the cassis.

Step 3 – Make a Champagne Cocktail in a Champagne Flute

Place a sugar cube in the bottom of a Champagne flute.

Add a dash or two of bitters and the crème de cassis.

Pour the Champagne.

Garnish with a lemon twist.

Enjoy this classic French cocktail and its variations.

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