This classic French drink is the perfect way to add a contemporary twist to any special occasion. With just a few simple steps, you can whip up a delicious and timeless Kir Royal cocktail that is sure to make your celebration extra memorable!
Kir Royal: A Contemporary Classic Cocktail
The Kir Royal is a contemporary classic cocktail made with dry white wine and crème de cassis, a sweet blackcurrant liqueur. It’s quick, easy to make, and perfect for any special occasion or get-together. This delicious drink was invented in the early 1900s by Canon Felix Kir, the mayor of Dijon, France. He wanted to promote his city’s local crème de cassis by combining it with sparkling wine.
Kir Royal has since become one of the most popular French cocktails throughout Europe and around the world. It can be served either as an apéritif (an alcoholic drink before dinner) or as a digestif (after dinner). The taste is tart yet refreshing – just add ice and enjoy!
Today there are many variations on this classic recipe including raspberry kir royale which uses Chambord instead of crème de cassis; peach kir royal which uses peaches infused vodka instead; strawberry kir royal which adds muddled strawberries; champagne kir royal that uses both dry white wine and champagne for an extra bubbly kick; lychee kir royal adding lychee juice for sweetness… And more! If you’re feeling adventurous why not experiment with different combinations? You never know what surprises you might stumble upon while sipping your new favorite beverage.
Kir Royale Recipe:
Ingredients
- Ingredients:
- -1/2 ounce Crème de Cassis blackcurrant liqueur
- -5 ounces champagne or sparkling white wine such as Prosecco or Cava
Instructions
- Instructions:
- Pour the crème de cassis into a Champagne flute.
- Slowly top up with the sparkling white wine, stirring gently to mix together before serving.
Glassware
Typical or usual glassware used for the Kir Royal cocktail is a champagne flute. The traditional French drink calls for equal parts crème de cassis and Champagne, with the crème de cassis poured first into a chilled glass. If making multiple servings, pour an ounce of crème de cassis into each glass before topping it off with Champagne. Other variations can also be made, such as substituting sparkling wine for Champagne. No matter which variation you choose, using a champagne flute will give your Kir Royal that classic look and feel.Flavors
The flavor profile of a Kir Royal cocktail is quite unique and sophisticated. The classic version typically consists of crème de cassis, a sweet blackcurrant liqueur, paired with dry white wine. This combination creates an intense yet balanced flavor experience with the sweetness of the liqueur offsetting the sourness and acidity of the wine. For those looking for a more contemporary twist on this classic French drink, variations can include substituting different types of sparkling wines or adding fresh fruit juices like orange or raspberry for added depth and complexity.
Because each ingredient used in making a Kir Royal has its own distinct flavors, it’s important to select quality products that will provide maximum taste impact. Crème de cassis should be smooth and syrupy with hints of tart berry while dry white wines should have notes reminiscent of apples and citrus fruits. When served chilled over ice in champagne flutes, these individual ingredients come together to create one extraordinary contemporary cocktail.
3 tips for Making Your Kir Royal
- Look for high quality ingredients when making a Kir Royal – the quality of your liqueur and sparkling wine will make all the difference in this classic drink.
- Consider using an aged Cava or Prosecco, as these types of wines will add more complexity to your cocktail.
- Taste test your concoction before serving – feel free to adjust the ratio of Crème de Cassis depending on how sweet you would like it to b.
