Originating in the mid-20th century in the Burgundy region of France, the Kir Royale has become a classic French cocktail. This bubbly cocktail was named after Canon Félix Kir, a hero in the French Resistance during World War II and later a mayor of Dijon.
This classic cocktail has captivated tastebuds since it was first poured. Delicious, bubbly, dry champagne is poured into a champagne flute and crowned with creme de cassis, a sweet, dark liqueur made from blackcurrants. While it’s a lovely aperitif or cocktail party drink, this luxurious ruby-colored champagne cocktail is a great option for New Year’s or Valentine’s Day. For more elegant cocktail recipes, check out my Aviation Cocktail recipe, Sidecar recipe, and French 75 next!
What You Need To Make This Recipe
Crème de cassis — a French liqueur made with blackcurrants. Alternatively, Chambord, a luxurious raspberry liqueur, can be used for a fun twist, adding a slightly more refined, berry-like sweetness and pale pink hue to the cocktail.
Dry Champagne (brut) — the lively bubbles and dry, yeasty flavor balance the sweetness of the liqueur and add an element of sophistication and festivity. Because this makes up the majority of the cocktail, use a good quality bubbly. Feel free to swap in a dry sparkling wine or Italian prosecco if needed.
Fresh raspberries — the finishing touch of any great cocktail is a beautiful garnish. Fresh raspberries not only enhance the visual appeal but also complement the berry notes of the liqueur.
How To Make Kir Royale
1. Measure out a jigger of crème de cassis.
2. Pour the crème de cassis into the bottom of a champagne flute.
3. Top off the glass with chilled champagne. Tilt the glass and pour it down the side to keep the bubbles from popping too much while pouring.
4. Garnish with raspberries & enjoy.
Pro Tips For Making This Recipe
- Chill Your Ingredients: Ensure both your champagne and liqueur are well-chilled before mixing. This keeps the cocktail refreshing and helps maintain the effervescence of the champagne.
- Proportion is Key: Aim for the right balance between the liqueur and champagne. A classic ratio is about 1 part liqueur to 5 parts champagne, but feel free to adjust to your personal taste. Too much liqueur can overpower the drink, while too little might be underwhelming.
- Pour Carefully: Start by pouring the Crème de Cassis or Chambord into the glass first, then gently add the champagne. This method ensures the ingredients mix naturally without needing to stir, preserving the bubbles.
- Use the Right Glassware: A champagne flute is ideal here. Its tall and narrow shape not only showcases the cocktail’s elegance but also helps concentrate the aromas and preserve the carbonation.
- Garnish Thoughtfully: Adding a fresh raspberry or two not only looks beautiful but can also enhance the flavor. Ensure the raspberries are fresh and firm. You can garnish with a lemon twist to add a zesty aroma.
- Quality Matters: Use a good quality champagne or sparkling wine. The better the base, the better the cocktail. Even though it’s being mixed with a liqueur, the nuances of a good champagne can really elevate the overall taste.
Frequently Asked Questions
The main difference between Kir and Kir Royale lies in the base alcohol used. Kir is a classic French cocktail made with a base of dry white wine, typically a dry white Burgundy, and flavored with a splash of Crème de Cassis.
Kir Royale, on the other hand, substitutes the white wine with champagne or a quality sparkling wine. This swap elevates the drink, giving it a more festive, luxurious character due to the effervescence and the typically more complex flavor profile of champagne.
In a word, yes! Using Prosecco is technically a divergence from a classic Kir Royale recipe, but can be a delicious substitute. The overall cocktail will be a bit lighter and may have a more pronounced fruitiness, which can be quite delightful. It’s a great option if you prefer a less expensive alternative to champagne or if you’re looking for a variation on the classic. Just remember to keep the Prosecco chilled and pour it gently to maintain its effervescence.
The flavor of a Kir Royale is a harmonious mix of sweet and tart, enriched by the complexity of the sparkling wine and the fruity depth of the liqueur, all brought together with a delightful effervescence.
Light appetizers like canapés, bruschetta, baked brie, or shrimp cocktail complement the bubbly and fruity notes of the cocktail. Cheese platters with a mix of soft and hard cheeses, like Brie, Gouda, or aged Cheddar, also work well. The crispness and berry flavor of this cocktail also pairs beautifully with desserts like French macarons, chocolate truffles, and pistachio cake.
An aperitif is a drink served before a meal to stimulate the appetite, and the Kir Royale fits this description perfectly. Its combination of the dry, crisp champagne and the sweet, fruity Crème de Cassis creates a balanced, refreshing cocktail that’s light and stimulating. The effervescence of the champagne in particular helps awaken the palate, making it an excellent choice to enjoy before starting a meal.
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Kir Royale
Equipment
- Champagne flute
Ingredients
- 1 ounces crème de cassis or chambord
- 4 ounces chilled dry Champagne or sparkling wine brut
- Fresh raspberries for garnish
Instructions
- Pour the crème de cassis into the bottom of a champagne flute.
- Top with champagne and garnish with raspberries.
Notes
- Chill Your Ingredients: Ensure both your champagne and liqueur are well-chilled before mixing. This keeps the cocktail refreshing and helps maintain the effervescence of the champagne.
- Proportion is Key: Aim for the right balance between the liqueur and champagne. A classic ratio is about 1 part liqueur to 5 parts champagne, but feel free to adjust to your personal taste. Too much liqueur can overpower the drink, while too little might be underwhelming.
- Pour Carefully: Start by pouring the Crème de Cassis or Chambord into the glass first, then gently add the champagne. This method ensures the ingredients mix naturally without needing to stir, preserving the bubbles.
- Use the Right Glassware: A champagne flute is ideal here. Its tall and narrow shape not only showcases the cocktail’s elegance but also helps concentrate the aromas and preserve the carbonation.
- Garnish Thoughtfully: Adding a fresh raspberry or two not only looks beautiful but can also enhance the flavor. Ensure the raspberries are fresh and firm. You can garnish with a lemon twist to add a zesty aroma.
- Quality Matters: Use a good quality champagne or sparkling wine. The better the base, the better the cocktail. Even though it’s being mixed with a liqueur, the nuances of a good champagne can really elevate the overall taste.
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