Kir Royale Cocktail

By Melissa Search Jump to Recipe

Relish in the crisp, deliciousness of a Kir Royale, a sparkling French cocktail that is just as simple as it is pretty.

A great cocktail can make my day. So can a touching tale. Luckily for us, the Kir Royale cocktail gives us both.

The story goes, during WWII, the Nazis occupied the Burgundy region of France and seized the prestigious wine made there. However, Canon Félix Kir, a French priest and local mayor, mixed a less sought-after white wine with blackcurrant liqueur. Supposedly, this drink looked and tasted like the famous red wine and lifted the locals’ spirits during a dark time. The drink was named after Kir; eventually, champagne replaced the white wine, and the Kir Royale was born. This cocktail is still popular in Europe and America and is usually served for special occasions.

I often serve Kir Royale during the holidays. The drink’s soft pink shade makes it elegant and festive. In addition to being pretty, the Kir Royale is crisp and refreshing. Of course, the taste depends on the champagne you choose, but the blackcurrant liqueur gives it a berry-like sweetness with a touch of tartness. Also, it is not really a brunch cocktail (although anything can be) instead, sip it before or after dinner, or when celebrating. Another perk (as if we need one) is that with just two ingredients, it is simple enough to make right at your home bar. It doesn’t even require ice. Anyone can make this chic cocktail – it is fabulous!

What is Blackcurrant Liqueur?

Blackcurrant liqueur, or crème de cassis, is a sweet cordial that originated in the Burgundy region of France. Blackcurrants are black berries (not to be confused with blackberries) that taste similar to grapes or raisins. Blackcurrants are crushed and soaked in alcohol; then sugar is added to make the liqueur. Similar to how authentic champagne comes from the French region of Champagne, true crème de cassis de Bourgogne, comes from Burgundy. However, crème de cassis is also produced in the States and in Canada. Blackcurrant liqueur is most popular in the Kir Royale and Kir cocktail, but is also used in other mixed drinks and some desserts to add a unique berry flavor.

What is the Best Alcohol to Use to Make a Kir Royale Cocktail?

The brand L’Héritier-Guyot, or simply Guyot, is your best bet for crème de cassis to use in a Kir Royale. It is from Burgundy, specifically Dijon, the capital, and is easily available in liquor stores.

As for the champagne in the Kir Royale, it depends on how special the occasion is. While you would not likely break out the most expensive bottle since you are adding a liqueur to it, you also don’t want anything too cheap. Everyone is different, though. I get a horrible headache if I drink inexpensive champagne, but many of my friends and the bottomless brunchers love it. Go for a champagne such as André or use any dry (not sweet) prosecco, like La Marca, or even Cava.

What glass and garnish to use?

A Kir Royale should be served in a champagne flute and can be garnished with a lemon twist.

Can I use wine instead of champagne?

If you use white wine instead of champagne, it is called a Kir, but that works too. You can also use sparkling white wine if you want the fizz.

Kir Royale Cocktail Variations

Now you have this bottle of crème de cassis, but you’re not planning on popping bottles every weekend. What else can you use the blackcurrant liqueur for? One of my all-time favorite drinks is the Classic French Martini. While the recipe calls for Chambord, crème de cassis will work just fine. It also works well in the Bramble Cocktail, which is a refreshing, fruity gin drink.

So what if you don’t love the blackcurrant flavor, but want a fancy champagne drink? One easy drink to make is a Poinsettia, it is just like a Classic Mimosa but with cranberry juice instead of orange. If you want a mocktail to serve with your Kir Royale or Poinsettia, add a dash of cranberry juice to sparkling water or club soda.