The Kir Royale is a French aperitif built from just two ingredients: crème de cassis and sparkling wine. Its jewel-like color and gentle berry sweetness make it a simple, celebratory drink.
Chill everything thoroughly and add the sparkling wine slowly so the bubbles stay lively. Use a dry brut wine to keep the drink balanced rather than syrupy.
Pour the crème de cassis into the flute first, then top with sparkling wine. This creates an even ruby color without needing to stir and lose carbonation.
Serving Suggestions
Serve before dinner with salted nuts, gougères, olives, or light cheese. For a lower-alcohol option, replace the sparkling wine with chilled sparkling water and adjust the cassis to taste.
Recipe Notes
This drink is best assembled just before serving. A lemon twist is optional but brightens the berry flavor and makes the flute feel festive.
Classic French Kir Royale
Equipment
- Chilled champagne flute
- Jigger
- Citrus peeler
Ingredients
Cocktail
- 1 oz crème de cassis chilled
- 5 oz brut sparkling wine chilled
- 1 piece lemon peel cut into a twist
- 4 berries blackcurrants optional garnish
Instructions
Assemble:
- Chill a champagne flute. Add the crème de cassis to the bottom of the glass.
- Slowly top with the chilled sparkling wine, pouring down the side of the flute to protect the bubbles.
Garnish and serve:
- Add a lemon twist and a few blackcurrants if using. Serve immediately while the drink is cold and effervescent.
Notes
- Choose a dry brut sparkling wine to balance the cassis.
- Do not stir after adding the wine; the drink blends as it is poured.
- For a non-alcoholic version, use sparkling water and less cassis.