Kir Royal cocktail is a classic French cocktail made with champagne or French sparkling wine, and Crème de Cassis. Often a kir royal is served as an elegant starter to afternoon tea. Its beautiful, pale pink color makes it delightful at a bridal or baby shower. This champagne cocktail is a great way to elevate budget champagne or dry sparkling wine. Just a tablespoon of the bright red Crème de Cassis liqueur turns wine or champagne into an elegant, pale pink drink, with a touch of sweetness. It’s a great option for the holidays, Valentine’s Day or any special occasion.
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What Does a Kir Royal Taste Like?
A Kir Royal cocktail is made with champagne and crème de cassis and served in a champagne flute. Crème de cassis is a sweet, blackcurrant, French liqueur. This cocktail is the perfect combination of champagne and sweet, tart berry flavor.
What’s the difference between a kir and a kir royal?
Kir royal the upscale and sparkly version of a kir, which is white wine and creme de cassis. I had my first kir in Paris just after college. I felt so very French! It wasn’t until I was a bit older that I discovered kir’s grown up and much fancier sister!
Is Crème de Cassis the same as Chambord?
While Crème de Cassis, a blackcurrant liqueur, is traditionally used in the kir royal recipe, you can substitute Chambord if you’d like. Chambord is a black raspberry liqueur that is a bit sweeter than Crème de Cassis.
Why is it called a Kir Royal?
This champagne cassis cocktail was created in France in the 19th century by Canon Felix Kir, who was also the mayor of Dijon (yep, same region as the mustard!). He first invented the Kir, made with white wine, followed by the Kir Royal, made with champagne. You can read all about the history of the Kir Royale here.
How Do You Make a Kir Royal?
You don’t need to use the best champagne for this Crème de Cassis champagne drink. In fact you shouldn’t use the best champagne – save that for a toast!
To make the cocktail, pour about one tablespoon of Crème de Cassis into each champagne glass. You can add more cassis for a darker pink color or to your personal taste.
Next, top off each glass with champagne. First, start by filling each glass about 1/2 way so it doesn’t overflow, then repeat. One bottle of champagne will make 4 generous servings depending on how large your flute glasses are.
To garnish this fancy drink, top with fresh raspberries and an orange twist. Have those ready before you pop the champagne cork.
To make the orange twists, I like to use a channel knife, which makes a long ribbon. Twist the ribbon around a chopstick or skewer, then cut the twists into desired lengths.
What Can You Serve With a Kir Royale?
This pale pink drink is a lovely and festive addition to any cocktail party. If you’d like to serve it as part of an afternoon tea, you’ll find lots of ideas for Tea Sandwiches here.
This Smoked Salmon Cheesecake is a delicious appetizer perfect for cocktail parties or holiday gatherings.
If serving the Kir Royale as part of a dessert party, it would be lovely with Meringue Hearts or this Dark Chocolate Flourless Cake. If serving for a larger group, you can prepare each glass with the cassis ahead of time, then add the champagne and garnish just before serving.
The kir royal is a way to dress up a medium quality or cheaper champagne, Italian prosecco, or sparkling wine. If you love sparkling drinks, you might like an Aperol Spritz, or a Peach Bellini!
Kir Royale
Ingredients
- 4 Tablespoons Creme de Cassis.
- 1 bottle Medium quality champagne or sparkling wine
- 4 Fresh raspberries
- 4 orange twist for garnish
Instructions
- Into each champagne glass pour approximately 1 Tablespoon Creme de Cassis
- Top with champagne.
- Garnish with fresh raspberry and an orange twist.
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