The Kir Royale is an elegant but super simple classic cocktail -- and it's absolutely delicious too! This drink is just two ingredients, and they go so well together. Crème de Cassis blackcurrant liqueur gives flavor, sweetness and color to this Champagne cocktail. It's perfect for New Years Eve or any other celebration toast!
This makes a great cocktail for a midnight New Years toast, but it's simple enough to just make whenever you want to enjoy some bubbly.
If you're looking for some more Champagne cocktails, the Kir Impérial is an amazing raspberry-flavored version of this drink, a must-try if you like this one. Or, go for a French 75, another classic French Champagne drink with gin and lemon.
The Vodka Champagne cocktail is another delicious bubbly drink, or you can try out a Blood Orange Mimosa for a more juicy sip.
History of the cocktail
The Kir Royale is a variation on the Kir, a French cocktail traditionally made with crème de cassis and white wine. Named after Félix Kir, a former mayor of Dijon, the Kir was initially created to promote the region's products.
The 'Royale' name comes from the switch from regular white wine to fizzy Champagne. Definitely an upgrade, in my opinion (although the Kir is still a delicious option!)
What is Crème de Cassis?
Crème de Cassis is a sweet, dark red liqueur made from black currants. (And no cream is involved!) The liqueur is a French specialty, most often produced in Burgundy.
It has a deep berry flavor like blackberries, but with less tartness and some warm honey flavor notes. Its thick, syrup-like consistency brings a lot of sweetness and body to any drink.
Besides the Kir family of cocktails, Creme de Cassis is also used in the El Diablo, a refreshing (and sometimes spicy) drink that also includes tequila, lime, and ginger beer.
Ingredients
There are really just two main ingredients for this drink, plus an optional garnish:
- Champagne - traditionally, this drink is made with brut Champagne, since it's a French specialty. You can make it with any type of sparkling wine you like (I used Prosecco), but look for a "brut" or "dry" type of wine since we are adding sweetness.
- Creme de Cassis - this French liqueur is made using black currants, giving it a deep, delicious berry flavor. Drillaud creme de cassis is a popular brand choice.
- Lemon peel - a garnish is optional, but a lemon peel is a great option. I made a long curly lemon peel garnish to give it a visual pop!
Substitutions
Here are some ways you can substitute the ingredients in this cocktail:
- Champagne - you can substitute this with any sparkling wine, like Prosecco or Cava. Or, go for an Aligoté white wine, a dry French white wine that the original Kir cocktail is made with.
- Creme de Cassis - you can substitute this with Crème de Framboise, or Chambord raspberry liqueur to make this drink into a raspberry-flavored Kir Imperial. Or, try using Creme de Mure, a blackberry liqueur, instead.
- Garnish - if you don't have a fresh lemon, try garnishing with some fresh berries. Blackberries or raspberries work great!
Variations
Here are some variations on this recipe:
- Kir Breton - this is a really tasty variation that uses cider instead of the sparkling wine. Traditionally made with Breton cider, hence the name!
- Kir Bianco - this uses dry vermouth instead of the blackcurrant liqueur.
- Virgin Kir Royale - it's easy to make this into a non-alcoholic drink, if you have the right ingredients! Use a blackcurrant syrup, like Monin blackcurrant syrup, along with an alcohol free sparkling white wine (I suggest picking from the best-reviewed non-alcoholic champagne).
- Pinch of glitter - try adding a little clear Brew glitter to give this drink a little extra sparkle!
Equipment
You'll just need a couple of things to make this drink. A Champagne flute and a jigger for measuring your liqueur are the most important!
If you're making the curly lemon peel, a channel knife will be your best friend. It makes it so easy to create a long strip of lemon. Or, just use a vegetable peeler and paring knife if you don't have one.
If you're looking for new bar tools, definitely check out A Bar Above! You can get 10% off using my discount code, LKDrinks. Their bar tools are not only beautiful, but also dishwasher-safe!
Instructions
Start out by making your garnish. Use a channel knife (or a vegetable peeler and paring knife) to create a long, thin strip of fresh lemon peel.
Twist the lemon peel around the handle of a bar spoon, or a chopstick or something similar. Set it aside while you make the drink so it won't unravel and has a chance to set in a curl.
Pour the Crème de Cassis into your cocktail glass.
Top it off with the sparkling wine, pouring slowly so the ingredients will mix together well. If there is still a layer of liqueur at the bottom, give the drink a gentle stir.
Rest your curly lemon peel on the edge of the serving glass. Serve immediately, and enjoy!
Hint: If you're having trouble getting the lemon peel to stay in place, you can attach it to a cocktail pick to make things a little easier, or use a mini clothespin to clip it on.
Top tip
Since there is no ice involved in this drink, make sure your ingredients are chilled before making it. Your best bet is to chill all the ingredients for at least 30 minutes -- including the serving glass!
📖 Recipe
Kir Royale Cocktail
Equipment
- Citrus channel knife (optional - if making lemon peel garnish)
Ingredients
Garnish (optional)
- 1 fresh lemon peel
Cocktail
- ½ ounce Creme de Cassis liqueur (black currant liqueur)
- 4 ounces Champagne
Instructions
Garnish (optional)
- Use a channel knife or a vegetable peeler to pare a long, thin strip of lemon peel from a fresh lemon. If you're using a peeler, clean up the edges of the strip with a paring knife.
- Twist the lemon peel strip around the handle of a bar spoon or a chopstick. Set it aside while you prepare the drink.
Cocktail
- Add the Creme de Cassis to your cocktail glass.
- Carefully pour in the Champagne.
- If you'd like, give it a gentle stir with a bar spoon so everything mixes together.
- If you made a lemon peel garnish, rest it on the edge of the glass, and serve. Cheers!
Notes
- If you want to change up the garnish, try some fresh berries! You can add fresh raspberries, or a blackberry, directly to your serving glass.
- You can use your favorite sparkling wine if you don't have Champagne. Prosecco and Cava both taste great in this drink!
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