Named after the longtime mayor of Dijon, Felix Kir, the Kir is one of the simplest cocktails in existence. It consists of exactly two ingredients - white wine and crème de cassis - and when you substitute the wine for Champagne, something magical happens. You get a Kir Royale. You can make this drink in less than a minute, and it has the perfect balance of sweet, dry, and fizzy. If you don’t feel like spending $40+ on a bottle of Champagne, feel free to go with prosecco, cava, or crémant.
You’ll Need:
Makes 1 Kir Royale
- Flute
- 5 oz Champagne, prosecco, cava, or crémant
- .5 oz crème de cassis
Step One: Sparkling Wine
Traditionally, a Kir Royale is made with Champagne. But if you want to use something cheaper (and just as appropriate for cocktails), go with prosecco instead. Cava and crémant will also work - just be sure that whatever you buy says ‘brut’ on the label. That’s how you know it isn’t very sweet.
Once you’ve selected your dry sparkling wine, add 5 ounces to a Champagne flute. (A coupe will also do just fine.)
Step Two: Crème De Cassis
Crème de cassis is a dark purple liqueur flavored with black currant, and most liquor stores tend to stock it. A little goes a long way, so carefully measure out .5 ounce of your crème de cassis, and drizzle that directly into your sparkling-wine-filled flute. Garnish with a lemon twist.
And that’s how you make a Kir Royale. Like we said, it’s easy. If you’re looking for something to make with your leftover crème de cassis, try an El Diablo next.
