Recipes

Kir Royale

A sophisticated and visually stunning aperitif, the Kir Royale is a classic French cocktail of effortless elegance. It's a simple, two-ingredient drink that elevates any occasion, combining the sweet, dark fruit flavor of Crème de Cassis with the celebratory bubbles of Champagne.

Ingredients

  • ¼ to ½ oz Crème de Cassis
  • 5 oz Champagne (or other dry sparkling wine)
  • Garnish: Lemon Twist or Raspberry

Instructions

  1. Chill Everything: The key to a perfect Kir Royale is temperature. Ensure your Champagne flute, Crème de Cassis, and Champagne are all thoroughly chilled.
  2. Add Cassis: Pour the Crème de Cassis into the bottom of the chilled Champagne flute. Start with less and add more to taste if desired.
  3. Top with Champagne: Slowly tilt the glass and gently pour the chilled Champagne on top. This preserves the bubbles and allows for a gentle, natural mix.
  4. Garnish: Garnish by dropping a single fresh raspberry into the glass, or express the oils from a lemon twist over the drink and place it on the rim.

Pro Tips for Perfection

The "Royale" Difference: The 'Royale' in the name specifically calls for Champagne. If you use a different sparkling wine, the name of the drink technically changes. For instance, using Prosecco makes it a Kir Petillant, and using still white wine makes it a classic Kir.

Don't Stir: Unlike many cocktails, you should not stir a Kir Royale. The effervescence of the Champagne will do the mixing for you as the bubbles rise through the denser Crème de Cassis, creating a subtle gradient of color and flavor. Stirring would quickly dissipate the carbonation.

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