Kir
An effortlessly elegant French aperitif, the Kir is a classic two-ingredient cocktail. It combines the fruity sweetness of crème de cassis (blackcurrant liqueur) with the crisp acidity of a dry white wine, creating a simple and sophisticated pre-dinner drink.
Ingredients
- 4 oz Dry White Wine
- ⅓ oz Crème de Cassis
- Garnish: Lemon Twist (optional)
Instructions
- Chill the Glass: Ensure your white wine glass is well-chilled.
- Add Cassis: Pour the crème de cassis into the bottom of the chilled glass.
- Top with Wine: Slowly pour the chilled dry white wine over the liqueur. There's no need to stir.
- Garnish and Serve: Garnish with a lemon twist if desired and serve immediately.
Pro Tips for Perfection
The Traditional Wine: For a truly authentic Kir, use a dry, acidic white wine from Burgundy called Bourgogne Aligoté. If you can't find it, a good quality, unoaked Sauvignon Blanc or Pinot Grigio are excellent substitutes.
Kir vs. Kir Royale: The Kir is the original, named after Félix Kir, a mayor of Dijon in Burgundy. When you substitute the still white wine for Champagne or another sparkling wine, the drink becomes the celebratory Kir Royale.