The Kir Royale is a classic cocktail that only needs two ingredients: champagne and crème de cassis (a blackcurrant liqueur). The sparkling bubbles of the champagne pair perfectly with the light fruity sweetness of the crème de cassis and this drink couldn’t be easier or faster to make.

The Kir Royale is a twist on the popular 19th century French drink called a Kir (made of white Burgundian wine with crème de cassis). The substitute of champagne for the white wine separates the Kir Royale, while the Kir Imperial uses sparkling wine and raspberry liqueur rather than blackcurrant cassis.

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What does a Kir Royale taste like?

A Kir Royale tastes like a simple yet delicious glass of champagne with the tart, yet fruity sweetness of currents added to the mix.

What champagne is best for Kir Royales?

To ensure the drink isn’t too sweet, choose a Brut champagne or sparkling wine or a Spanish Cava if you like your drink a tad sweeter. 

Ingredients

• Champagne or Sparkling Wine: Since the base of this drink is mostly Champagne, choose one that you also love on its own. The choice of champagne is up to your price point and taste level, but a Brut or Cava option is usually your best bet for a Kir Royale. 
• Crème De Cassis: This blackcurrant liqueur adds sweetness and a fruity kick to your bubbly champagne.

Because this is a champagne drink, you’ll want to use a champagne flute for your Kir Royale to get the most effervesce from your bubbles.

Directions

Add your crème de cassis to a champagne flute and top with your chilled champagne. Garnish with blackberries or raspberries and enjoy!

Tips for Making

• For less foam in your drink, pour your champagne down the side of the glass rather than directly in it.
• Make sure to chill your Champagne ahead of time. A warm Kir Royale will not be nearly as refreshing.

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