Kir Royale
A refreshing, bubbly and berry cocktail ∙ Build ∙ 2 min ∙ 12.2% ABV ∙
The Kir Royale is a French aperitif built from crème de cassis topped with dry sparkling wine, served in a flute.
Ingredients
1
Servings
Garnish
Instructions for 1 serving
- Pre-chill a glass
- Pour Crème de Cassis 15 ml into the glass and top with Dry sparkling wine
- Garnish with a seasonal berry (blackcurrants)
Tips
- Keep the cassis to 15 ml; more makes the drink cloying and smothers the dry sparkling wine.
History
The Kir Royale is the Kir topped with champagne or another dry sparkling wine. The Kir is a Burgundian aperitif of crème de cassis and dry white wine that takes its name from Félix Kir, a Catholic priest, decorated French Resistance figure, and mayor of Dijon from 1945 until 1968. Kir served the blackcurrant-and-Aligoté mixture to visiting dignitaries during his tenure and is widely credited with popularizing it as the city's signature drink, though a similar mix known as blanc-cassis had circulated in Burgundy since the mid-19th century, after crème de cassis production expanded there.
The Kir Royale itself has no documented inventor: it emerged as drinkers swapped champagne for the still white wine, turning the everyday Kir into a more festive version for celebrations.
FAQ
What is in a Kir Royale?
15 ml crème de cassis (blackcurrant liqueur) topped with 120 ml dry sparkling wine. It is a light aperitif at around 12.2% ABV and roughly 129 calories per serving.
Why is it called Kir Royale?
It is named after Félix Kir, the priest and mayor of Dijon who popularized the still-wine version, the Kir. "Royale" marks the more festive version made with sparkling wine instead of still white wine.
What is the difference between Kir and Kir Royale?
A Kir is crème de cassis topped with still white wine, while a Kir Royale replaces the still wine with dry sparkling wine for a fizzier, more festive drink. Both share the same blackcurrant liqueur base; only the wine changes.
Is Chambord in a Kir Royale?
No. A Kir Royale is made with crème de cassis, a blackcurrant liqueur. Chambord is a raspberry-and-blackberry liqueur; the two are sometimes confused, but they are not interchangeable here.
Is Kir Royale a classy drink?
It has a reputation as an elegant, upscale aperitif, thanks to its French origins, the flute and its simple two-ingredient recipe. That image comes from tradition and presentation rather than cost or complexity.
