Kir Royale
For a simple cocktail that’s elegant, crisp, and bubbly—but also something a little bit different—try this kir royale recipe! Made with sparkling wine and crème de cassis, it’s absolutely divine.
What Is a Kir Royale?
A kir royale is a classic French cocktail that has similar vibes to a mimosa or peach Bellini. Like mimosas, the kir royale is effervescent and fruity, but the kir royale is a little extra boozy since it swaps the orange juice for crème de cassis, a sweet red liqueur made from blackcurrants.
The taste of a kir royale is sweet, tart, and crisp. This is not an overly sweet cocktail, though—instead, it’s just nicely balanced. It’s also a great drink to enjoy year-round!
Why You’ll Love This Kir Royale Recipe
- Easy to make. The kir royale only has two ingredients, and you don’t need any fancy bar equipment either, so it’s doable even if you’re not an expert mixologist.
- Elegant and sophisticated. Maybe it’s the champagne, maybe it’s the French origin story, but the kir royale just has an air of sophistication to it. You’ll feel a little fancy sipping on this one!
- Perfect for celebrations. Whether it’s a wedding, anniversary, or New Year’s Eve party, this cocktail is perfect for a celebration. Why just have a glass of champagne when you can have a kir royale instead!?
Notes on Ingredients
Scroll down to the recipe card to find the ingredient quantities and recipe instructions.
- Crème de cassis – This is the key ingredient that makes a kir royale a kir royale. That said, if you don’t have crème de cassis on hand, you can use Chambord, a raspberry liqueur, instead.
- Dry sparkling wine – Brut Champagne or Prosecco both work.
- Garnish – Take it up a notch with fresh raspberries or a lemon twist.
How to Make a Kir Royale
- Prepare. Chill the champagne flute or coupe.
- Add the liqueur. Pour the crème de cassis into the glass.
- Add the bubbly. Tilt the glass slightly and pour in the sparkling wine.
- Garnish and serve. Add fresh raspberries or a lemon twist, then enjoy!
Tips and Variations
- Make a lemon twist. It’s easy! Cut a round slice of lemon, then pull off the peel and scrape off the pith. Wrap the peel around your pinky, a chopstick, or the stem of a champagne glass and hold it with your hand to warm the peel so it molds into a twist.
- Keep it cold. Use frozen raspberries instead of fresh to keep your drink chilled without diluting it with ice.
- Prep a big batch. Scale up the recipe by gently stirring together crème de cassis and sparkling wine in a pitcher. This only works if you plan on serving right away, the sparkling wine will begin losing its bubbles quickly.
Enjoy friends! If you make this kir royale, please snap a photo and tag #jessicainthekitchen on Instagram! We’d also love it if you would leave a comment below, and give the recipe a rating! Thanks so much!
Kir Royale
Ingredients
- 2 teaspoons crème de cassis, or Chambord, 10 ml
- 4 ounces dry sparkling wine, such as Brut Champagne or Prosecco, about 120 ml
- fresh raspberries, optional garnish
- lemon twist, optional garnish
Instructions
- Chill your champagne flute or coupe.
- Pour the crème de cassis into the glass.
- Tilt the glass slightly to preserve the bubbles in your champagne or sparkling wine, then gently pour the sparkling wine.
- Garnish with fresh raspberries or a lemon twist if desired.
- Serve and enjoy!
Disclaimer: Although jessicainthekitchen.com attempts to provide accurate nutritional information, kindly note that these are only estimates. Nutritional information may be affected based on the product type, the brand that was purchased, and in other unforeseeable ways. Jessicainthekitchen.com will not be held liable for any loss or damage resulting for your reliance on nutritional information. If you need to follow a specific caloric regimen, please consult your doctor first.
