A Kir Royale (Kir Royal) is a pre-dinner apertif made popular in France after World War II.
There are a variety of Kir Royale recipes but all are made with two basic ingredients: champagne and creme de cassis (black currant liqueur).
The variations on recipes all have to do with strength: some like their Kir Royale to be stronger and sweeter while others prefer a softer, milder flavor.
Kir Royale Ingredients
Ingredients for Kir Royale Recipes
- Creme de Cassis
- Dry Champagne
Optional Ingredients for Kir Royales
- Raspberry (Framboise) Liqueur
- Fresh Blackberry or Raspberry for garnish
Kir Royale Preparation
Equipment Needed for Kir Royale
- Champagne Flute (for traditional recipe)
- White Wine Glass (for original recipe)
Preparation Time for Kir Royale
- 5 minutes or less for mixing a drink
Kir Royale Recipes
Basic, Traditional Kir Royale Recipe
You need:
- 1 part Creme de Cassis
- 5 to 9 parts dry Champagne, depending on taste
Mix:
- Pour the Creme de Cassis into a champagne flute
- Gently pour in the champagne, being careful not to let it foam up too much.
Original Kir Royale Recipe
You need:
- 1 part Creme de Cassis
- 2 parts dry Champagne
Mix:
- Pour the Creme de Cassis into a standard white wine glass.
- Gently pour in the champagne, being careful not to let it foam up too much.
Kir Imperial Recipe (American Kir Royale)
You need:
- 1 part raspberry liqueur (Chambord)
- 9 parts Champagne (preferably dry Champagne)
Mix:
- Pour the raspberry liqueur into a champagne flute.
- Gently pour in the champagne, being careful not to let it foam up too much.
