Cassis Cocktail Recipe

Cassis Nutrition Facts

Calories:120

Fat:0g

Protein:0g

Carbohydrates:8g

Alcohol:12%

Created by

Nic Polotnianko

I fell in love with the art of mixology 6 years ago. Since then, I've honed my skills, crafting a myriad of cocktail recipes, and sharing my passion with other enthusiasts.

Last Updated: August 23, 2024

History

The Cassis cocktail, also known as Kir Royale, is a classic French cocktail that dates back to the 1940s. It was named after Felix Kir, the mayor of Dijon, who popularized the drink by serving it at official receptions. The cocktail is a favorite among those who enjoy a touch of elegance and sophistication in their drinks.

  • Originated in France
  • Named after Felix Kir
  • Popular at official receptions and elegant events

How Cassis Tastes?

The Cassis cocktail is a delightful combination of sweet, fruity, and slightly tart flavors. The blackcurrant liqueur adds a rich sweetness, while the sparkling wine brings a refreshing effervescence and light acidity.

Interesting facts about Cassis

  • The Cassis cocktail is also known as Kir Royale
  • It is traditionally made with Crème de Cassis, a blackcurrant liqueur
  • The drink is often served as an aperitif, before a meal

Ingredients

Crème de Cassis

  • Why: Crème de Cassis is a sweet, dark red liqueur made from blackcurrants. It's responsible for the signature berry flavor and rich color of our cocktail. Imagine a world without color. Yeah, not using it would be like removing the sun from the sky.
  • What happens if you don't use it: Without it, you're basically sipping on plain sparkling wine. Which is fine, if you're into that sort of minimalism. But it's like a burger without the patty – something crucial is missing.

Mary Mitkina

Sparkling Wine

  • Why: Sparkling wine adds the punch of effervescence, creating a lively texture that lifts the dense fruitiness of the Crème de Cassis. Life is about balance, and this is the yin to the Cassis's yang.
  • What happens if you don't use it: No bubbles, no fun. It's like attending a silent disco without headphones.

Mary Mitkina

Lemon Twist

  • Why: Just like a little black dress, the lemon twist is that accessory that adds a hint of citrus aroma, which elegantly cuts through the sweetness and complements the drink's flavors.
  • What happens if you don't use it: You miss the extra layer of freshness. Imagine a garden without flowers. It's still nice, but come on, you'd know something's missing.

Alex Green

Garnish: Fresh Blackcurrant

  • Why: The garnish is the cherry on top. It's that final touch that says, 'I come with a little extra pizzazz.' Plus, it's a nod to the flavor profile of the Crème de Cassis.
  • What happens if you don't use it: The drink still tastes the same, but it's like going out without fixing your hair. Sure, you're presentable, but where's the effort?

Mary Mitkina

Recipe. How to make Cassis Drink

  1. Chill a champagne flute in the freezer for a few minutes
  2. Pour 0.5 oz of Crème de Cassis into the chilled glass
  3. Top with 4 oz of chilled sparkling wine
  4. Gently stir the cocktail to mix the ingredients
  5. Garnish with a lemon twist and a fresh blackcurrant on a cocktail pick
  6. Serve immediately and enjoy

Pro Tips

  • Use fresh blackcurrants for garnish to enhance the flavor
  • Chill the glass before pouring the cocktail to keep it cold longer
  • Stir gently to avoid losing the effervescence of the sparkling wine

Perfect Pairings

Appetizers

  • Cheese Platters: The richness of cheeses, especially creamy brie or goat cheese, pairs delightfully with the fruitiness of the Cassis cocktail.
  • Seafood: Light seafood dishes, such as oysters or shrimp, complement the crispness of the sparkling wine and the tartness of the Crème de Cassis.

Desserts

  • Fruit Tarts: Desserts with a berry component bring out the cassis berry flavors in the drink.
  • Dark Chocolate: The bitterness of dark chocolate will contrast nicely with the sweet and tangy notes of the cocktail.

Other Drinks

  • Still Water: To cleanse the palate between sips and bites, keeping flavors fresh.

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What you could change in Cassis

  • Crème de Cassis: Can be replaced with blackcurrant syrup or blackcurrant jam
  • Sparkling wine: Can be substituted with champagne or prosecco
  • Lemon twist: A lime twist can be used instead

Explore all drinks starting with C here

And of course - twists🍹

Kir Royal

  • Ingredients: Replace sparkling wine with Champagne.
  • Recipe: Follow the original recipe, but with the undeniable upgrade of Champagne's complexity.
  • Note: It's like dressing your drink in a tuxedo – it instantly elevates the occasion.

Cassis Royale

  • Ingredients: Add a dash of raspberry liqueur.
  • Recipe: After adding Crème de Cassis, add a dash of raspberry liqueur, then top with sparkling wine.
  • Note: This twist adds a layer of berry decadence that's like a wink from behind a velvet curtain.

Sparkling Cassis Sunrise

  • Ingredients: Addition of orange juice and grenadine.
  • Recipe: Pour a thin layer of grenadine over the original cocktail, then slowly pour in a layer of orange juice.
  • Note: Watch as the colors blend, mimicking a beautiful sunrise. A sight nearly as heart-stopping as the flavors.

In case you forgot basics how to make Cassis

Insert the spoon into the glass until it touches the bottom. Keep the back of the spoon against the inside wall of the glass, and stir in a smooth, circular motion. The goal is to swirl the ice and ingredients together without churning or splashing.

Learn everything on how to stir

Garnishing a bar drink depends on the type of garnish and the cocktail. Generally, it involves preparing the garnish (like cutting a citrus wheel or picking a sprig of mint), and then adding it to the drink in a visually appealing way (like perching it on the rim or floating it on top).

Learn everything on garnishing

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Frequently Asked Questions on Cassis

What is the best time to enjoy a Cassis cocktail?

The Cassis cocktail is a versatile drink and can be enjoyed at any time. However, it is traditionally served as an aperitif or during brunch.

What other cocktails can you make with Crème de Cassis?

Crème de Cassis is used in a variety of cocktails such as El Diablo, Black Velvet, and Bourbon Lift.

What can I serve with a Cassis cocktail at a party?

Cassis cocktail pairs well with gourmet cheeses, hors d'oeuvres and lighter dishes like seafood or salads.

How long can I store Crème de Cassis?

Unopened, Crème de Cassis can last for several years. Once opened, it should ideally be consumed within six months to a year.

Are there non-alcoholic versions of the Cassis cocktail?

Yes, substitute the sparkling wine with non-alcoholic sparkling grape juice and use blackcurrant syrup instead of Crème de Cassis.

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