Kir Royale Cocktail Recipe
Kir Royale Nutrition Facts
Calories:120
Fat:0g
Protein:0g
Carbohydrates:5g
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
Contents
History
The Kir Royale is a variation of the classic Kir cocktail, which originated in Burgundy, France. It was named after Félix Kir, a former mayor of Dijon, who popularized the drink by serving it at official receptions. The Kir Royale replaces the traditional Aligoté white wine with Champagne or sparkling wine, making it a more luxurious and celebratory cocktail.
- Origin: Burgundy, France
- Named after: Félix Kir
- Popularized: At official receptions
How Kir Royale Tastes?
The Kir Royale is a delightful, elegant, and refreshing cocktail with a perfect balance of sweet and tart flavors. It has a rich, fruity taste from the crème de cassis, complemented by the crisp, effervescent bubbles of the Champagne or sparkling wine.
Interesting facts about Kir Royale
- The Kir Royale is often served as an aperitif or at celebratory events, such as weddings or anniversaries.
- The original Kir cocktail was made with Aligoté white wine, while the Kir Royale uses Champagne or sparkling wine.
- The color of the Kir Royale can vary from a deep ruby red to a lighter pink, depending on the amount of crème de cassis used.
Ingredients
- Champagne: 5 oz(150ml)
- Crème de cassis: 0.5 oz(15ml)
- Lemon twist: 1
Champagne
- Why 5oz? Because balance is key! Too little and the crème de cassis drowns out the sparkling zing, too much and it's just a glass of bubbly. Champagne provides the effervescent soul of the Kir Royale, making it festive and lively. Without it, you'd just have a sad, flat cassis juice. Cava or Prosecco are possible stand-ins, but they'll usher in a different level of sophistication and flavor notes.
Alex Green
Crème de Cassis
- 0.5oz is just enough to get that berry sweetness without overpowering the Champagne's crispness. Crème de Cassis is a blackcurrant liqueur that adds depth and the gorgeous jewel tone. Ditch it, and your drink becomes a lonely flute of Champagne. Reduce it, and you might as well be drinking a mimosa's distant cousin! Swap it with Chambord, and prepare for a raspberry encounter.
Mary Mitkina
Lemon Twist
- This isn't just to look pretty! The Lemon Twist adds a touch of citrus aroma that enlivens the drink. Neglect to garnish, and you'll miss out on that zesty hello with each sip. No lemon? Orange peel could be your new best friend, offering a whisper of sweet citrus instead.
Emma Rose
Recipe. How to make Kir Royale Drink
- Chill a flute or coupe glass in the freezer for a few minutes.
- Pour 0.5oz of crème de cassis into the chilled glass.
- Slowly top with 5oz of chilled Champagne or sparkling wine, allowing the bubbles to mix the ingredients.
- Gently stir the cocktail to ensure the crème de cassis is well distributed.
- Garnish with a lemon twist.
Pro Tips
- Use high-quality Champagne for the best taste.
- Chill the glass before serving to keep the cocktail cold longer.
- Pour the Champagne slowly to avoid overflow and to mix the ingredients well.
Perfect Pairings
Appetizers
- Oysters: The brightness of the Champagne cuts through the richness of the oysters, while the crème de cassis adds a hint of sweetness that complements the briny flavor.
- Canapés with Cream Cheese and Smoked Salmon: The effervescence and acidity in the Kir Royale balance the creaminess and the smoky flavor of the salmon.
Desserts
- Dark Chocolate Truffles: The bubbles and slight sweetness of the Kir Royale provides a delightful contrast to the bitter notes of dark chocolate.
- Fresh Berries: A simple bowl of mixed berries will harmonize with the fruity notes from the crème de cassis.
Cheese
- Goat Cheese: The tanginess of goat cheese is a perfect match for the crispness and fruitiness of the Kir Royale.
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What you could change in Kir Royale
- Champagne: Can be replaced with any other sparkling wine.
- Crème de Cassis: Can be replaced with blackcurrant syrup or blackcurrant liqueur.
- Lemon twist: Can be replaced with an orange twist for a different flavor profile.
Explore all drinks starting with K here
And of course - twists🍹
Kir Impérial
- Ingredients: Replace crème de cassis with Chambord (raspberry liqueur) and use a raspberry as garnish.
- Taste: Expect a raspberry embrace rather than the blackcurrant’s kiss. This twist brings a royal flush to the classic with a rich, berry twist.
Rose Royale
- Ingredients: Use Champagne rosé and add a splash of elderflower liqueur instead of the crème de cassis. Garnish with an edible rose petal.
- Taste: A floral bouquet in your glass – elegant, a tad sweet and superbly refined! This twist prances through a summer garden in a glass.
Kir Pêche
- Ingredients: Substitute crème de cassis with peach liqueur and garnish with a slice of peach.
- Taste: It's like biting into a ripe, juicy peach with a fizzy whisper. The Kir Pêche offers a softer, more mellow fruitiness than the original, perfect for a sunny day or a brunch.
In case you forgot basics how to make Kir Royale
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 stirGarnishing 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).
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Frequently Asked Questions on Kir Royale
What is the alcohol content of Crème de Cassis?
Crème de Cassis typically has an alcohol content of 15-20 percent.
What does 'Kir' mean in the cocktail's name?
The term 'Kir' is actually the name of a former mayor of Dijon, Félix Kir, who popularized the drink. 'Royale' signifies the use of champagne in place of the traditional white wine.
Is there a non-alcoholic version of Kir Royale?
Yes, for a non-alcoholic version of Kir Royale, you can use a non-alcoholic sparkling wine or club soda instead of champagne, and blackcurrant syrup in place of crème de cassis.
What is the best time to serve Kir Royale?
Since Kir Royale is often served as an aperitif, it's best to serve it before a meal to stimulate the appetite. However, it's also popular at celebratory events or casual gatherings any time of the day.
What type of glass is best for serving Kir Royale?
Typically, Kir Royale is served in a flute or coupe glass. These glasses help maintain the bubbly quality of the champagne and enhance the visual appeal of the cocktail.
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