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Kir Royale

A sparkling blackcurrant–Champagne aperitif with elegant sweetness.

Base spirit
Wine
Style
Sparkling
Glassware
Champagne flute

The Kir Royale pairs crème de cassis with Champagne for a lightly sweet, berry-scented sparkling aperitif. Its profile is crisp and aromatic, with cassis adding color and soft fruit while the wine provides lift and acidity. Served in a flute, it reads celebratory and refined.

A tall flute of Kir Royale with deep ruby tint and rising bubbles.

Ingredients

Servings
  • • 0.5 oz crème de cassis
  • • 4–5 oz Champagne

Did you know?

“Kir variations date to post–WWII Burgundy; the cassis-enhanced version became globally known when French diplomat Félix Kir promoted it widely.”

Source:Imbibe; French aperitif histories

Bartender's Note

Use dry Champagne to keep the drink from becoming overly sweet.

How to make the Kir Royale

  1. 1Add cassis to flute.
  2. 2Top slowly with Champagne.

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