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Kir Royale

A sparkling blackcurrant–Champagne aperitif with elegant sweetness.

Base spirit
Wine
Style
Sparkling
Glassware
Champagne flute
Technique
Build

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.

Missing a bottle? See smart swaps in Learn.

How to make the Kir Royale

  1. 1Add crème de cassis to a chilled Champagne flute
  2. 2Top slowly with chilled Champagne
  3. 3Serve without stirring

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Kir

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