The Kir Royale is a champagne cocktail found on the menus of bistros and restaurants all over France as a before-dinner drink and it’s wonderful on its own. It is also a great way to celebrate Bastille day!

Crème de Cassis is a blackcurrant liqueur which acts as a dark fruit sweetener and dresses up any wine.

Whenever you see “royale” in a cocktail name, it typically indicates that Champagne is an ingredient. Therefore, if you wish to make a simple Kir Cocktail, substitute dry, white wine for the champagne. This recipe is also a brilliant use for economical wines that could use a little help. To make a Kir Imperial Cocktail, substitute Chambord or another raspberry liqueur replace the crème de cassis.

Pouring the liqueur into the glass first allows it to mix naturally with the wine. If you put the wine in first and then added the liqueur, you’ll need to stir the drink.

Kir Royale Cocktail Recipe
Yields one cocktail

Ingredients
1/4 ounce crème de cassis
3 ounces​ dry sparkling white wine or champagne

Directions
Pour the crème de cassis into a champagne flute and slowly add the sparkling white wine.