For a simple cocktail that’s elegant, crisp, and bubbly—but also something a little bit different—try this kir royale recipe! Made with sparkling wine and crème de cassis, it’s absolutely divine.
What Is a Kir Royale?
A kir royale is a classic French cocktail that has similar vibes to a mimosa or peach Bellini. Like mimosas, the kir royale is effervescent and fruity, but the kir royale is a little extra boozy since it swaps the orange juice for crème de cassis, a sweet red liqueur made from blackcurrants.
The taste of a kir royale is sweet, tart, and crisp. This is not an overly sweet cocktail, though—instead, it’s just nicely balanced. It’s also a great drink to enjoy year-round!
Why You’ll Love This Kir Royale Recipe
- Easy to make. The kir royale only has two ingredients, and you don’t need any fancy bar equipment either, so it’s doable even if you’re not an expert mixologist.
- Elegant and sophisticated. Maybe it’s the champagne, maybe it’s the French origin story, but the kir royale just has an air of sophistication to it. You’ll feel a little fancy sipping on this one!
- Perfect for celebrations. Whether it’s a wedding, anniversary, or New Year’s Eve party, this cocktail is perfect for a celebration. Why just have a glass of champagne when you can have a kir royale instead!?
Notes on Ingredients
Scroll down to the recipe card to find the ingredient quantities and recipe instructions.
- Crème de cassis – This is the key ingredient that makes a kir royale a kir royale. That said, if you don’t have crème de cassis on hand, you can use Chambord, a raspberry liqueur, instead.
- Dry sparkling wine – Brut Champagne or Prosecco both work.
- Garnish – Take it up a notch with fresh raspberries or a lemon twist.
How to Make a Kir Royale
- Prepare. Chill the champagne flute or coupe.
- Add the liqueur. Pour the crème de cassis into the glass.
- Add the bubbly. Tilt the glass slightly and pour in the sparkling wine.
- Garnish and serve. Add fresh raspberries or a lemon twist, then enjoy!
Tips and Variations
- Make a lemon twist. It’s easy! Cut a round slice of lemon, then pull off the peel and scrape off the pith. Wrap the peel around your pinky, a chopstick, or the stem of a champagne glass and hold it with your hand to warm the peel so it molds into a twist.
- Keep it cold. Use frozen raspberries instead of fresh to keep your drink chilled without diluting it with ice.
- Prep a big batch. Scale up the recipe by gently stirring together crème de cassis and sparkling wine in a pitcher. This only works if you plan on serving right away, the sparkling wine will begin losing its bubbles quickly.
Enjoy friends! If you make this kir royale, please snap a photo and tag #jessicainthekitchen on Instagram! We’d also love it if you would leave a comment below, and give the recipe a rating! Thanks so much!
Kir Royale
Ingredients
- 2 teaspoons crème de cassis or Chambord, 10 ml
- 4 ounces dry sparkling wine such as Brut Champagne or Prosecco, about 120 ml
- fresh raspberries optional garnish
- lemon twist optional garnish
Instructions
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Chill your champagne flute or coupe.
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Pour the crème de cassis into the glass.
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Tilt the glass slightly to preserve the bubbles in your champagne or sparkling wine, then gently pour the sparkling wine.
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Garnish with fresh raspberries or a lemon twist if desired.
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Serve and enjoy!
Nutrition
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