A spoonful of dark blackcurrant liqueur at the bottom of a flute, then cold Champagne poured slowly over it until the whole glass glows ruby pink. Fine bubbles, a whiff of ripe berries and a dry finish make the Kir Royal an easy way to open an evening.
4.1Editors’ rating
Taste4.1
Balance4
Easy to make4.9
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Garnish: None, or a lemon twist · Ice: Served up, no ice
Method
Chill the Champagne and a flute well.
Pour the crème de cassis into the flute.
Tilt the glass and slowly top with Champagne so it does not foam over.
Serve straight away, with a lemon twist if you like.
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Watch it made
Kir Royal
Taste
Dry, lively and fruity, with blackcurrant sweetness, bready Champagne notes and fine, persistent bubbles.
History and origin
The Kir Royal is the sparkling version of the Kir, the Burgundy aperitif of white wine and crème de cassis named after Félix Kir, the canon who was mayor of Dijon from 1945 to 1968. Replacing still Aligoté with Champagne turned a regional everyday drink into something for celebrations.
When and where the first Kir Royal was poured is not documented. It became a fixture of French and international bar menus in the second half of the 20th century and remains a standard at weddings and receptions. The IBA lists it as a variation of the Kir rather than as a drink of its own.
Bartender tips
Pour the Champagne gently down the side of the tilted glass to keep as many bubbles as possible.
Crémant de Bourgogne is a very good and more affordable alternative and keeps the Burgundy connection.
Do not stir: the cassis mixes in as you pour, and stirring kills the fizz.
Variations
Kir Impérial
Raspberry liqueur (crème de framboise) instead of cassis.
Kir Pétillant
Any dry sparkling wine such as Crémant or Cava instead of Champagne.
Frequently asked questions
What is the difference between Kir and Kir Royal?
A Kir is made with still dry white wine, a Kir Royal with Champagne.
Can I use Prosecco for a Kir Royal?
Yes, but choose a brut Prosecco; it gives a fruitier, softer drink than Champagne.
How much cassis goes into a Kir Royal?
About 10 ml per 120 ml of Champagne. More turns it sweet and syrupy.
The perfect sound
French chanson
Sparkling French elegance with a hint of blackcurrant.
