The Best Kir Royale Cocktail (Classic French Recipe)

Learn how to make the perfect Kir Royale. A classic French cocktail made with dry sparkling wine and cassis liqueur. Plus, learn about the bubbly drink's quirky history.

If you're a sucker for the finer things in life, look no further than this classic Kir Royale recipe. Crème de cassis meets French sparkling wine for a flavour that is delicate, slightly sweet, and oh-so-luxurious. Typically served as an apéritif (pre-meal drink) or on special occasions, this delicious cocktail  is the perfect way to whet your appetite and get in a festive mood. 

Not only is it delicious, but the Kir Royale also has a fascinating history, involving a French Catholic priest who acted heroically during World War II. 

Kir Royale history

As with any good classic cocktail, a fascinating mythology has developed around the Kir Royale. 

Paying homage to a former mayor of dijon, Canon Félix Kir, the drink is sometimes said to have been his invention to deceive the Nazis during the French Resistance in WWII. According to the story, the region's iconic Burgundy red wines were amongst the valuables confiscated by the Germans. In an act of rebellion, Father Kir mimicked the look of it by mixing creme de cassis with the white wine Aligoté. In this version of events, Kir was sending the message that the Nazis could try to take their wine, but they would never be able to kill the French spirit. 

While it's a great story, the reality is a little bit different. While the drink is named after Kir, it's not because he invented the drink, but rather because he is said to have popularised it by serving it at events. 

Since the late 19th century, creme de cassis has been made in the Burgundy region, taking advantage of the sweet blackcurrants that grow well in the area. Similarly, dry white wine has been produced in the region for centuries - and thus the perfect combination was born. The original kir cocktail uses still, acidic white wine, whereas the Kir Royale is a bubbly alternative that swaps the still wine for sparkling. 

Served in a champagne flute, the Kir Royale evokes feelings of celebration and indulgence, making it the perfect drink for your next cocktail hour. 

The ingredients

• Sparkling wine: Kir Royale is best when made with a dry, sparkling white wine. To stay true to the Burgundy region, use Crémant de Bourgogne, a delicious Champagne alternative that captures the terroir of the region beautifully. As an added bonus, Crémant de Bourgogne is often more affordable than Champagne, though it may be more difficult to find. Alternatively, dry Champagne also works well - with Brut or Extra Brut being the best choices for this recipe.  In a pinch, Italian Prosecco can be used, though it may yield a fruitier flavour to your cocktail. 
• Creme de cassis: This French liqueur is essential to the Kir Royale. Creme de Cassis is a sweet blackcurrant liqueur that is often also used in baking or in making sauces. Gabriel Boudier is one of the most famous brands of the blackcurrant liqueur, known for it's high-quality local production. Alternatively, there are several other great brands including Lejay-Lagoute, the more-affordable Alsace-based Massenez, or the American-born Clear Water Creek cassis liqueur.  

Serving Kir Royale

Fitting with the celebratory nature of the Kir Royale drink, this cocktail is best served in a chilled Champagne glass or coupe. While the drink needs no garnish, you can dress it up with a lemon twist or by adding a few fresh raspberries or blackberries. 

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