UPDATE: This Kir Royale recipe is in memory of Jean-Marie Boegle, a doctor in France who died due to COVID-19 on 22 March 2020. He introduced me to Kir Royales when we stayed at a guesthouse owned by him and his wife in Burgundy in 2019. One of the most amazing holiday weeks I’ve ever had in my life, filled with so much laughter, we remained in touch even after we left.
Jean-Marie was a Healthcare Hero who made the ultimate sacrifice, putting himself at risk to care for others. We will never forget him.
Kir Royale
-
What it is: A champagne cocktail hailing from France
-
When to serve it: traditionally a pre dinner cocktail, but it’s right at home at parties and gatherings!
-
What Kir Royale tastes like: Champagne that’s slightly sweetened with hint of blackcurrant flavour.
-
Bonus: Brilliant way to dress up economical champagne!
You’ll find this champagne cocktail as a pre dinner drink on the menu of bistros and restaurants all across France. It’s a terrific celebratory way to kick off a meal – fizzy, sparkling, sweet, and who can resist the colour!
From a practical perspective, it’s a great way to dress up economical champagne. The creme de cassis is sweet and has a concentrated blackcurrant flavour which will disguise even the cheapest of champagnes!
What goes in Kir Royale
-
Creme de cassis is a sweet, dark red liquor made from blackcurrants. It’s $27 for a 700ml/24 oz bottle at Dan Murphy’s (large Australian liquor store); and
-
Best champagne for Kir Royale – any champagne*, sparkling wine (brut) or Cava is ideal here. Just don’t get one that’s labelled (or described on the label) as SWEET, because the creme de cassis is sweet and together it will probably be too sweet.
* Technically, sparkling wines can only be called “champagne” if they are made in the Champagne region of France. They tend to be pricier. But the term “champagne” is used quite loosely in reference to both “real” Champagne as well as sparkling wine.
How to make Kir Royales
Creme de cassis first, then top it up with champers! Some might due it the other way round, but this is the order that Jean-Marie taught me to make it – and I will never diverge from it!
What to serve with Kir Royales
Kir Royales will go with everything – from dips to crostini, a baked brie to Thai Fish Cakes. Have a browse through Party Food and Finger Food – and here are a few suggestions:
Suggested finger foods to serve with Kir Royales
If you’re having these as a pre dinner cocktail, you’d be right on theme serving them alongside Gougeres which are French cheese puffs. In fact, that’s exactly what we were served by our host when we stayed in a B&B in Burgundy called La Saura a couple of months ago! – Nagi x
Watch how to make it
Hungry for more? Subscribe to my newsletter and follow along on Facebook, Pinterest and Instagram for all of the latest updates.
Kir Royale (French champagne cocktail)
Ingredients
- 2 tsp Creme de cassis (blackcurrent liquor, Note 1)
- 185ml/ 3/4 cup champagne or sparkling wine (Note 2)
Instructions
- Pour creme de cassis in a champagne glass, then top with Champagne and serve!
- In reality, you don't need to measure - just eyeball it by colour, take a sip and adjust to taste! Some people like it sweeter, with a deeper red. Some people like just a tiny hint of blackcurrent.
Recipe Notes:
Nutrition Information:
Cocktails galore!
Life of Dozer
Flashback: that time I washed all his toys and he sat there, staring forlornly at them!
This recipe for Kir Royale looks nice but I do not drink any liquor at all and would like some holiday recipe to go with our food. Planning on making your Christmas Sticky Chicken (I think that’s what it’s called -lol), Please advise what I can do. Thanks and cheers.
Oh, I have the perfect drink for you. Add a couple shakes of Angostura Bitters (found in any grocery store liquor isle– it’s non alcoholic) to a champagne flute full of sparkling water. Very elegant, delicate and exhibiting complex subtle flavor.
I am sooo in love with you Dozer and the life you have with your mom Nagi <3. I cannot count how many recipes I had tried with this website. Love you both from the Philippines!
Thanks so much Ellen!!
I am basically a wine lover and not terribly keen on cocktails and other mixed drinks. Kir Royale is special tho’ – I use a rather dry French champagne and the best Creme de Cassis I can buy and love every drop. Both I and many friends love to entertain at long Sunday brunches . . . the classic welcome drink there naturally is an Orange Blossom if not a Bloody Mary . . but I have always loved to bring out the blackberry syrup . . .
Hello,i really like your recipes,do you have books of your recipes??? Do you have some in French?If not you should,thank you!