How to Make a DAMN GOOD Kir Royale

How to Make a DAMN GOOD Kir Royale Cocktail

“the perfect drink to sip and do nothing. . . “

green champagne bottle pouring champagne into champagne flute kir royale with black berries

Ooh La La! Meet the Kir Royale, an easy-to-make classic French aperitif cocktail is as delicious as it is stylish. All you need are two ingredients and you can quickly whip up this timeless drink. Just add champagne and crème de cassis liqueur and voila! You have yourself a fancy yet simple cocktail. Get ready to live your best Parisian fantasy life with this oh-so-sophisticated beverage.

What's a Kir Royale Drink?

Pardon, un Kir Royale, s'il vous plaît! If you've been binge-watching Netflix's "Emily in Paris," then you're in luck – this classic French cocktail is officially back and hotter than ever. This super easy aperitif can be uncomplicatedly created with just two ingredients – champagne and Crème de Cassis. That's it! Every Kir Royale is light and refreshing, making it an effortless sipper for any occasion. Plus, you don't have to worry about spending a small fortune to make it - because who says a luxury cocktail night has to be expensive? Bottoms up!


Can’t get enough cocktail recipes? I've got you covered. Try my Aperol Spritz, Lemon Drop Martini, and my ABC’s of Liqueur: Easy Guide to Cordials too!

Ingredients: What's in a Kir Royale

Planning un petite fête? A French gathering just wouldn't be the same without a classic Kir Royale - that bubbly blackcurrent cocktail with a chic, sophisticated air you will come to know and love. Packed with two perfectly matched ingredients, this Aperitif adds a touch of elegance to any special occasion.

Here are the Kir Royale ingredients:

  • Crème de Cassis - The blackcurrant liqueur provides just the right amount of berry sweetness flavor.

  • Chilled Champagne -  adds the perfect fizzy touch. Or switch it up by using dry sparkling wine instead for a modern sweeter take on this cocktail classic.

  • Fresh Black Berries - this simple garnish adds just the right air of sophistication to such an elegant drink.

serve kir royales with two black berries on gold cocktail pick for garnish

What Does a Kir Royale Taste Like?

By itself, crème de cassis has a flavor reminiscent of old-fashioned cough syrup. Sweet, bitter, and tangy, this liqueur adds a unique character to any cocktail. When combined with Champagne or sparkling wine, the Kir Royale's flavor profile takes a more subtle approach. It creates a light and bubbly taste with just a hint of blackcurrant sweetness that goes down oh so smoothly.

kir royale champagne cocktail with creme de cassis on white countertop with green champagne bottle

Is Crème de Cassis the Same as Chambord?

Short Answer: No

If asked what the difference between Crème de Cassis and Chambord is, you'll want to brush up on your liqueur and cordial knowledge. Both are sweet berry liqueurs but that doesn't mean they are interchangeable and they aren't the same.

Crème de Cassis is a dark red sweet liqueur made exclusively with blackcurrents that are crushed and soaked in alcohol, with sugar subsequently added. While Chambord is a luxurious French black raspberry liqueur.

overhead view of burgundy kir royale sparkling wine cocktail made with black currants liqueur

Tools You’ll Need to Make This Recipe

Here are a few essential tools you’ll need to make this Kir Royale cocktail recipe:

Thank You

If you're looking for a way to class up your drink repertoire, look no further than the Kir Royale. This easy-to-make champagne cocktail only requires two ingredients and will make you feel like you're living your best life in Paris. So go ahead and add some champagne and creme de cassis liqueur to your shopping list and get ready to upgrade your life.

Have you made this DAMN GOOD Kir Royale? Share your photos with me on Instagram and Facebook using the hashtag #DAMNGOODcocktails and tagging me @ThisIsMelDrake so I can see how yours turned out!

Please let me know how you liked the recipe in the comments section below, and don't forget to sign up for my newsletter. You can also find me on Instagram, Pinterest, Facebook, and Twitter.

Chin! Chin! 🇫🇷


-XOXO (as always)

Mel D.


Photography by Melissa "Mel" Drake

popular france kir royale cocktail in flute glass with bubbles and green gold champagne bottle sitting on white countertop
Now let’s get to mixing, so we can get to sipping!
— Mel Drake

A Few More Cocktail Recipes

If you liked this Kir Royale recipe, then you'll love these delicious recipes too!

champagne, creme de cassis, Prosecco, sparkling white wine, brunch
cocktail
Yield: 1
Author: Mel Drake
Kir Royale

Kir Royale

A classic French aperitif, the Kir Royale is easy-to-make and so delicious.
Prep time: 2 MinCook time: 3 MinTotal time: 5 Min

Ingredients

Kir Royale
  • 1/2 ounce Crème de Cassis
  • Extra Dry Chilled Champagne (or Sparkling Wine)
  • 2-3 Fresh Blackberries (garnish)

Instructions

  1. Add crème de cassis to a champagne glass. Top with chilled champagne. Garnish with blackberries to make it fancy. Serve and enjoy!

Nutrition Facts

Calories

81.9

Fat

0.02

Sat. Fat

0

Carbs

4.1

Fiber

0.26

Net carbs

3.84

Sugar

3.83

Protein

0.17

Sodium

12.11

Cholesterol

0

*Nutrition content is calculated from a food database and should be regarded as an estimate

Did you make this recipe?
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@ThisIsMelDrake

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Ooh La La! Meet the Kir Royale, an easy-to-make classic French aperitif cocktail is as delicious and stylish. Add champagne & crème de cassis liqueur and voila! You have a fancy yet simple classic cocktail.
Step up your cocktail game with this step-by-step recipe for a Kir Royale. Champagne (or dry sparkling wine) & crème de cassis black currant liqueur combine to create a sophisticated sweet French drink that is perfect for any occasion.