Classic Kir Royale and Variations

Kir Royale combines Champagne and a black currant liqueur to make a delectable cocktail. If you’re feeling adventurous, we have some cool variations to try as well.

What Is A Kir Royale?

This is one of the best drinks ever. Partly because I like saying its name: Kir Royale. You say the “Royale” part in a French way. You know, the way you say “Royale with Cheese.” 

But seriously, it’s a classic French cocktail that is simple to make and usually served in a flute glass. 

It also tastes sooo good. It’s Champagne with crème de cassis. Crème de cassis is a liqueur made from black currants that is sweet and red. You could also substitute Chambord, which is made from black raspberries. 

So pretty, that drink. All blushing and sparkling.

It’s super easy to make too. You pour half an ounce (that’s 1 tablespoon) of the crème de cassis into a Champagne flute. Then top with your Champagne (A dry one is a must. See our guide to sparkling wine choices for cocktails here.) Then drink!

Kir Royale Variations

• If you use a sparkling wine other than Champagne, such as prosecco, it’s called a Kir Pétillant.
• If you use still white wine instead of sparkling, the drink is called, simply, a Kir.
• If you use Chambord, a French black raspberry liqueur, then it’s called a Kir Impérial or French Kir Royale or ChambordKir Royale.
• Some people use a non-alcoholic black currant syrup instead of the creme de cassis. I don’t recommend it. At all. Especially if your syrup of choice is Ribena.
• A Cider Royale uses hard apple cider instead of wine. A splash of calvados (apple brandy) is also usually in there.
• Oddly, it’s a Tarantino if you make it with a light beer (lager) instead of wine. Or you can call it a Kir-Beer. (Two Tarantino references in one blog post? How does that happen???)
• Oh, and a Pink Russian uses milk instead of wine. Geez.

I think I’m going to stick with the Royale!

More Cocktail Recipes

• Spicy Bloody Mary Recipe
• Classic Champagne Cocktail
• Boozy Frappuccino Recipe
• Moscow Mule Recipe
• Best Margarita Recipe

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This post originally appeared in December 2015 and was revised and republished in November 2022.