Kir Royale

When it comes to sparkling wine-based cocktails, few beverages are as classy and sophisticated as a Kir Royale. The Kir Royale is a fixture at holiday celebrations, soirées hosted by the likes of Ina Garten and Martha Stewart, and even episodes of Emily in Paris. Beyond its très chic reputation, it’s also simple to prepare and has a je ne sais quoi that makes any event extra-special.

The drink itself is named after Félix Kir, a Catholic priest and important figure in the French resistance against Nazi occupation. Legend has it that after German forces confiscated stashes of red wine from his hometown of Dijon, Burgundy, Kir created a cocktail that mimicked the deep red color with the white wine that remained. That very cocktail, known simply as a Kir, uses dry white Aligoté and crème de cassis. There are several other variations of a Kir that use different wines and liqueurs, but few are as popular as the Kir Royale. The only difference from the original: swapping the white wine for Champagne.

While purists opt for the traditional Champagne, you can certainly substitute it for more budget-friendly bubbles. But it’s important to note that you should choose a sparkling wine that veers toward the dry side. Crème de cassis has enough sugar on its own, and adding a sweet wine on top of it will make your finished Kir Royale taste syrupy.

This recipe is also a great introduction for those who have yet to try crème de cassis. This French liqueur is made with blackcurrants, a berry that has a deep, almost grape-like fruitiness. You can typically find it alongside other cordials at your local liquor store—any brand will work, but our favorite is C. Cassis. Can’t find crème de cassis? You can use raspberry liqueur in a pinch (but your cocktail will technically be called a Kir Imperial).

Did you try making this? Let us know how it went in the comments!