Kir Royale Cocktail

Is it too soon for a cocktail? Nah, I don’t think so. We’ve been celebrating with Kir Royale cocktails this summer, and I wanted to introduce you to this delightfully fizzy, lightly pink drink.

The Kir Royale is a Champagne cocktail made with a splash of French berry liqueur. Cocktails truly don’t get any easier.

Kir Royales are a blushing alternative to sparkling rosé or straight Champagne. The simple act of swirling two ingredients together makes Kir Royales seem more celebratory, if you will.

You could serve Kir Royales at birthday parties, showers, brunch, Mother’s Day or Valentine’s Day, or any happy occasion. They’re so simple to make and yet still feel a little fancy. Ready?

Kir Royale Ingredients

Kir Royales are so simple to make that you hardly need a recipe. You’ll need two ingredients:

1. Chilled Champagne: Champagne is traditional and tastes wonderful. Similar sparkling wines, like Prosecco and Cava, will also work. Whichever you choose, buy a brut (dry) variety so your drinks aren’t too sweet.
2. Chambord or crème de cassis: Both are berry liqueurs that will turn your cocktail slightly pink and lightly sweet. Both are around 15 to 16 percent alcohol by volume, so they will make your drinks just a touch more boozy.

Add fresh raspberries to your list if you want a cute garnish. For the record, though, my Kir Royales rarely arrive garnished when I order them at a restaurant or bar.

Chambord vs. Crème de Cassis

Chambord is a branded French liqueur made with raspberries, blackberries and blackcurrants. It’s sweet but complex, incorporating flavors of Madagascar vanilla, Moroccan citrus peel, honey and cognac. Chambord will tint your Champagne a sophisticated peachy-rose color.

Chambord is more expensive, but a small bottle will make many cocktails. I think it’s worth it. If you appreciate St. Germain, you’ll also enjoy Chambord.

Crème de cassis is made with blackcurrants. It’s dark, thick, syrupy and sweet. It will make your Kir Royales more intensely pink and sweet (similar to a Cosmopolitan on both accounts).

While it may be the traditional liqueur used to make Kir Royales in France, I haven’t been able to find good crème de cassis in the United States.

In short, Chambord is my favorite. It elevates the flavor of Champagne rather than overwhelming it, which is the hallmark of a good Champagne cocktail. If you try them side-by-side like I did, I think you’ll agree!

Looking for more simple sparkling cocktails? Here are a few more classics:

• Aperol Spritz
• French 75
• Fresh Bellini
• Classic Mimosa

Please let me know how you like Kir Royales in the comments. I love hearing from you.