Kir Royale

Pour the crème de cassis into a Champagne flute. Top with the Champagne. Garnish with a lemon twist.

The Kir Royal is a classic French cocktail known for its elegant simplicity and delightful flavor. It's a variation of the traditional Kir, which is made with white wine and crème de cassis (a blackcurrant liqueur). The Kir Royal elevates this combination by using Champagne instead of white wine.

The Kir cocktail itself dates back to the mid-20th century. It is named after Félix Kir, a Catholic priest and hero of the French Resistance during World War II. After the war, Kir became the mayor of Dijon, the capital of the Burgundy region, which is known for its blackcurrants and the production of crème de cassis. He popularized the drink by serving it at official functions to promote the local products. The classic Kir was made with Aligoté, a white wine from Burgundy, and crème de cassis. The Kir Royal is a more luxurious version of the Kir and likely emerged shortly after the traditional Kir gained popularity. By substituting Champagne for the white wine, the Kir Royal became associated with celebrations and special occasions. This version of the cocktail embodies the French flair for combining local ingredients with a touch of sophistication.