Discover the origins and allure of Kir Royal, a classic French aperitif that's as elegant as it is irresistible.
It is a classic French aperitif whose history is deeply rooted in Burgundian culture: the Kir Cocktail. Traditionally, it consists of crème de cassis and white wine, resulting in a refreshing and fruity drink that is both timeless and easy to prepare; the best prerequisites for a comeback in the wake of the current aperitif culture, where a little history never hurts! The origins of the Kir can therefore be traced back to the 19th century, when the blackcurrant liqueur Crème de Cassis was first produced in the Dijon region of Burgundy in 1841. The blackcurrant has been popular in the region for centuries and was initially used medicinally before finding its way into the culinary world.
The name Kir, however, goes back to a certain Félix Kir, a French priest and politician who was mayor of Dijon from 1945 until his death in 1968 and became known for his hospitality and commitment to Burgundian culture. He often offered his guests a cocktail, the Blanc-Cassis, with the aim of introducing them to regional products. However, the original name Blanc-Cassis changed due to Kir's popularity and his frequent association with the drink and was eventually named after him.
The popularity of the Kir Cocktail grew rapidly, especially after the Second World War. The classic Kir consists of one part crème de cassis and nine parts dry white wine. Traditionally, a white wine from Burgundy is used for this, such as an Aligoté. However, variations of the drink quickly emerged, with one of the best known being the Kir Royal, which uses champagne instead of white wine. This variation gives the drink a festive touch and was often served on special occasions. Another variation is the Kir Breton, in which cider is used instead of white wine. Or the Kir Impérial, which uses raspberry liqueur instead of crème de cassis. But no matter which version you enjoy, the simplicity of preparation and the versatility of the ingredients make it a timeless classic that can be enjoyed both every day and on special occasions.
Ingredients:
Preparation: Pour the ice-cold Champagne or sparkling wine into a Champagne flute or Champagne goblet and carefully pour the crème de cassis over it. Garnish with an optional cocktail cherry.
