Kir Royale
An elegant sparkling cocktail combining Crème de Cassis with chilled sparkling wine. Rich blackcurrant fruitiness meets crisp bubbles for a simple, refined aperitif.
Kir Royale Recipe
- Blackcurrant liqueur 15 ml
- Prosecco 90 ml
- Fresh raspberry 1 piece
Make it properly
- Chill the Champagne flute and Prosecco before making the drink.
- Pour 15 ml blackcurrant liqueur into the chilled glass.
- Slowly top with 90 ml well-chilled Prosecco.
- Allow the ingredients to combine naturally. Stir only very gently if needed.
- Garnish with one fresh raspberry and serve immediately.
WHAT MAKES A GOOD KIR ROYALE?
A good Kir Royale should balance rich blackcurrant fruit with fresh, lively sparkling wine.
Crème de Cassis is intensely fruity and sweet, so only a small amount is needed. Too much can make the drink heavy and syrupy, while too little leaves the blackcurrant character almost unnoticed.
The sparkling wine should provide enough acidity and carbonation to lift the cassis and keep the cocktail elegant and refreshing.
The finished drink should be berry-forward but still crisp, sparkling and light.
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KIR ROYALE: RECIPE, INGREDIENTS & TIPS
A practical guide to making a balanced Kir Royale, from choosing the right Crème de Cassis and sparkling wine to getting the sweetness, temperature and carbonation right.
THE BEST INGREDIENTS FOR A KIR ROYALE
The Kir Royale contains only two main liquid ingredients, so their quality and balance make a noticeable difference.
For the berry component, Drinkero recommends Bols Crème de Cassis Liqueur 17% Vol. Crème de Cassis is the traditional style of blackcurrant liqueur used in a Kir Royale, bringing rich fruit flavour, sweetness and the cocktail's distinctive colour.
For the sparkling wine, Drinkero uses Corte Delle Calli Prosecco Extra Dry DOC Treviso. Its lively bubbles and gently fruity character complement the blackcurrant while keeping the drink fresh.
Finish with one fresh raspberry for a clean berry garnish and elegant presentation.
HOW TO BALANCE A KIR ROYALE
The foundation of our Kir Royale is 15 ml blackcurrant liqueur and 90 ml Prosecco.
The liqueur provides concentrated berry flavour, sweetness and colour, while the larger proportion of Prosecco keeps the cocktail fresh and sparkling.
Too much blackcurrant liqueur can overpower the wine and make the drink syrupy. Too little can make the fruit character disappear.
Our ratio creates a Kir Royale that is clearly berry-led while remaining light, crisp and refreshing.
THE STORY BEHIND THE KIR ROYALE
The Kir Royale developed from the classic Kir, a French aperitif made with blackcurrant liqueur and dry white wine.
The drink is closely associated with Burgundy, where Crème de Cassis became a well-known regional speciality.
The Royale version replaces still white wine with Champagne, creating a more celebratory sparkling cocktail.
Drinkero uses Prosecco in our version for a fresh, fruity and accessible sparkling style while keeping the same blackcurrant-led character.
TECHNIQUE: POUR SLOWLY & PRESERVE THE BUBBLES
A Kir Royale does not need shaking.
Start with a chilled Champagne flute and well-chilled Prosecco.
Add the blackcurrant liqueur first, then slowly pour in the Prosecco.
The movement of the sparkling wine will naturally begin to combine the ingredients, so vigorous stirring is unnecessary.
If needed, give the drink only one very gentle stir before garnishing.
Serve immediately while the bubbles are lively.
HOW TO SERVE A KIR ROYALE
Serve the Kir Royale in a chilled Champagne flute without ice.
The drink should be cold, sparkling and deeply berry-coloured, with the blackcurrant balanced by the freshness of the Prosecco.
Garnish with one fresh raspberry for a simple, elegant finish.
Serving options:
- Drinkero style: Prosecco + blackcurrant liqueur + raspberry
- Traditional: Champagne instead of Prosecco
- Minimalist: Serve without garnish
- Fruitier: Use slightly more blackcurrant liqueur for a richer berry profile
Questions about the Kir Royale
What is a Kir Royale made with?
A Kir Royale combines blackcurrant liqueur and sparkling wine.
What blackcurrant liqueur should I use?
The traditional choice is Crème de Cassis. Drinkero recommends Bols Crème de Cassis Liqueur 17% Vol.
Is Crème de Cassis the same as blackcurrant liqueur?
Yes. Crème de Cassis is a sweet blackcurrant liqueur traditionally used in Kir and Kir Royale cocktails.
Should a Kir Royale use Champagne or Prosecco?
Traditionally, a Kir Royale is made with Champagne. Drinkero uses Prosecco for a fresh, fruity and accessible version.
What Prosecco should I use?
Drinkero recommends Corte Delle Calli Prosecco Extra Dry DOC Treviso.
How much blackcurrant liqueur should I use?
Our recipe uses 15 ml blackcurrant liqueur with 90 ml Prosecco.
Should a Kir Royale contain ice?
No. It is served without ice, so both the glass and Prosecco should be properly chilled.