Kir

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A classic French apéritif combining crisp white wine with blackcurrant liqueur for an elegant, refreshing cocktail.

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Wine Glass

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Recipe

1 cocktail (135ml)

Dry White Wine
120 ml
Crème de Cassis
15 ml
Blackcurrant
1 piece

Recipe credit: Canon Félix Kir, Mayor of Dijon

Instructions

2 minutes to make

Step

Chill both the white wine and crème de cassis beforehand for optimal serving temperature.

Step

Pour 15ml of crème de cassis into the bottom of a chilled white wine glass.

Step

Gently pour 120ml of dry white wine over the cassis, creating a beautiful color gradient.

Step

Stir very lightly if desired for even color distribution, or leave layered for visual appeal.

Step

Garnish with a fresh blackcurrant if desired and serve immediately.

Equipment

Jigger

Description

The Kir is a timeless French apéritif that celebrates the flavors of Burgundy, combining local dry white wine with crème de cassis. Named after Canon Félix Kir, who popularized the drink after World War II, this elegant cocktail showcases the perfect balance between wine’s crispness and the sweet, fruity depth of blackcurrant liqueur.

Nutritional information

1 cocktail (135ml)

Calories

145

ABV

11.5 %

Alcohol

12.4 g

Carbs

8.2 g

Carbs from Sugar

7.8 g

Fat

0 g

Protein

0.1 g

Sodium

2 mg

Nutritional information is approximate and includes estimated 30% dilution from ice. Values may vary based on specific brands and preparation methods.

Allergens

Sulfites

Tips & Notes

Always pour the crème de cassis first, then add the wine to ensure proper mixing and beautiful color presentation.
Use Bourgogne Aligoté wine when possible for the most authentic flavor profile, as its acidity and neutrality perfectly complement the cassis.
Adjust the cassis amount to taste - use less (10ml) for a drier drink or more (20ml) for a sweeter, more fruit-forward cocktail.
Invest in high-quality crème de cassis from Burgundy producers like Lejay or Joseph Cartron for superior flavor and authenticity.
Serve well-chilled and consume immediately after preparation to maintain the wine's freshness and the drink's balance.

What's the difference between Kir and Kir Royale?

Kir uses dry white wine as the base, while Kir Royale substitutes Champagne or sparkling wine. Kir Royale is typically reserved for special occasions and uses slightly less cassis (10-15ml) due to the delicate nature of sparkling wine.

Can I substitute the crème de cassis with other liqueurs?

Yes, you can use crème de framboise (raspberry liqueur) for a Kir Impérial, or crème de mûre (blackberry liqueur). However, authentic Kir specifically uses blackcurrant liqueur from Burgundy for the traditional flavor profile.

What type of white wine works best for Kir?

Bourgogne Aligoté is traditional and ideal due to its crisp acidity and neutral profile. Alternatives include Sauvignon Blanc, Pinot Grigio, or any dry, unoaked white wine. Avoid heavily oaked wines as they compete with the cassis flavors.

How should I adjust the sweetness level?

Use 10-15ml cassis for a drier, wine-forward drink, or 20ml for a sweeter, more fruit-prominent cocktail. The traditional ratio was sweeter, but modern preferences tend toward the drier preparation with less cassis.