A measure of crème de cassis poured into a glass of dry white wine — traditionally Bourgogne Aligoté — makes the Kir, the archetypal French aperitif also called Blanc-Cassis. The blackcurrant liqueur settles to the bottom and tints the wine a soft rose as the two combine, lending a gentle fruit sweetness that offsets the wine's acidity. Mixed at roughly one part cassis to five parts wine and served in a wine glass at about 10 percent ABV, it is among the simplest of mixed drinks, requiring no shaking or ice. An IBA-recognized contemporary classic, the Kir remains a fixture of French apéritif custom.
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Kir
Blanc-Cassis
Nguyên liệu
- Creme De Cassis 1 part
- Champagne 5 parts
Hướng dẫn
Add the crème de cassis to the bottom of the glass, then top up with wine.
Kir is a classic French aperitif made by adding a measure of crème de cassis black currant liqueur to a glass of white wine, most traditionally Bourgogne Aligoté. The cassis settles at the bottom and creates a beautiful blush color as it mingles with the wine. Simple, elegant, and endlessly refreshing, it is a cornerstone of French aperitif culture.
History & Origins
Kir was popularized by Félix Kir, the mayor of Dijon, France, who served it at official receptions throughout the 1950s as a way to promote the wines of Burgundy. The combination of white wine and cassis was already a local Burgundian tradition known as 'blanc-cassis' before Kir gave it his name. The IBA recognizes it as a Contemporary Classic, reflecting its global adoption.
Tasting Notes
Aroma: White wine's crisp acidity and apple-floral notes, with the deep blackcurrant richness of crème de cassis. Palate: Refreshing and moderately sweet — the cassis's berry depth enriches the wine's acidity, creating a perfectly balanced aperitif that is light yet flavorful. Finish: Clean, fruity, and dry, with a lingering cassis sweetness.
Pro Tip
Add the crème de cassis first, then pour the chilled wine gently over it to create a natural gradient of color; serve without stirring for the best visual effect.
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Biến thể
Frequently Asked Questions
What is a Kir and how is it made?
A Kir is a French aperitif made with crème de cassis blackcurrant liqueur and dry white wine, typically Burgundy Aligoté. A small amount of crème de cassis is poured into a wine glass first, then topped with chilled white wine. The standard ratio is roughly one part cassis to five to nine parts white wine.
What is the history of the Kir cocktail?
The Kir is named after Félix Kir (1876–1968), a French priest and later mayor of Dijon, who popularized the drink in the Burgundy region. The drink was originally called 'blanc-cassis' and was a common local beverage before Mayor Kir promoted it to international visitors. It has since become a widely recognized French aperitif.
What are common variations of a Kir?
The most famous variation is Kir Royale, which substitutes Champagne or another sparkling wine for the still white wine. Kir Impérial uses raspberry liqueur instead of cassis. Kir Breton uses cider in place of wine. The base liqueur can also be varied using crème de mûre (blackberry) or crème de pêche (peach).
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