Kir Cocktail Drink

Kir

A shot of Gavin Wrigley looking to the camera in a dimly lit room
Written by Gavin Wrigley
Andrea
Tested by
Andrea Ottaiano

If you’re searching for a classic cocktail, this Kir recipe is just the ticket! With straightforward ingredients, it’s a drink you can easily make and thoroughly enjoy.

Kir Recipe

Try out this Kir recipe! With dry white Wine and Crème de Cassis, this cocktail is great for any event.

Prep time:

1 minute

Mixing time:

1 minute

Servings:

1

Calories:

212 kl

Ingredients

  • 6 oz dry White Wine
  • 1 oz Crème de Cassis, blackcurrant Liqueur

Equipment

  • Wine Glass
  • Measuring Jigger

Instructions

  • Prep Glass: Choose a clean wine glass.
  • Add Crème de Cassis: Pour 1 oz Crème de Cassis into the glass.
  • Top with Wine: Fill the rest of the glass with 6 oz dry White Wine, leaving a small space at the top.
  • Stir Gently: Using a spoon, gently stir to mix the liqueur and wine.

Notes

Substitutes:

  • Crème de Cassis: If you can't find Crème de Cassis, I've often substituted it with Chambord, a raspberry liqueur, or even blackberry liqueur. Both give a fruity kick, but each has its unique twist.
  • Dry White Wine: In the absence of white wine, I've tried sparkling wine to make a Kir Royale, which adds a bubbly twist to the drink. A dry rosé also works, but expect a different hue and slightly altered taste.

Making a Pitcher of Kir:

  • Scale: For a pitcher that serves 8, you'll want to use 48 oz of dry white wine and 8 oz of Crème de Cassis.
  • Mix: In a large pitcher, pour the Crème de Cassis first, then add the wine. Give it a good stir.
  • Serve: Pour the mixture into individual wine glasses and serve immediately.

Making it Non-Alcoholic:

  • Crème de Cassis Substitute: In many stores, you can find non-alcoholic blackcurrant syrups. They provide a similar fruity flavor.
  • Dry White Wine Substitute: Opt for a non-alcoholic white wine or a sparkling white grape juice. Make sure it's dry to keep the balance.
  • Blend: Follow the primary steps and use these non-alcoholic alternatives in the original proportions.

Making it Vegan:

Fortunately, both dry white wine and Crème de Cassis can be found in vegan varieties. Always check the label or ask the manufacturer to ensure no animal-derived products, like isinglass or gelatin, were used in the clarification process. You can easily enjoy a vegan Kir by selecting vegan versions of these ingredients.

Nutrition Facts

Calories
212
% Daily Value*
Sodium
 
9
mg
0
%
Carbohydrates
 
14
g
5
%
Sugar
 
12
g
13
%
Potassium
 
121
mg
3
%
Protein
 
0.1
g
0
%
Calcium
 
16
mg
2
%
Iron
 
0.5
mg
3
%

 

Kir Cocktail Drink

Kir Recipe

Gavin Wrigley Written by Gavin Wrigley
Jump to Video
Try out this Kir recipe! With dry white Wine and Crème de Cassis, this cocktail is great for any event.
Prep time: 1 minute
Mixing time: 1 minute
Servings: 1
Calories: 212

Ingredients
 

  • 6 oz dry White Wine
  • 1 oz Crème de Cassis - blackcurrant Liqueur

Equipment

  • Wine Glass
  • Measuring Jigger

Instructions

  • Prep Glass: Choose a clean wine glass.
  • Add Crème de Cassis: Pour 1 oz Crème de Cassis into the glass.
  • Top with Wine: Fill the rest of the glass with 6 oz dry White Wine, leaving a small space at the top.
  • Stir Gently: Using a spoon, gently stir to mix the liqueur and wine.

Notes

Substitutes:

  • Crème de Cassis: If you can't find Crème de Cassis, I've often substituted it with Chambord, a raspberry liqueur, or even blackberry liqueur. Both give a fruity kick, but each has its unique twist.
  • Dry White Wine: In the absence of white wine, I've tried sparkling wine to make a Kir Royale, which adds a bubbly twist to the drink. A dry rosé also works, but expect a different hue and slightly altered taste.

Making a Pitcher of Kir:

  • Scale: For a pitcher that serves 8, you'll want to use 48 oz of dry white wine and 8 oz of Crème de Cassis.
  • Mix: In a large pitcher, pour the Crème de Cassis first, then add the wine. Give it a good stir.
  • Serve: Pour the mixture into individual wine glasses and serve immediately.

Making it Non-Alcoholic:

  • Crème de Cassis Substitute: In many stores, you can find non-alcoholic blackcurrant syrups. They provide a similar fruity flavor.
  • Dry White Wine Substitute: Opt for a non-alcoholic white wine or a sparkling white grape juice. Make sure it's dry to keep the balance.
  • Blend: Follow the primary steps and use these non-alcoholic alternatives in the original proportions.

Making it Vegan:

Fortunately, both dry white wine and Crème de Cassis can be found in vegan varieties. Always check the label or ask the manufacturer to ensure no animal-derived products, like isinglass or gelatin, were used in the clarification process. You can easily enjoy a vegan Kir by selecting vegan versions of these ingredients.

What is a Kir?

Kir is a French cocktail made from dry white wine and Crème de Cassis, and it’s celebrated as an official drink by the International Bartenders Association (IBA). Renowned for its balance of sweetness and acidity, the drink has become a symbol of sophistication in the cocktail world. Its versatility and elegant simplicity make it a beloved choice in French bistros, perfectly blending the tartness of blackcurrant liqueur with the crispness of white wine.

A side shot of a Kir cocktail in a wine glass on a black stone coaster placed on a red cloth on a grey table surrounded by a plant and a jigger, in front of a red wall.

What is a Kir made of – The ingredients

Ready these ingredients for the creation of a Kir:

  • Dry White Wine: Provides the base for the cocktail, offering crisp and refreshing undertones.
  • Crème de Cassis: A blackcurrant liqueur that adds depth, sweetness, and vibrant color to the drink.

Dry White Wine and Crème de Cassis laid out on a white bar table

How do you make a Kir?

Explore the process of making a Kir with our user-friendly instructions:

1
<p>Grab a wine glass and pour Crème de Cassis into the glass, ensuring it forms the foundational layer.</p>

Grab a wine glass and pour Crème de Cassis into the glass, ensuring it forms the foundational layer.

2
<p>Gradually add dry white wine to the glass, being careful not to overfill, leaving a small space at the top.</p>

Gradually add dry white wine to the glass, being careful not to overfill, leaving a small space at the top.

3
<p>Give the mix a gentle stir with a spoon or stirrer to integrate the wine and liqueur.</p>

Give the mix a gentle stir with a spoon or stirrer to integrate the wine and liqueur.

4
<p>Enjoy your Kir cocktail!</p>

Enjoy your Kir cocktail!

Kir Variations

Wishing to explore varied options? Examine a few of our most cherished favorites:

  • Kir Royal: Offers a celebratory and elegant flair by substituting Champagne for white wine, enhancing it with a sparkling elegance. The Champagne’s effervescence is particularly enjoyable to me, adding a festive touch.
  • Pink Russian: Transforms the drink with a unique twist by using milk instead of wine, providing a creamy, smooth texture. I appreciate this version for its comforting, rich quality.
  • Kir Impérial: Features raspberry liqueur and Champagne, introducing a delightful raspberry nuance and a luxurious feel.
  • Kir Breton: Merges Breton cider with cassis, adding a crisp apple flavor, perfect for those who love cider.
  • Kir Normand: Uses Normandy cider in place of wine, infusing the drink with a distinctive apple taste that reflects the regional palate.
  • Kir Pêche: Swaps cassis with peach liqueur, lending a sweet, fruity peach essence, which offers a refreshing change from the usual blackcurrant flavor.

A side shot of a Kir cocktail in a wine glass on a black stone coaster placed on a red cloth on a grey table surrounded by a plant and a jigger, in front of a red wall.

History and Origin

Kir cocktail traces its roots back to Burgundy, France. Its name honors Canon Félix Kir, the mayor of Dijon from 1945 to 1968. After World War II, there was an abundance of white wine and a shortage of red wine in the region. To address this imbalance, Canon Kir began promoting a local beverage that combined the available white wine with a splash of Crème de Cassis, a blackcurrant liqueur also native to the region.

His efforts weren’t merely a clever marketing tactic. By serving this drink at official receptions and events, Kir aimed to promote and support two important products from his beloved Burgundy region: Aligoté white wine and Crème de Cassis. Over time, the popularity of this delightful combination grew, and it adopted the name “Kir” in honor of the man who championed it. The drink soon became an iconic aperitif, not just in Burgundy but across France and eventually worldwide.

A Kir cocktail, shot from above, in a wine glass on a white marmol table surroundede by Dry White Wine and Crème de Cassis.

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FAQ

How many calories are in a standard Kir?
Typically, a Kir contains about 100-130 calories, depending on the specific wine and amount of Crème de Cassis used.
How strong is a Kir cocktail?
The strength varies based on the wine used, but most Kir cocktails have an ABV (alcohol by volume) of around 10-12%. This translates to about 20-24 proof.
What type of alcohol is used in a Kir?
A Kir primarily uses dry white wine, typically Aligoté, combined with Crème de Cassis.
In which glass is a Kir typically served?
A Kir is traditionally served in a wine glass.
What does a Kir taste like?
A Kir offers a delightful balance of the crispness from the white wine and the sweet, berry-rich flavor of the Crème de Cassis.
What's the typical ratio of wine to Crème de Cassis in a Kir?
The classic ratio for a Kir is about 6 parts white wine to 1 part Crème de Cassis.
How is a Kir served in terms of ice or temperature?
A Kir is usually served chilled, without ice. It's often referred to as being served "up".

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