Kir Royale Recipe

by | Jan 7, 2026 | Classic Cocktails, Cocktail Recipes, Popular Cocktails, Signature Drinks

two kir royale champagne flutes garnished with berries on granite with champagne in back

The Kir Royale is a classic French champagne cocktail made with just two ingredients: crème de cassis and Champagne. Elegant, lightly sweet, and beautifully pink, it is traditionally served as an aperitif before dinner or for special occasions.

If you are looking for how to make a Kir Royale the proper way, this recipe follows traditional French ratios with tips to keep the drink balanced, crisp, and never overly sweet.

Jump straight to ingredients, instructions, tips, or FAQs.

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  • Prep time: 2 minutes
  • Cook time: 0 minutes
  • Total time: 2 minutes
  • Yield: 1 cocktail
  • Glassware: Champagne flute
  • Flavor profile: Lightly sweet, crisp, berry-forward
Things to know: A Kir Royale differs from a Kir by using Champagne instead of still white wine. The Champagne is what makes it more celebratory and more expensive.

Ingredients for a Kir Royale

  • 1/2 oz crème de cassis (blackcurrant liqueur)
  • 4 to 5 oz chilled Champagne or dry sparkling wine
  • Fresh raspberry or lemon twist (optional garnish)

How to Make a Kir Royale

  1. Chill the glass. Place a Champagne flute in the refrigerator or freezer until cold.
  2. Add the cassis. Pour the crème de cassis into the bottom of the chilled glass.
  3. Top with Champagne. Slowly top with Champagne or sparkling wine to preserve bubbles.
  4. Gently combine. Stir once very gently if needed. Garnish and serve immediately.

Bartender Tips for the Best Kir Royale

  • Use dry Champagne. Brut keeps the drink from becoming too sweet.
  • Do not overpour cassis. A little goes a long way.
  • Chill everything. Warm Champagne kills the balance.
  • Add bubbles last. Never shake or aggressively stir.

Kir Royale Variations

  • Kir: Replace Champagne with dry white wine such as Aligoté.
  • Kir Royale with Prosecco: Use prosecco for a lighter, more affordable option.
  • Berry Kir Royale: Substitute crème de framboise or Chambord for cassis.

Kir Royale FAQs

What does a Kir Royale taste like?

A Kir Royale tastes crisp and bubbly with a lightly sweet, tart berry flavor from crème de cassis. The Champagne keeps it refreshing and not overly sugary.

What is the difference between a Kir and a Kir Royale?

A Kir uses still white wine, while a Kir Royale uses Champagne. The Royale version is more celebratory and more refined.

When should you serve a Kir Royale?

Kir Royales are traditionally served as an aperitif before dinner or at celebrations such as holidays, weddings, and Valentine’s Day.

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