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Kir, A History and Recipe
Kir, A History and Recipe

Flavors of Burgundy

All about blackcurrant > KIR and other drinks with Blackcurrant liquor

History
Canon Kir was the Rabelaisian mayor of Dijon from 1945 to 1968 and loved to drink his white wine mixed with a blackcurrant liqueur to sweeten the often acidic local whites. He was so fond of it that it became the official aperitif at town hall receptions and he authorised a blackcurrant liqueur producer, Lejay Lagoute, to use his name when promoting their Creme* de Cassis de Dijon. The best white wine to use in a kir is Cote* de Beaune or serve with champagne to make kir royal.

Recipe

Barman's tips
Officially, one is supposed to make Kir using one third cassis and two thirds wine, but many people find this too sweet so start out using one fifth cassis. You can always add more if your guests prefer…

Blanc-cassis

  • 1/5 Crème de Cassis / Blackcurrant liquor
  • 4/5 dry white wine (ex. Bourgogne Aligoté)

Kir Royal

  • 1/5 Crème de Cassis / Blackcurrant liquor
  • 4/5 Blanc de Blancs or pther sparkling white wine

Cardinal

  • 1/5 Crème de Cassis / Blackcurrant liquor
  • 4/5 red wine

Vermouth-cassis

  • 1/5 Crème de Cassis / Blackcurrant liquor
  • 4/5 white vermouth
  • sparkling water to taste
 
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