Kir Royal

Kir Royal – the ultimate elegant co*cktail – evokes thoughts of Paris and grand festivities (at least to me!). And why shouldn’t it? After all, the main ingredient in this sublime co*cktail is Champagne and most of us don’t sip Champagne every day. We save it for special occasions. And that’s a good thing; it gives us a chance to really savor this supreme beverage without taking it for granted.

To make this famed co*cktail even more tantalizing, I use Chambord liqueur instead of the traditional Crème de Cassis. The raspberry liqueur has a delicate and sophisticated flavor that’s irresistible with a good sparkler. For a bit of fun, I top the drinks with frozen raspberries. The berries end up floating at the top of the drink, turning into cheerful raspberry ice cubes!

Next time you’re thinking of pouring a festive drink for friends, give this Kir Royal a try. It’s easy to mix, gorgeous to look at and quite delicious to the taste buds.

Cheers!

serves 6
active time: 15 min

1/2 cup fresh raspberries
6 lemon twists
3 oz (90 ml) Chambord or raspberry liqueur
1 bottle Champagne or sparkling wine – very well chilled

Step 1: Rinse the raspberries and drain on paper towels. Once dry, place in a single layer on a tray lined with wax paper and freeze for at least 30 minutes before serving.
Step 2: Place a lemon twist in each Champagne flute. Pour a 1/2 ounce (15ml) of liqueur in each flute. Top with the Champagne or sparkling wine. Garnish with 2 or 3 frozen berries and a twist of lemon. Serve immediately.

co*cktail, kir royal, champagne

15 Comments

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cakewhiz
December 17, 2012 at 9:56 pm ·Reply

elegant is truly the right word! the color is beautiful and the garnish with that swirly lemon peel is a great final touch 🙂
- Viviane
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  December 18, 2012 at 9:15 am ·Reply
  
  Thank you Cakewhiz… Raising a glass of bubbly to you and yours for the holidays!
Cucina49
November 26, 2012 at 6:07 pm ·Reply

I remember the first time I had a Kir Royal in Paris a couple of years ago. Your’re right, it is so elegant! Lovely photo and a perfect post for this time of year.
- Viviane
  November 27, 2012 at 10:51 am ·Reply
  
  Thank you so much Cucina 49… Wishing you and yours “bubbly” holidays!
Vespa Woolf
November 23, 2012 at 8:54 am ·Reply

What could be more elegant than a pink champagne co*cktail? Even Deborah Kerr from “An Affair to Remember” can attest to that! Thank you. I look forward to trying it. Your photographs are gorgeous.
- Viviane
  November 27, 2012 at 10:48 am ·Reply
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  Thank you so much Vespa… Raising a “pink” glass to you!
Jean
November 21, 2012 at 3:00 pm ·Reply

Dear Vivane I wish you a very HAPPY THANKSGIVING.
I just made some pate for the American Embassy here in Malta. lol
My friend works there.. She needed to take an offering.. and cannot cook. lol!
I loved those lemon twists..How do you cut those please? They look so nice!
Lots of warm wishes to you. x
Jean ( sashina)
- Viviane
  November 27, 2012 at 10:45 am ·Reply
  
  Jean! Thank you for your sweet note and for always bringing a ray of sunshine through your words and warm spirit. Your friend is lucky to have you! As for the lemon twists, peel the lemon with a vegetable hand-peeler. Then cut the peel in 1/4″ strips. Cut both ends on the diagonal and then twist them with your fingers and hold them for a few seconds. They’ll retain the lovely shape. raising a glass to you my dear… And many thanks for your lovely wishes!
Angie@Angie's Recipes
November 21, 2012 at 2:30 pm ·Reply

I too would love one!
Wish you a happy and peaceful Thanksgiving!
- Viviane
  November 27, 2012 at 10:52 am ·Reply
  
  Angie… thank you! I hope your Thanksgiving was a wonderful one, and I know for sure it was delicious!
Evelyne@cheapethniceatz
November 19, 2012 at 4:45 pm ·Reply

It’s almost five…I need one after work :- A beautiful classic and the Chambord is a great twist.
- Viviane
  November 19, 2012 at 5:14 pm ·Reply
  
  Thank you Evelyn… Raising a glass to you!