Black Currant Cassis Cocktail

The first time I encountered this drink was at a tiny bistro in Dijone, where the waiter simply called it "un petit Kir" and winked. That deep purple hue pooling at the bottom of my glass promised something sweet yet sophisticated, a perfect balance I have been chasing ever since. Now whenever summer evenings stretch long and friends gather on our patio, this cocktail becomes the instant icebreaker nobody knew they needed.

Last July my neighbor Sarah stopped by unexpectedly just as I was mixing these for a book club. She ended up staying three hours, three glasses deep, declaring she had finally found her signature drink despite years of ordering complicated cocktails at fancy bars. Sometimes the simplest things are the ones that pull people closest to your table.

Ingredients

• Crème de cassis: This blackcurrant liqueur is the heart of the drink, so invest in a decent bottle from Dijone if you can find it
• Dry white wine: Something crisp like Sauvignon Blanc or Aligoté cuts through the sweet liqueur beautifully
• Fresh blackcurrants or lemon twists: These little touches make each glass feel special and signal care

Instructions

Chill your glasses:

Pop wine glasses in the fridge for 10 minutes while you gather everything else

Measure the cassis:

Pour exactly 50 ml into each chilled glass, watching that gorgeous dark syrup collect at the bottom

Add the wine:

Gently top each glass with 150 ml of cold white wine, pouring slowly down the side

Stir with grace:

Give each glass one gentle stir with a bar spoon, just enough to marry the flavors

Finish it off:

Add ice if you like, then garnish with fresh blackcurrants or a twist of lemon before serving immediately

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My dad always said the best cocktails are the ones you can remember making the next morning. This became our traditional toast at Sunday family brunches, purple stained glasses clinking across the table as we slow down together before another busy week begins.

Choosing Your Wine

The wine you choose changes everything. Too oaky and the cassis gets lost, too sweet and you miss that bright contrast. A crisp French white brings out the best in both elements.

When to Serve

This drink shines brightest as an aperitif, awakening appetites before dinner. It is equally perfect alongside light appetizers like goat cheese crostini or a bowl of marinated olives.

Make It Your Own

Once you have mastered the classic ratio, start experimenting. Swap the still wine for Champagne and you have a Kir Royale, fit for the most elegant celebrations. Try these variations:

• Add a splash of sparkling water for a lighter afternoon version
• Muddle fresh blackberries at the bottom for extra fruitiness
• Experiment with different white wines to find your perfect match

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Raise your glass to simplicity done right. Cheers to many more purple hued evenings with the people who matter most.

Recipe FAQs

→ What type of wine works best?

Dry white wines like Sauvignon Blanc or Aligoté are traditional choices that provide the right balance of acidity and fruitiness to complement the sweet cassis liqueur.

→ Can I make this sparkling?

Absolutely! Substitute the still white wine with Champagne or dry sparkling wine to create a Kir Royale variation perfect for special occasions and celebrations.

→ How do I adjust the sweetness?

Control the sweetness by varying the ratio of cassis to wine. Start with less cassis for a drier drink, or increase the amount for a sweeter, more fruit-forward experience.

→ What appetizers pair well?

Light appetizers like goat cheese crostini, olives, mild cheeses, and fresh fruit complement the sweet-tart profile without overpowering the delicate flavors.

→ Should I serve this over ice?

Ice is optional and depends on personal preference. Adding ice keeps the drink colder longer but may dilute flavors slightly. Chilled glasses help maintain temperature without dilution.