Brightest Young Things

The Kir is one of my all-time favorite go-to drinks. When I'm not sure what I want at an establishment or am just relaxing at home after a long day, I reach for a Kir or Kir Royale if I happen to have some sparkling wine open.

Kir is named after a mayor in Dijon and the drink itself is simple: white wine and creme de cassis. That's it. A Kir Royale is the same, except with sparkling wine instead of still. There. Done. You can use almost any white wine, though a dry French white is preferred. I've used Pinot Grigio, not-too-oaky Chardonnay, and even some Barefoot Sauvignon Blanc (because otherwise it just wasn't worth drinking). There is an official recipe but I just eyeball it, and by that I mean: I pour some creme de cassis in a glass and add however much wine I want.

Kir

• 1/4 oz creme de cassis
• 4 oz white wine (or sparkling wine for Kir Royale)

Add creme de cassis to the bottom of glass, top up with wine. The taste is sweet and crisp, depending on what wine you choose. Some other Kirs found on Wikipedia:

• Kir Royal - made with Champagne
• Kir Pétillant - made with sparkling wine
• Communard/Cardinal - made with red wine instead of white
• Kir Imperial - made with raspberry liqueur instead of cassis, and Champagne
• Kir Normand - made with Normandy cider instead of wine.
• Kir Breton - made with Breton cider instead of wine.
• Cidre Royal - made with cider instead of wine, with a measure of calvados added.
• Hibiscus Royal - made with sparkling wine, peach liqueur, raspberry liqueur, and an edible hibiscus flower. Also noted with sparkling wine and pear schnaps.
• Kir Peche - made with peach liqueur.
• Pamplemousse - made with red grapefruit liqueur and sparkling white wine, which gives a slightly tart alternative.