Black Currant and Cassis Cocktail (Printable)

A vibrant French aperitif blending blackcurrant liqueur with chilled white wine for a sweet-tart flavor perfect for gatherings.

# What You Need:

→ Alcohol

01 - 3.4 fl oz crème de cassis (blackcurrant liqueur)
02 - 10.1 fl oz chilled dry white wine such as Sauvignon Blanc or Aligoté

→ Garnish

03 - Fresh blackcurrants or lemon twists
04 - Ice cubes as needed

# How-To:

01 - Place two wine glasses in the refrigerator for 10 minutes before preparing the cocktail to ensure optimal serving temperature.
02 - Pour 1.7 fl oz of crème de cassis into each chilled glass.
03 - Top each glass with 5.1 fl oz of chilled dry white wine.
04 - Stir gently to combine the liqueur and wine without disrupting the wine's effervescence.
05 - Include a few ice cubes to each glass for additional chilling if preferred.
06 - Top each cocktail with fresh blackcurrants or a lemon twist and serve immediately.

# Expert Advice:

01 -
  • It tastes like you spent an hour perfecting it when you spent five minutes chilling glasses.
  • That sweet-tart balance keeps you reaching for another sip instead of just one polite glass.
  • The color alone makes any gathering feel a bit more intentional and French, even in your kitchen.
02 -
  • Don't skip the chilling step—warm glasses absolutely ruin this, and you'll wonder why it tastes flat instead of bright.
  • The ratio of cassis to wine can shift your whole experience; go heavier on cassis if you like it sweet, lighter if you prefer it wine-forward and dry.
03 -
  • Make a double batch of chilled glasses if friends are coming—you'll want options and no one likes a rushed moment when the actual gathering starts.
  • The sparkling wine version (Kir Royale) is just as easy and feels like a completely different occasion, so keep both approaches in your back pocket.
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