Episode 125: Kir Royale

Mar 16

Ep. 125: The Mayor’s Toast – Kir Royale

Welcome to Season 7 episode 124 of The Art of Drinking with Join Jules and Your Favorite Uncle

In this episode of The Art of Drinking, Uncle Brad and Jules raise a glass to one of France’s most elegant aperitifs: the Kir Royal cocktail. This timeless champagne cocktail blends crème de cassis and sparkling wine to create a simple yet luxurious drink that has long been associated with French celebrations, café culture, and effortless entertaining.

Uncle Brad walks listeners through the classic Kir Royal recipe, explaining how just a small splash of blackcurrant liqueur transforms a glass of champagne into a beautifully balanced aperitif. He also dives into the fascinating history of the Kir Royal, including the surprising political origins of the drink and how it became a symbol of Burgundy’s wine culture.

Jules brings a modern twist to the conversation with Tia Barrett’s creative riff on the Kir Royal, combining blueberry pomegranate juice, vodka, vanilla, and St-Germain elderflower liqueur for a vibrant take on the French classic.

To wrap things up, Jules shares practical champagne buying tips, helping listeners navigate sparkling wine labels, styles, and price points—whether you’re splurging on vintage bottles or looking for a great value at your local wine shop.

Whether you're hosting a celebration, exploring classic French cocktails, or simply looking for the perfect champagne cocktail recipe, this episode uncorks everything you need to know about the Kir Royal.

In this episode:

How to make a classic Kir Royal cocktail
The history and political origins of the Kir Royal
A modern riff inspired by Tia Barrett
Tips for choosing the best champagne or sparkling wine
How to elevate any occasion with a simple French aperitif

Perfect for fans of French cocktails, champagne drinks, classic aperitifs, and sparkling wine education.

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The History of the Kir Royal Cocktail

The Kir Royal is a sparkling variation of the classic Kir, a cocktail made with crème de cassis (blackcurrant liqueur) and white Burgundy wine. The drink is named after Félix Kir, the longtime mayor of Dijon following World War II.

After the war, Burgundy’s prized red wines were heavily depleted, and local white wine—particularly Bourgogne Aligoté—was widely available but less celebrated. Mayor Kir began serving a mixture of local white wine and crème de cassis at official events as a way to promote regional products and support Burgundy’s struggling wine industry.

The drink quickly gained popularity across France and eventually evolved into the Kir Royal, where the white wine is replaced with champagne for a more luxurious version. Today, the Kir Royal is considered one of the most iconic French champagne cocktails, served as a refined aperitif in restaurants, cafés, and celebrations around the world.

This weeks tip section will be dedicated to answering YOUR questions