Kir — Photo courtesy of Pierre Guinoiseau
Enchante mon kir! Have a sip and savor the sweetness of creme de cassis (black currant liqueur), mingled with white wine. Both kir ingredients are local to Dijon, and the kir was first served by Cannon Felix Kir, illustrious Mayor of Dijon in Burgundy, as a pre-dinner cocktail at receptions honoring foreign dignitaries.
Mayor Kir actually spurred an economic growth in his region while simultaneously entertaining international guests with class and a creative cocktail. Could you go so far as to say Mayor Kir may have been an Original Mixologist? Mais oui!
The kir's apple and lemon fruity aromas make it a perfect aperitif for special occasions like weddings and birthdays. Kir-based cocktails are also aplenty nowadays, and can appear in interesting variations: mixed with various fruity liqueurs such as raspberry and peach, sparkling wines, and ciders.
Surprise your friends with a round of kirs, and you'll all be virtually transported (in berets, of course) to a quaint French countryside cafe.
RECIPE for a truly French Kir
8 parts wine to 2 parts liqueur
Bourgogne Aligoté, a light white wine from Burgundy, is preferred but any light white wine, such as a pinot grigio, may also do the trick.
Aligote is Burgundy's special white grape, but winemakers are allowed to use 15% chardonnay grapes.
