Kir Impérial recipe
A raspberry-laced Champagne apéritif with the light, celebratory lift of a Kir Royale.
Method: Build ·
Glass: Champagne flute ·
Time: 2 min ·
Difficulty: Beginner ·
Family: The Highball Family
Ingredients
- 0.5 oz Raspberry Liqueur (Chambord or another quality raspberry liqueur)
- 4 oz Champagne (well chilled)
How to make a Kir Impérial
- Chill a Champagne flute until it is thoroughly cold.
- Pour the raspberry liqueur into the bottom of the flute.
- Top slowly with well-chilled Champagne to preserve the bubbles.
- Add one fresh raspberry if using, and serve immediately.
Garnish
One fresh raspberry, optional.
Pro tip
Use a dry Champagne or sparkling wine. The raspberry liqueur supplies the fruit and sweetness, so an off-dry wine can make the drink feel heavy.
History of the Kir Impérial
Kir Impérial is the raspberry-laced sparkling variation of the French Kir family. It follows the Kir Royale format but replaces crème de cassis with raspberry liqueur, giving the drink a brighter red-berry character.
Flavour profile
Raspberry, Bubbly, Elegant, Light
Variations
- Kir — Dry white wine and crème de cassis in the original Bourgogne apéritif
- Kir Royale — Champagne or dry sparkling wine replaces the white wine
- Kir Impérial — Raspberry liqueur replaces crème de cassis beneath Champagne
- Kir Breton — Dry Breton apple cider replaces the wine
Practise making the Kir Impérial in the free Virtual Bar game.