What type of wine is typically used in a Kir Royale?

A Kir Royale is typically made with Champagne. It is the sparkling-wine version of the French Kir cocktail, combining Champagne with crème de cassis, a sweet blackcurrant liqueur.

The original Kir uses still white wine and crème de cassis. The “Royale” distinction signals the substitution of Champagne, which gives the drink its bubbles and makes it a more celebratory aperitif. The liqueur is usually poured into the glass first, then topped with chilled Champagne.

A common mix-up is confusing a Kir Royale with a Kir or assuming that any red or rosé wine is used because crème de cassis gives the drink a pink or ruby tint. Strictly speaking, modern recipes may use other sparkling wines, but Champagne is the canonical answer and the name traditionally refers to that French sparkling wine.