Kir Royale

One of the first things I did after I landed in Paris as a college exchange student was enjoy a Kir Royale with friends at a sidewalk café in the bustling Latin Quarter. I was tipsy by lunchtime, and instantly head-over-heels in love with Paris.

A Kir Royale is a swanky aperitif made from Champagne and crème de cassis, a viscous black currant liqueur. (When the drink is made with still wine instead of Champagne, it’s simply called a Kir.) For a bit of fun, I like to top the d