Connoisseurs of French sophistication and sophisticated taste in drinks should definitely try Cyrus Royal, a cocktail that incorporates all the grace of the country of fashion and wine, for any occasion. Not very strong and with excellent taste, it will appeal to both ladies and men who are not inclined to get drunk (in any case, too quickly). This cocktail will be great at light, not very formal celebrations - weddings or New Years. For anniversaries, especially those “for whom ...” he has too light and not solemn “character”.
Heroic prototype story
“Kir Royal” - a cocktail that has become a kind of heir to the famous drink throughout France. The original owes its appearance to Felix Kira, who was ordained to the rank of in 1901 and served as a priest in the parish until the time when Nazi Germany occupied his homeland. Cyrus did not stand aside, like many of his fellow clerics. He became an active participant in the French Resistance and helped a lot in organizing the escape of 5 thousand people imprisoned in the Longvik concentration camp. The Gestapo figured it out, caught it, and the padre was to be executed. He escaped death only through his dignity.
After the war, the brave priest became a knight of the Legion of Honor - the highest award of France. And at the same time he received the post of mayor of his native city, Dijon. His economy was in complete decline, and there was no money to restore it. In addition, the plantations of red currant, which the province was famous for, were destroyed, and the white wine produced here was considered completely ordinary. To fill the city treasury, the mayor came up with a cocktail of wine and blackcurrant, which, having gained popularity, got his name as a name.
The appearance of the “Royal” version
When the post-war disasters were largely overcome, the economy was restored, and the store shelves were full, quietly and gradually began to gain popularity “Kir Royal” - a cocktail in which ordinary wine was replaced with sparkling wine. They say that the first step in this direction was made by winemakers from Italy, who promoted sparkling wines made with a quick hand to the masses.
In France, to this day, restaurants accept orders for both the Kir option and the Kir Royal option. You will be served a cocktail in any case, only the waiter will specify which version you are interested in. Moreover, the refinement may relate to both components of the drink.
“Kir Royal”, cocktail: recipe and preparation
One of the advantages of the famous drink is the simplicity of the composition, combining its components into a single whole and serving. No special bartender receptions or special equipment. Blackcurrant liqueur - preferably French Creme de Cassis - and champagne from dry varieties merge into a glass. Everything is neatly mixed and served - without straws and any decorations. Unless you can attach a fresh berry to the edge.
The only thing that puzzles the Cyrus Royale cocktail is the composition. In the primary recipe, wine and liquor were combined in a 9: 1 ratio. However, now you can serve a cocktail in the proportions of 4: 1 or even 3: 1. However, this is not considered a crime against taste. The volume fraction of liquor makes the cocktail sweeter, so such variations are usually preferred by ladies and sweet tooth.
Some nuances
Despite the simplicity of preparation and the small number of components, some subtleties are worth considering if you want to enjoy a cocktail from the heart.
Firstly, there is no ice in the glass, and cannot be introduced categorically. A white wine tastes better chilled. So before preparing the drink, you need to cool both the bottle and the glass. In the latter, for this purpose, you can throw ice cubes, only before using it you must carefully wipe it.
Secondly, the order of association. In principle, what to pour first does not seem fundamental. However, liquor is thicker than wine, and if it is placed in the glass first, you will have to make more efforts to stir it. Champagne will lose a significant part of its bubbling.
Thirdly, with self-cooking, do not be upset if Creme de Cassis or its analogue is not at hand. Although the French, without losing the name of the cocktail, blackcurrant liquor is changed only to peach or blackberry, it is quite acceptable to take any berry. Especially approved is the “Kir Royal” (cocktail) with raspberries, cherries or strawberries.