"Creme de Cassis" is a blackcurrant liqueur that is used in the most appreciated cocktail in France: Kir or Kir royal. You can ask for a different flavored Kir such as peach or raspberry kir, but if you ask for a kir without specifications, you will then get a kir with blackcurrant liqueur.

Blackcurrants are sour and aromatic berries that can be used in the preparation of sorbet, jams, syrups and liqueur. In various forms, it was recommended as an antidote for a lot of ailments. It is rich in vitamin C ( seven times that found in oranges), citric acid (which gives it sourness), potassium, and calcium.

In France, they are especially grown in Burgundy. Had it not been for Canon Fix Kir, it would probably have desapeared.

History or when a mayor gives it name to a drink

Blackcurrants must be processed within 24 hours of harvesting. Due to its high concentration of vitamin C, the fruits oxidize very quickly. In order to keep their properties, the berries are submitted to what is called "flash- freezing". They are taken to a low temperature of -22oF (-30oC). They are then taken to a temperature of 23oF (-5oC) and sprayed with alcohol. The berries are then macerated in water and alcohol mixture for five weeks. Sugar is added to balance the natural acidity of the fruit.

Once opened, a bottle should be used within three months and kept in the fridge.

Recipe of the Kir (pronounced kear) and Kir Royal

Kir:

In a white wine glass add:
2/10 Creme de Cassis
8/10 Chilled "Bourgogne Aligot wine (dry, acidic, white wine).

Kir royal:

In a champagne flute add:
2/10 Creme de Cassis
8/10 Champagne

Variations of the Kir

Kir Imperial:

In a champagne flute:
2/10 Creme de framboise (Raspberry liqueur)
8/10 Champagne

Kir Communard:

In a white wine glass add:
2/10 Creme de Cassis
8/10 Red wine.

In the Beaujolais region,that drink is called "rince cochon". The verb "rincer" (rinse) is a French slang verb for drinking abundantly, and "cochon" is a pig. Who says French does not have the sense of humour.