Learn how to make a beautiful Kir Impérial … this delicious Chambord and Champagne Cocktail is a fun, festive drink thats ready to enjoy in minutes!
There is just something about sipping a fancy cocktail thats feels so special and fun , especially when its also easy to make!
Which is why I love the Kir Impérial … I mean, the name alone sounds fancy, right? However, you only need two ingredients and five minutes (or less) to make this gorgeous French drink: Chambord and Champagne!
This pretty golden-pink Champagne Cocktail is the ideal treat yourself kind of drink. Its perfect for unwinding after a long week, getting together with friends, or celebrating a momentous occasion, like wedding and baby showers, birthdays, Mothers Day, or Valentines Day.
Although Chamboard and Cassis are two different liqueurs, the two can be interchanged in most recipes. Créme de Cassis is made with black currants and is a bit sweeter and more syrupy than Chambord. Chambord is made with blackberries, raspberries, and black currants and is a bit more complex and refined.
Is Crème de Cassis the same as Chambord?
Crème de cassis and Chambord are not the same thing. Chambord is a black raspberry liqueur, while crème de cassis is made from blackcurrant. Although they taste different, you can use these liqueurs somewhat interchangeably. Technically speaking though, you would have Kir Royale if you make this recipe with crème de cassis.Get your cocktail ingredients
What is a Kir Cocktail?
This bubbly drink is a Kir, a popular French cocktail thats typically served as an apéritif. Its perfect for serving with light appetizers or a snack before a meal.
A classic Kir is made with crème de cassis (blackcurrant liqueur) and white wine (traditionally, Bourgogne Aligoté). However, there are many variations on this standard drink … here are a few :
- Kir Royale – crème de cassis + champagne
- Kir Pétillant – crème de cassis + sparkling wine
- Kir Normand (or Breton) – crème de cassis + Normandy (or Breton) cider
- Cidre Royal – crème de cassis + cider + calvados
- Kir Pêche – peach liqueur + white wine
- Kir Berrichon – crème de mûre (blackberry liqueur) + red wine
- Kir Beer – crème de cassis + beer
For this recipe, you will be pairing champagne with Chambord (raspberry liqueur) to make a Kir Impérial. You may also see this drink referred as a Chambord Royale or even a French Mimosa. Whatever you call it though, youre going to LOVE this gorgeous pink Champagne Cocktail!
The ingredients for this drink are simple and delicious … heres what youll need:
- Chambord Liqueur
- Champagne
- Fresh Raspberries
To avoid a cloying drink, make sure to choose a dry champagne for this drink. For best results, select one that is labeled Brut or Extra Brut. You may also use sparkling wine or Prosecco for this drink, which is what I had on hand and used here.
You will also need a jigger to measure the liqueur, as well as a champagne glass to serve the drink. I recently purchased these basic champagne glasses after breaking the last of my fancy ones. Theyre perfect for occasions where you dont want to risk using anything too precious. A coupe glass would also work.
Chambord is a black raspberry liqueur thats made in the Loire Valley south of Paris from raspberries, blackberries, Madagascar vanilla, Moroccan citrus peel, honey, and cognac.
3 x Delicious CHAMBORD Cocktails to Try!
FAQ
Can you substitute Chambord for creme de cassis?
Is creme de cassis a raspberry liqueur?
What is the difference between crème de framboise and Chambord?
What is the difference between Chambord and crème de cassis?
The infusion process for both liqueurs involves sugar and alcohol, but Chambord stands out with its additional layers of flavor. This complexity makes Chambord distinct, while crème de cassis maintains a simpler, more direct berry essence. Despite these differences, the two liqueurs can be used in similar ways.
Is Chambord Liqueur the same as Crème de Mure?
Crème de mure is a french devised blackberry liqueur very much like Crème de Cassis (but using blackberry as the fruit instead of blackcurrant) – Chambord has a slightly more complex taste due to the variety of ingredients that are introduced during the infusion & blending processes.
What is crème de Cassis liqueur?
If you’ve never heard of crème de cassis, you’re not alone. Made from macerated blackcurrant berries, the intensely tart liqueur has enjoyed moderate fame over the past few years, with more and more distilleries taking a chance on the fruity liqueur, and more and more bartenders incorporating it into cocktails both modern and classic.
What is the difference between Chambord and crème?
What is it?: Another sweet, berry-based liqueur, though this one is often more complex than Chambord. An important note: does not contain dairy! That crème just means it has a soft, syrupy consistency.