Kir Royale (that isn’t)

I went into a local restaurant recently and asked for one of my favourite drinks — a Kir Royale. It’s a classic cocktail and one I have ordered many, many times over the years. On this particular occasion, however, the waiter was unfamiliar with it. Not too surprising — he was pretty young. I explained that it was simply champagne and creme de cassis, suggesting that surely the bartender would know how to make it. Except that she didn’t either and not only that — creme de cassis wasn’t even in the building  The outcome of this story is that I asked for Chambord as a substitute only to discover that I liked it as much as, if not more than, the original.

So, I give to you the Kir Royale that isn’t. It’s simple, delicious and perfect for Valentine’s Day or any light celebration. Just add a splash of the liqueur to a champagne glass and top with bubbly, popping in a raspberry for dramatic effect.

And should you be in need of something pink and bubbly to watch while you drink, put on The Grand Budapest Hotel. A pretty pink hotel, pretty, pink pastry boxes and lots of fizzy and sparkling characters and banter.