Classic Kir Breton: A Taste of Brittany in a Glass

Ingredients

  • 1 ounce of Crème de Cassis
  • 4 ounces of dry French cider
  • Apple slice (for garnish)

Steps and instructions

  1. Pour the Crème de Cassis into a champagne flute or a similar glass.
  2. Top the Crème de Cassis with the dry French cider. Do this slowly to prevent the cider from overflowing.
  3. Garnish the drink with an apple slice.
  4. Serve immediately and enjoy.

Tools for making

  • Champagne flute - A type of glassware traditionally used for serving champagne and sparkling wines.
  • Apple slicer - A kitchen tool used to quickly and evenly slice apples into thin, round pieces.

Recipe variations

  • Use blackcurrant liqueur instead of Crème de Cassis for a different flavor profile.
  • Experiment with different types of cider, such as sweet or semi-dry, to customize the taste.
  • Add a squeeze of fresh lemon juice to brighten the flavors.
  • Garnish with a sprig of fresh mint or a twist of lemon peel instead of an apple slice.
  • For a sparkling version, substitute the dry French cider with champagne or sparkling wine.
  • Consider adding a splash of elderflower liqueur for a floral twist.

Recipe overview

Take a quick and delightful trip to the French countryside with this simple yet enticing cocktail recipe, the Kir Breton. This cocktail is a popular aperitif in Brittany, France and it's known for its smooth, refreshing taste that tantalizes the taste buds. It's an easy-to-make drink, requiring only two key ingredients, Crème de Cassis and dry French cider. The end result is a sweet and slightly tangy cocktail, perfect for any occasion. It's topped off with an apple garnish, adding a touch of elegance and a hint of crisp freshness. This recipe is perfect for those who love the simplicity of a well-made drink and the elegance of French cuisine. Enjoy this light and refreshing cocktail at your next gathering or simply indulge in a quiet evening. Get ready to enjoy a taste of Brittany right in your home!

Common questions

  1. Can I use a different type of fruit liqueur instead of Crème de Cassis? Yes, you can experiment with different fruit liqueurs such as raspberry liqueur or blackberry liqueur for a variation of flavors.
  2. What type of French cider should I use? For this recipe, it is recommended to use a dry French cider. However, you can use a semi-dry cider if you prefer a slightly sweeter taste.
  3. Can I use a different type of garnish? While the traditional garnish for Kir Breton is an apple slice, you can get creative and use other fruits like berries or citrus slices as well.
  4. Can I make a non-alcoholic version of this drink? Certainly! You can substitute the Crème de Cassis with a non-alcoholic blackcurrant syrup or concentrate, and use non-alcoholic sparkling cider instead of French cider.
  5. Can I make this drink ahead of time? It is best to prepare Kir Breton just before serving to maintain the freshness and carbonation of the cider. However, you can chill the ingredients in advance and assemble the drink quickly when ready to serve.

Serving dishes and utensils

  • Champagne flute - A tall and narrow glass that is traditionally used for serving sparkling beverages. It helps preserve the carbonation and showcases the drink's visual appeal.
  • Apple slicer - A handy tool that quickly slices apples into perfect, uniform slices. It is useful for garnishing the Kir Breton with an apple slice.

Origin stories

Nestled in the picturesque region of Brittany in northwestern France, the Kir Breton cocktail is a regional twist on the classic French cocktail, Kir. Named after Canon Félix Kir, a hero of the French Resistance during the Second World War and the mayor of Dijon in Burgundy, the original Kir cocktail was a mixture of Burgundy's renowned white wine, Aligoté, and a splash of Crème de Cassis, a sweet, dark red liqueur made from blackcurrants. As the popularity of the Kir cocktail grew, regions throughout France began to create their own versions. In Brittany, a region famed for its apples and apple-based products, the locals replaced the Aligoté wine with their dry, sparkling apple cider to create the Kir Breton. The result is a refreshing, slightly sweet and fruity cocktail that's as much a part of Brittany as its rugged coastlines, medieval towns, and iconic lighthouses.

Disclaimer: This recipe was not created by humans and we cannot ensure that it will turn out as expected. We do not guarantee or take any liability for the accuracy of this recipe (including steps, ingredients, nutritional information, and all sections on this page). You should check to make sure you are not allergic to any ingredients and take safety precautions while making this. The images on this page are generated by AI and may not accurately represent the result of making this recipe.