Kir Peche: A Refreshing French Cocktail Recipe

Ingredients

  • 1 ounce of Peach Liqueur
  • 1 ounce of Kirshwasser
  • 1/2 ounce of Lemon Juice
  • 1/2 ounce of Simple Syrup
  • 4 ounces of Champagne
  • 1 slice of Peach (for garnish)

Steps and instructions

  1. Fill a cocktail shaker with ice.
  2. Add the peach liqueur, kirshwasser, lemon juice, and simple syrup to the shaker.
  3. Shake well until the ingredients are well mixed.
  4. Strain the cocktail into a champagne flute.
  5. Top up the flute with champagne.
  6. Garnish with a fresh slice of peach.
  7. Serve immediately and enjoy.

Tools for making

  • Cocktail Shaker - Used to mix and shake the cocktail ingredients.
  • Champagne Flute - Tall, narrow glassware used to serve the Kir Peche cocktail.
  • Ice - Required to chill the cocktail and dilute it slightly during shaking.
  • Slice of Peach - Used as a garnish for the Kir Peche cocktail.

Recipe variations

  • Use different flavored liqueurs such as raspberry or strawberry instead of peach liqueur.
  • Experiment with different types of sparkling wine or champagne for a unique twist.
  • Add a splash of grenadine for a sweeter flavor.
  • Replace the lemon juice with lime juice for a citrusy variation.
  • Add a sprig of fresh mint for a refreshing herbal note.
  • Try substituting agave syrup or honey for the simple syrup for a different level of sweetness.
  • Garnish with a different fruit slice such as a strawberry or apricot.

Recipe overview

The Kir Peche is a delightful cocktail that combines the flavors of peach, cherry, and champagne into a drink that's perfect for celebrations or just sipping on a sunny afternoon. This recipe comes together quickly and easily, with just a few ingredients. First, peach liqueur and kirshwasser (a cherry brandy) are combined with lemon juice and simple syrup. This mixture is then topped off with bubbly champagne for a festive sparkle. A slice of fresh peach makes the perfect garnish. This cocktail's balance of sweetness and acidity, along with its effervescence, makes it a refreshing and delicious choice for any occasion.

Common questions

  1. Can I use a different type of peach liqueur? Yes, you can use a different type of peach liqueur if you prefer. Just make sure it has a good peach flavor.
  2. What is kirshwasser? Kirshwasser is a clear cherry brandy. If you can't find it, you can substitute with cherry liqueur or cherry brandy.
  3. Can I use bottled lemon juice instead of fresh lemon juice? While fresh lemon juice is recommended for the best flavor, you can use bottled lemon juice as a substitute if needed.
  4. Can I make the simple syrup ahead of time? Yes, you can make the simple syrup ahead of time and store it in the refrigerator. It will keep for about a month.
  5. What type of champagne should I use? You can use any type of champagne or sparkling wine that you prefer. Extra-dry or brut champagne works well for this recipe.
  6. Can I use a different garnish instead of a peach slice? Absolutely! While a peach slice is traditional, you can get creative and garnish the drink with a cherry, mint sprig, or lemon twist.

Serving dishes and utensils

  • Cocktail Shaker - Used to mix the ingredients together with ice.
  • Champagne Flute - The ideal glassware for serving Kir Peche.
  • Bar Strainer - Helps to strain the cocktail into the champagne flute.
  • Ice - Essential for chilling the cocktail shaker and keeping the drink cold.
  • Peach Slice - Optional, but commonly used as a garnish for presentation.

Origin stories

The Kir Pêche cocktail, combining the delicate and refreshing flavor of peach with the sparkling allure of champagne, is a variant of the classic Kir cocktail. The original Kir is a popular French cocktail made with a measure of crème de cassis (blackcurrant liqueur) topped up with white wine. It was named after Félix Kir, a revered figure and the Mayor of Dijon in Burgundy, who popularized this delightful drink by serving it at receptions to promote his region's fine wines. The Kir Pêche version emerged as a summery variation, replacing the crème de cassis with peach liqueur, and the wine with champagne, for a bubbly, fragrant twist on the original. Whether you're toasting a celebration or simply enjoying a sunny afternoon, this cocktail carries a piece of Burgundy's rich, convivial history with every sip.

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.