1 serving

It's hard to say why this cocktail is named after the city in Belgium, considering it calls for an Alpine cherry brandy (kirsch or kirschwasser) and a black currant liqueur from Dijon, France.

In any case, this is far superior to the well-known kir royale, made with creme de cassis alone. The original calls for club soda, but this "royale" version calls for sparkling wine, preferably champagne or Cremant de Bourgogne. From Jason Wilson.

Ice

1 ounce kirschwasser

1 ounce creme de cassis

Chilled sparkling wine

Fill a cocktail shaker halfway with ice. Add the kirschwasser and creme de cassis; shake well, then strain into an ice-filled highball or Collins glass.

Top with about 3 ounces of sparkling wine, or as needed.

- The Washington Post