kir royale, sangria style

Did you ever read the book crazy rich asians? Or perhaps you saw the movie? I did both. I love to read. Love it. And one of the things that most captivates me when reading, is when authors provide descriptions of food and/or beverages.

Firstly, because it’s obviously something that they’ve had, that was good enough for them to remember. Secondly, because it helps to set the mood, or feel of whatever scene it’s in. And finally, because it always makes me want to try to create it.

In this case, it was the kir royale. It was ordered and mentioned so much, that not only did i look it up, and read a description, I ordered it the next time we went out.

Basically, the kir is wine with a splash of creme de cassis (currants). I like to think it’s akin to the currant liquor that anne and diana got sloshed on in anne of green gables, but i digress.

The kir royale, however, is where it’s at. It’s a glass of bubbly champagne, topped with a float of the cassis. perfection.

So of course, you know I had to make a sangria version. Natch.

Ingredients:

1 carton blueberries

1 carton blackberries

1/2 cup currants

1 cup red grapes, frozen

2 Tbsp local honey

1/2 cup creme de cassis

1 bottle sparkling wine

2 cups sparkling white grape juice

fresh dill

Directions:

About six hours before serving, add honey and cassis to a large pitcher. Stir to combine. Add blackberries, blueberries and currants, stirring to combine. Add bubbles and grape juice, again stirring to combine. Refrigerate.

To serve, place several frozen grapes in a glass with a sprig or two of fresh dill, and top with sangria.