Kir

This cocktail calls for as specific type of white wine which is fairly acidic and will counter-balance the sweetness of the crème de cassis. You can still make it with other types of white wine, but try to use one which is crisp, and highly acidic.

This cocktail was originally named Cassis Blanc, and was created some time around 1904 in Café George in Dijon, France.

It is now known as Kir because it was heavily promoted by Félix Kir. While serving as mayor of Dijon, Kir looked to popularize products made in the region, which is where both créme de cassis and Bourgogne Aligoté white wine are made.

Félix Kir (1876-1968) was a Catholic priest who became a resistance fighter during the occupation of France during World War II. He helped 5,000 prisoners of war escape from a camp at Longvic.

In 1945, Kir was made a knight of the Légion d'honneur and elected as mayor of Dijon, where he remained until his death in 1968.