Ingredients
- 2.5 oz Coffee Liqueur
- .5 oz Cream
Instructions
- Pour the Base: Pour the Kahlua coffee liqueur into a pousse cafe glass.
- Float the Cream: Carefully float the cream on top by pouring it over the back of a teaspoon to create a distinct layer.
- Serve: Serve immediately and enjoy the visually appealing and deliciously creamy layers.
Notes
Estimated Nutrition:
Where it came from
The King Alphonse is a French aperitif, a close relative of the Kir and Kir Royale. It emerged likely in the mid 20th century, building on the popularity of its predecessors. Its specific namesake is less clear, but it certainly carries the regal association of the Kir family.
This drink belongs to the Kir cocktail family, characterized by a fruit liqueur topped with wine. While the classic Kir uses still white wine and the Kir Royale uses Champagne, the King Alphonse typically uses sparkling white wine like Prosecco or Cava. It is essentially a sparkling Kir.
You would serve or order a King Alphonse at a brunch, a garden party, or as a welcoming drink before dinner. It is light enough to start an evening without knocking anyone over, and its simplicity makes it a crowd pleaser.
What it tastes like
The King Alphonse delivers a sweet, fruity blackcurrant punch from the crème de cassis, balanced by the dry effervescence of the sparkling wine. It is a refreshing, bubbly drink where the berry notes are prominent but not cloying, thanks to the wine cutting through the richness.
With approximately 0.5 oz of 15-20% ABV crème de cassis and 4-5 oz of 11-13% ABV sparkling wine, a King Alphonse typically lands around 8-10% ABV. This puts it in the range of a strong beer, making it a pleasant, sessionable option.
The technique
Building a King Alphonse is as straightforward as it gets. Pour 0.5 oz of crème de cassis into a chilled flute. Top slowly with 4-5 oz of chilled dry sparkling wine. Let the bubbles settle, then serve immediately. No stirring, no shaking, just a gentle pour.
The one technique tip that matters most is to ensure everything is thoroughly chilled. Warm cassis or sparkling wine will result in a flat, uninspired drink that quickly loses its appeal. Cold ingredients make for crisp, lively bubbles.
Ingredient Spotlight
The bottles that make or break this drink.
Crème de Cassis
- Use
- High quality crème de cassis, like Briottet or Giffard. Look for a rich, natural blackcurrant flavor, not artificial sweetness.
- Skip
- Cheap, overly sugary cassis that tastes like candy syrup. It will make your drink cloying and flat.
- Why
- Crème de cassis is the flavor backbone of the King Alphonse. Its deep berry notes define the drink, and its sweetness balances the dry wine.
Sparkling Wine
- Use
- Dry sparkling wine such as Prosecco, Cava, or a brut Champagne. The crisp acidity provides a vital counterpoint to the cassis.
- Skip
- Sweet sparkling wines like Asti Spumante or demi-sec Champagne. They will make the drink overwhelmingly sweet and unbalanced.
- Why
- The sparkling wine brings the effervescence and acidity, cutting through the sweetness of the cassis and making the King Alphonse bright and refreshing. Its dryness is key.
Three Variations
Three real ways bartenders riff on this drink.
Kir Royale
- The Champagne Cousin
- Substitute Champagne for the sparkling wine for a more luxurious, drier, and often more acidic version of the drink.
Kir
- The Still Original
- Use dry white wine, typically Aligoté or Sauvignon Blanc, instead of sparkling wine for a less effervescent, more wine-forward aperitif.
Kir Impérial
- Raspberry Twist
- Swap crème de cassis for Chambord, a raspberry liqueur, for a similar but distinctly different berry profile. Top with Champagne or sparkling wine.
What if I don't have…
Quick substitutions for when the bottle shop is closed.
Try Crème de Mûre (blackberry liqueur) or Chambord (raspberry liqueur) for a similar berry profile, though the flavor will shift.
Use a dry still white wine like Sauvignon Blanc or Pinot Grigio. You will end up with a classic Kir, not a King Alphonse, but it will still be a pleasant drink.
A regular wine glass will work fine. The flute is for aesthetics and to help preserve bubbles, but it is not critical for flavor.
Gently pour the sparkling wine over the cassis. The bubbles will mix it sufficiently. No need to stir.
Frequently Asked Questions
Direct answers to what people search for after Googling this drink.
What is in a King Alphonse?
A King Alphonse typically contains crème de cassis and dry sparkling white wine, such as Prosecco or Cava.
Is a King Alphonse sweet?
Yes, it has a noticeable sweetness from the crème de cassis, but this is usually balanced by the dryness and acidity of the sparkling wine.
What is the difference between a Kir and a King Alphonse?
A Kir uses still white wine, while a King Alphonse uses sparkling white wine. A Kir Royale specifically uses Champagne.
What kind of sparkling wine should I use for a King Alphonse?
A dry sparkling wine like Prosecco Brut, Cava Brut, or a dry Champagne works best to balance the sweetness of the cassis.
What does Crème de Cassis taste like?
Crème de cassis is a sweet, dark red liqueur made from blackcurrants. It has a rich, tart, and distinctly berry flavor.
Can I make a King Alphonse ahead of time?
You can pre-chill your ingredients, but the drink itself should be assembled just before serving to maintain its effervescence.
What food pairs well with a King Alphonse?
It pairs well with light appetizers, cheese boards, fruit tarts, or as a brunch cocktail.
Is the King Alphonse a strong drink?
No, it is relatively low in alcohol, similar to a strong beer, making it a good aperitif or daytime drink.
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