Ingredients
- 2 oz Blackcurrant Liqueur
- 5 oz Orange Juice
Instructions
Pour the Liqueur:
- In a parfait glass filled with ice cubes, pour 2 oz of blackcurrant liqueur.
Add the Orange Juice:
- Slowly pour 5 oz of orange juice over the liqueur.
Stir Lightly:
- Give the drink a quick stir to blend the layers slightly, but ensure the top remains more orange and the bottom more red.
Serve:
- Serve immediately and enjoy your Cassis Orange!
Notes
Estimated Nutrition:
Where it came from
The Cassis Orange does not boast a storied past or a definitive inventor. It is a modern, casual mix, likely a natural evolution from similar simple fruit liqueur and juice combinations popular in European bars, particularly in France, where Crème de Cassis is a staple.
This drink belongs to the highball family, specifically a two-ingredient build. It is a close cousin to the Kir, which uses white wine instead of orange juice, and the Kir Royal, which opts for sparkling wine. Its simplicity sets it apart, focusing on the direct interaction of the two main flavors.
You would typically find or serve a Cassis Orange in a casual setting. It is perfect for a lazy Sunday brunch, a patio afternoon, or as an easygoing pre-dinner drink. It is not a cocktail you order in a serious craft bar, but it holds its own in any relaxed environment.
What it tastes like
The flavor profile is dominated by the bold, jammy sweetness of blackcurrant from the Crème de Cassis, which is then brightened and balanced by the zesty, slightly tart notes of fresh orange juice. It is a distinctly fruity drink, with a pleasant sweetness that avoids being cloying, thanks to the citrus.
Assuming a standard recipe of 1.5 oz Crème de Cassis (around 15% ABV) and 4 oz orange juice, the Cassis Orange clocks in at roughly 4% ABV. This puts it squarely in the territory of a light beer, making it a very sessionable and low alcohol option for extended enjoyment.
The technique
Building a Cassis Orange is as simple as it sounds. Pour Crème de Cassis into an ice-filled highball or rocks glass, then top with fresh orange juice. Give it a gentle stir to combine. Garnish with an orange slice or wedge. The timing is instant, as there is no chilling or shaking required beyond the ice.
The single most important technique tip for this drink is the quality of your orange juice. Freshly squeezed makes an enormous difference. Avoid concentrate or shelf-stable cartons, as their artificial sweetness or lack of brightness will flatten the drink significantly.
Ingredient Spotlight
The bottles that make or break this drink.
Crème de Cassis
- Use
- Lejay Lagoute, Giffard, or Massenez are solid choices. Look for brands with a deep color and genuine blackcurrant flavor, not just sugar.
- Skip
- Generic or overly sweet cassis liqueurs that taste more like candy than fruit. They will make the drink unbalanced.
- Why
- This is the star of the show. Its intense blackcurrant flavor and deep color define the drink. Quality cassis provides the necessary tartness and body.
Orange Juice
- Use
- Freshly squeezed juice from ripe oranges. Navel or Valencia oranges work well for a good balance of sweetness and acidity.
- Skip
- Bottled or carton orange juice from concentrate. It lacks the vibrant acidity and fresh taste crucial for this simple two-ingredient drink.
- Why
- As the other half of the drink, fresh orange juice provides the essential brightness, acidity, and natural sweetness to balance the cassis. It is non-negotiable for a good Cassis Orange.
Three Variations
Three real ways bartenders riff on this drink.
Kir
- The classic French aperitif
- Swap the orange juice for dry white wine, typically Aligoté. It results in a drier, more sophisticated drink with a wine base.
Kir Royal
- Sparkling elegance
- Replace the orange juice with chilled sparkling wine, such as Champagne or Prosecco. This adds effervescence and a celebratory feel.
Spiked Cassis Orange
- Add a kick
- For a higher proof version, add 1.5 oz of vodka or gin to the glass before adding the cassis and orange juice. It gives the drink more backbone.
What if I don't have…
Quick substitutions for when the bottle shop is closed.
Chambord, a raspberry liqueur, or another berry-flavored liqueur can offer a similar fruity sweetness, though the flavor profile will shift.
Fresh pineapple juice or grapefruit juice can work for a different citrus balance. For a less tart option, try cranberry juice.
A standard rocks glass will work fine, though the drink will be smaller. A pint glass also serves if you are not concerned with presentation.
Frequently Asked Questions
Direct answers to what people search for after Googling this drink.
What is in a Cassis Orange?
A Cassis Orange contains Crème de Cassis, a blackcurrant liqueur, and fresh orange juice, typically served over ice.
Is a Cassis Orange strong?
No, a Cassis Orange is a low alcohol drink, comparable in strength to a light beer, making it quite sessionable.
Is it a sweet drink?
Yes, it is a sweet drink, but the tartness of the orange juice and the blackcurrant liqueur typically provide a good balance.
What kind of orange juice should I use?
Always use fresh squeezed orange juice for the best flavor and balance. Avoid juices from concentrate.
Can I add other spirits to a Cassis Orange?
Yes, a shot of vodka or gin can be added to make a 'Spiked Cassis Orange' for a stronger drink.
Is the Cassis Orange a breakfast drink?
While not a traditional breakfast drink, its fruity and light nature makes it a popular choice for brunch or daytime gatherings.
What is the difference between a Cassis Orange and a Kir?
A Cassis Orange uses orange juice, while a Kir uses dry white wine, typically Aligoté, with Crème de Cassis.
Is the Cassis Orange a classic cocktail?
No, the Cassis Orange is more of a modern, simple mixed drink rather than a historically recognized classic cocktail.
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