Crème de Cassis

Production area

Bourgogne Franche-Comté

Crème de cassis is a blackcurrant liqueur often paired with white wine to make a kir. Since the 19th century, this liqueur has been loved in France and beyond. Its manufacturing process has stayed the same: blackcurrant berries are soaked in alcohol, then the juice is extracted, and sugar is added. Two PGIs (Protected Geographical Indications) set the rules for Crème de Cassis de Dijon and Crème de Cassis de Bourgogne. Choose your favourite!

What you need to know

What is Crème de Cassis?

Blackcurrant liqueur, a descendant of the ratafias, quickly became popular in France. Created in 1841, it soon appeared in many cafés. In fact it was a café waiter who invented the "blanc-cass'", which was particularly appreciated by Dijon’s deputy mayor a certain Félix…Kir. Who would later give his name to the famous drink.

Today, there are two PGIs for Crème de Cassis de Dijon and Crème de Cassis de Bourgogne, established in 2013 and 2015. Both liqueurs are made by cold-soaking berries in alcohol, then adding sugar to make a liqueur with at least 15% alcohol.

Crème de Cassis de Bourgogne vs Crème de Cassis de Dijon

Crème de Cassis de Bourgogne differs from Crème de Cassis de Dijon in a few ways. It has a larger designation area, a shorter soaking period (3 weeks), and higher minimum sugar (450g/l) and fruit content (250g/l). The Noir de Bourgogne blackcurrant variety is favored by makers and customers alike. As demand grows, so does the popularity of this delightful liqueur.

The Terroir of Crème de Cassis: How Location Shapes Flavor

Just like wine, the flavor of Crème de Cassis is influenced by where it’s made. Dijon and Burgundy are famous for their Crème de Cassis, each with its own flavor.

Crème de Cassis de Dijon

Terroir: Dijon’s cooler climate and clay-limestone soils produce blackcurrants with a more acidic flavor.
Flavor: Bright and fresh with a slightly tart finish, good for cocktails.

Crème de Cassis de Bourgogne

Terroir: Burgundy’s warmer climate and limestone soils produce blackcurrants with a riper, sweeter flavor.
Flavor: Rich and jammy with a velvety texture, good on its own or in desserts.

Beyond Dijon and Burgundy

While Dijon and Burgundy are the most famous regions for crème de cassis, other areas in France and internationally produce noteworthy expressions. Discover other regions where small batch producers make their own Crème de Cassis with unique flavors.

The History of Crème de Cassis

Crème de Cassis is more than just a liqueur; it’s a piece of French history. From its humble beginnings to its status as a regional icon, it’s a story to be savored.

From Ratafia to Crème de Cassis

Crème de Cassis started as ratafia, a homemade fruit liqueur in rural France. Early versions used blackcurrants and brandy, laying the foundation for the refined liqueur we enjoy today.

The Birth of a Classic

In the 19th century, producers in Dijon and Burgundy perfected Crème de Cassis, making these regions famous for the liqueur.

Kir: The Cocktail with a Story

The Kir cocktail, a mix of Crème de Cassis and white wine, was popularized by Canon Félix Kir, the post-WWII mayor of Dijon, to promote local products.

Crème de Cassis Today

Today, Crème de Cassis is still a beloved part of French culture, enjoyed in cocktails, desserts, and as a symbol of regional pride. Its journey from a simple ratafia to an iconic liqueur is a testament to its enduring charm.

Characteristics

Smell

All the freshness of blackcurrant flavors, without the heaviness of the cooked fruit.

Look

A dark garnet color, very opaque to purplish.

Taste

A very velvety texture with a rich, bold attack on the fruit.

Nutritional benefits

Crème de Cassis is very rich in sugar but retains some of the vitamins and antioxidants from the fruit. Nevertheless, be sure to enjoy it in moderation.

Editor's note

« While Crème de Cassis is popular in France, it's just as appreciated abroad. In the United States for example, it's used with lime, tequila, and ginger ale to make the El Diablo cocktail. In Japan, it's often mixed with... tea! »

How to use

Storage

You can store Crème de Cassis for months, or even years, so long as it's in a cool, dry place away from heat and light.

Preparation

None: the Crème de Cassis is just waiting for you!

Use

In addition to the famous kir and other cocktails, crème de cassis flourishes as a deglazing liquid on a just-seared strong meat, wonderfully accompanies fruits cooked in syrup or in the oven, elevates a simple scoop of vanilla ice cream...

Beyond the Kir: Surprising Ways to Use Crème de Cassis

Crème de Cassis is best known internationally for the classic Kir cocktail, but it has many more uses. Its sweet, tart flavor and rich color makes it perfect for both savory and sweet recipes.

Savory Dishes

Glazes and Sauces: Crème de Cassis adds depth to sauces for duck, pork and game meats. The sweetness balances the richness, with a hint of acidity from vinegar or citrus.
Salad Dressings: Add a splash of Crème de Cassis to vinaigrettes for a fruity twist, especially with balsamic vinegar and walnut oil.
Marinades: Use it in marinades for lamb or chicken. It tenderizes the meat and adds a hint of berry flavor.

Sweet Treats

Fruit Compotes and Sauces: Sweeten berries or stone fruits with Crème de Cassis. It’s delicious over cakes or ice cream.
Baking Enhancer: Add a twist to cakes, muffins or cookies by using it in the batter or glaze.
Ice Cream and Sorbet: Swirl Crème de Cassis into vanilla ice cream or use it in sorbets.