If your team can pour and top a glass, they can build the Kir. It’s honestly that simple—and with the right crème de cassis, even the least experienced staff member can serve up a picture-perfect classic in under three minutes. There’s a reason Kir is having a resurgence in Australian bars: low ABV, super-fast to serve, appealing to everyone from spritz aficionados to the most traditional wine drinkers. If you want a fast, staff-proof, and profitable aperitif option, you can’t look past the combination of Vedrenne Crème de Cassis and your existing white or sparkling wine program.
Why the Kir Is Back (and Profits Are Up)
The Kir isn’t a tired throwback—it’s a move that makes bar managers look smart and keeps guests happy. As consumer tastes shift to lighter, sessionable options, Kir fits the bill perfectly. The drink itself is as flexible as it is fail-safe: just a pour of rich, authentic cassis topped with crisp white wine or sparkling.
- Staff-proof. No fancy techniques or obscure kit. If the team can measure 15ml and pour, they’re set.
- Low ABV and easy prep. Rarely breaks 12%, fits in with the spritz and highball trend, and moves white/sparkling wine faster.
- High appeal, low cost. The margin is fantastic, and the upsell opportunity with premium cassis or sparkling is real.
- Great for batching. For events, Kirs can be poured to order or batched by the jug or punch bowl with minimal wastage.
What Sets Vedrenne Crème de Cassis Apart?
There are plenty of fruit liqueurs out there, but authentic French cassis like Vedrenne brings balance, depth, and aroma that generic alternatives just can’t match. Vedrenne leverages the Noir de Bourgogne blackcurrant—the benchmark variety—for intense fruit character. The end result is a pour that stays vivid even when lengthened with dry wine or bubbles, and doesn’t cloy or dominate the base. If you’re going to make Kir part of your house serve, this is where you start.
How to Build the Kir—Flawless Every Time
No shakers, no strainers, zero faff. Here’s our trade-tested method to keep service bulletproof, even in the weeds.
- Chill your ingredients. Pop both your Vedrenne Crème de Cassis and wine or sparkling in the fridge well before service. A chilled glass is a bonus—prepped with a quick stint in the freezer if you have space.
- Measure and pour cassis. For a classic Kir, 15ml of Vedrenne directly into the base of a wine glass is plenty for perfect colour and aroma. This makes training a breeze—one pour and done.
- Top with wine or bubbles. Add 120–150ml of chilled dry white wine or sparkling. For an upsell, go with a premium sparkling. Don’t overthink it—the cassis will integrate as you pour.
- Optional: Gentle stir and a garnish. If you want picture-perfect presentation, a single lift with a bar spoon through the glass does the trick. A twist of lemon peel or, if in season, a skewered blackcurrant adds some flair.
This sequence is forgiving on ratios so minor mispours won’t ruin the drink. Training can be done at pre-shift in under 10 minutes for the whole team.
Staff Quick Sheet
- 15ml Vedrenne Crème de Cassis
- 120–150ml dry white wine or sparkling
- Serve in a chilled wine glass or flute
Smart Twists and Menu Ideas
Your wine or champagne list gives you plenty of room to riff and stand out from rivals. Here’s where you can add value and keep the build approachable for your crew:
- Kir Royale: Replace white wine with Champagne or a premium sparkling. High margin, celebratory, and always profitable. Try with our Feudi Dubl Sparkling Aglianico Rose NV Brut if you want a modern pink twist.
- Local Wine Kir: Use an Australian Sauvignon Blanc or even a Provençal rosé for a lighter take. Let your staff know which ones are house pours to keep stock moving.
- Batch Kir: For events, use 750ml cassis with around 6L of sparkling in a punch bowl. Ladle to order—no shaking, no wastage, and backbar stays clean.
For more batching concepts and streamlining service, check out our batching and bottling tips for classic serves.
Easy Menu Placement, Zero Headache
The Kir’s appeal goes beyond the bar—it’s the kind of fast-serve, profit-friendly entry that fits on aperitif, spritz, house wine, or celebratory sections of your function menu. If you’ve struggled with low-volume French liqueurs gathering dust, Kirs are the low-waste, high-sell answer. You already stock dry white or sparkling—this is an upsell, not a new problem.
Bar Manager Tips for Training and Service
- Print and laminate the spec sheet to keep near the wine station.
- Pre-batch cassis measures in 50ml mini bottles if speed is critical—just top and serve.
- Encourage consistent glassware for faster service and a better guest experience. Flutes for Royale, stemmed for classic.
- Have a seasonal garnish—simple lemon twist or blackcurrant when available, but don’t make it a sticking point.
- Set up tastings for new or casual staff to reinforce how the cassis lift works with your wine list.
Ordering Vedrenne Crème de Cassis
Stocking Vedrenne is easy if you have a trade account. If you’re already using our portal, you’ll find it here:
If you’re not set up, our team can walk you through account opening, and we can organise training for new starters at the same time. See the What We Do page for details on account process, trade pricing, and delivery options.
FAQ: KIR & CRÈME DE CASSIS FOR TRADE
- What’s the difference between Kir and Kir Royale?
- The classic Kir is with dry white wine, while the Kir Royale swaps that out for champagne or sparkling wine for extra lift and celebration. Use your list to suit the mood and margin.
- How do I train my team on Kir builds?
- It genuinely only takes five minutes at pre-shift—15ml cassis, top with wine, gentle stir. Print the spec and keep at the bar so anyone can jump in, regardless of experience.
- Is Vedrenne Crème de Cassis shelf-stable?
- Yes. Once opened, keep it in the fridge for best freshness and colour. It pours consistently down to the last drop.
- Can I use rosé or another base?
- Absolutely. Dry, crisp whites are traditional, but rosé—especially something like Saint Max Provence—gives a modern edge. The basic build remains unchanged.
- Does this work for batching?
- Yes, combine 750ml cassis with roughly 6L sparkling, then pour to order. Stir gently and serve immediately to keep fizz.
- Where do I go for bulk formats?
- For larger venues or high-turnover bars, explore our bulk liqueur options in the bulk cocktail program blog.
- How quickly can I get Vedrenne delivered?
- Once your trade order is in, free delivery is available across the region for orders over the minimum. Our local reps can organise tastings or menu sessions as needed.
Want to diversify your aperitif or pre-batch offering? See our recent guide on low-ABV French aperitifs for more trade inspiration.
For orders, support, or to organise staff training, contact your Bouchon rep or head to our trade portal. Our product selection and expertise make the classic Kir a sure-fire win on any menu.