Crème de Cassis
Crème de cassis is a sweet liqueur made from blackcurrants. Rich, deeply fruity, and slightly tart, it is used to add dark berry flavour, sweetness, and colour to cocktails and aperitif serves.
Quick Facts
Flavour Profile
Primary Flavours
Tasting Notes
Intense blackcurrant aroma with deep berry sweetness, subtle tartness, and a rich, rounded finish. Full-bodied without heaviness when used correctly.
Recommended Brands
Budget Choice
Giffard Crème de Cassis Imperial
Premium Choice
Edmond Briottet Crème de Cassis de Dijon
Storage & Handling
Store upright in a cool, dark place away from direct sunlight. Ensure the cap is tightly sealed after use. Shelf-stable once opened.
Shelf Life
Unopened: Indefinite. Opened: Several years if stored correctly
Crème de Cassis
Crème de cassis is a sweet liqueur made from blackcurrants. Rich, deeply fruity, and slightly tart, it is used to add dark berry flavour, sweetness, and colour to cocktails and aperitif serves.
Pro Tip
Cassis works best when it lifts dryness — not when it replaces it.
Usage
Used in measured pours to add concentrated blackcurrant flavour, sweetness, and colour, most commonly as a modifier or lengthening component.
Top Tips
- Balance with acidity or dryness to prevent excessive sweetness.
- Use sparingly — cassis flavour is dense and persistent.
- Particularly effective when paired with sparkling wine or dry spirits.
- Measure carefully; free-pouring quickly overwhelms a drink.
Possible Substitutions
- Blackcurrant syrup (non-alcoholic, sweeter)
Production Method
Produced by macerating blackcurrants in neutral spirit, followed by pressing, sweetening, and blending. Quality versions emphasise fruit intensity balanced by natural acidity.
History & Context
Crème de cassis became widely associated with French aperitif culture in the 19th century and is famously used in the Kir and Kir Royale. Its balance of sweetness and acidity made it a natural partner for dry wines and spirits, and it remains one of the most versatile fruit-based liqueurs in classic cocktail making.