What sweet blackcurrant liqueur is mixed with local white wine (*aligoté*) to traditionally create the aperitif known as Kir?
Answer
Crème de Cassis.
The aperitif known as Kir is a popular pre-dinner drink originating from the Burgundy region, popularized by the politician Félix Kir. The traditional composition of this beverage involves mixing local white wine, specifically the variety known as *aligoté*, with Crème de Cassis. Crème de Cassis is a liqueur made from blackcurrants, which imparts sweetness and color to the drink. When Champagne is substituted for the white wine in this base recipe, the celebratory version known as Kir Royale is created, emphasizing the importance of the blackcurrant liqueur in defining the Kir category.
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