Kirschwasser, a clear cherry brandy made from distilled cherries, can be used to make some delicious and refreshing cocktails. Here are three simple Kirschwasser cocktail recipes you can try:
Cherry Blossom
Ingredients:
1 1/2 oz Kirschwasser
1/2 oz triple sec
1 oz cherry juice
1/2 oz lime juice
maraschino cherry for garnish
Instructions:
Fill a cocktail shaker with ice.
Add Kirschwasser, triple sec, cherry juice, and lime juice.
Shake vigorously until well chilled.
Strain into a chilled cocktail glass.
Garnish with a maraschino cherry.
Black Forest
Ingredients:
2 oz Kirschwasser
1 oz coffee liqueur
1 oz heavy cream
grated chocolate for garnish
Instructions:
Fill a cocktail shaker with ice.
Add Kirschwasser, coffee liqueur, and heavy cream.
Shake vigorously until well chilled.
Strain into a chilled cocktail glass.
Garnish with grated chocolate.
Kir Royale
Ingredients:
1 oz Kirschwasser
1/2 oz blackcurrant liqueur
Champagne or sparkling wine
lemon twist for garnish
Instructions:
Pour Kirschwasser and blackcurrant liqueur into a chilled Champagne flute.
Top with Champagne or sparkling wine.
Garnish with a lemon twist.
The Classic Kir
Ingredients:
1 oz Kirschwasser
4 oz white wine (such as Aligoté or Chablis)
lemon twist for garnish
Instructions:
Pour Kirschwasser into a wine glass.
Top with white wine.
Garnish with a lemon twist.
The Kir is a classic French cocktail that is traditionally made with crème de cassis and white wine. The Kirsch version, called Kir Breton, uses Kirschwasser instead of crème de cassis.
Kirsch Sour
Ingredients:
2 oz Kirschwasser
1 oz lemon juice
1/2 oz simple syrup
egg white
cherry for garnish
Instructions:
Fill a cocktail shaker with ice.
Add Kirschwasser, lemon juice, simple syrup, and egg white.
Shake vigorously until well chilled and frothy.
Strain into a chilled cocktail glass.
Garnish with a cherry.
The Kirsch Sour is a twist on the classic Whiskey Sour. The Kirschwasser adds a delicious cherry flavor to the mix.
Black Forest Martini
Ingredients:
2 oz Kirschwasser
1 oz chocolate liqueur
1 oz cream
grated chocolate for garnish
Instructions:
Fill a cocktail shaker with ice.
Add Kirschwasser, chocolate liqueur, and cream.
Shake vigorously until well chilled.
Strain into a chilled martini glass.
Garnish with grated chocolate.
The Black Forest Martini is a decadent and indulgent cocktail that is perfect for dessert or a special occasion.
Enjoy these essential Kirschwasser cocktails!
What Can Kirschwasser be Mixed With?
Kirschwasser, a clear cherry brandy made from distilled cherries, is a versatile ingredient that can be mixed with a variety of other spirits, mixers, and ingredients to make delicious cocktails. Here are some ideas for what Kirschwasser can be mixed with:
Champagne or sparkling wine: Kirschwasser can be added to a glass of Champagne or sparkling wine to make a Kir Royale.
Fruit juices: Kirschwasser pairs well with a variety of fruit juices, including cherry, orange, lemon, and pineapple juice.
Liqueurs: Kirschwasser can be mixed with other liqueurs, such as triple sec, coffee liqueur, or amaretto, to make delicious cocktails.
Vermouth: Kirschwasser can be used in place of gin or vodka in a classic Martini recipe, combined with dry vermouth and garnished with a lemon twist.
Cream: Kirschwasser can be mixed with cream or half-and-half to make creamy and indulgent cocktails, such as the Black Forest Martini.
Egg whites: Kirschwasser can be combined with lemon juice, simple syrup, and egg white to make a frothy and delicious Kirsch Sour.
Soda water: Kirschwasser can be mixed with soda water and a splash of fruit juice for a refreshing and low-alcohol cocktail.
With its subtle cherry flavor and smooth finish, Kirschwasser is a great addition to many classic cocktails and can be used to create new and innovative drinks as well.
Fast Facts About Kirschwasser
Kirschwasser is a clear cherry brandy that is distilled from fermented cherry juice, pits, and stems. It originated in the Black Forest region of Germany, but is also produced in other parts of Europe, such as Switzerland and France. The name “Kirschwasser” translates to “cherry water” in German.
The proof of Kirschwasser varies, but it typically ranges from 80 to 100 proof (40% to 50% alcohol by volume).
There are two main types of Kirschwasser: Swiss and German. Swiss Kirschwasser is made from the small, sour, and flavorful “wild” cherries known as the Rigi cherry, while German Kirschwasser is made from a larger, milder variety of cherries. There are also regional variations within these categories, as different producers use different cherry varieties, fermentation techniques, and distillation methods.
One of the main differences between Kirschwasser and other types of distilled spirits is the flavor profile. Kirschwasser has a distinct cherry aroma and flavor that sets it apart from other fruit brandies. It is also typically lighter in color and smoother in texture than other spirits.
The best brand of Kirschwasser depends on personal taste and preference. Some popular brands include Etter, Schladerer, and Rothman & Winter, but there are many other high-quality producers to choose from. It’s best to taste a few different brands to find the one that suits your palate.