Crème de Cassis
If you've enjoyed a beautifully colored cocktail like Kir or Kir Royale, or perhaps used a dark red liqueur as an ingredient in desserts, you might be familiar with Crème de Cassis. This liqueur, made from blackcurrants, typically contains 15-25% alcohol and is popular in cocktails and various sweet dishes. But behind its delightful sweetness and alluring color lies a rich history. Today, Rimping Supermarket will take you on a journey to learn more about Crème de Cassis.
Origins in Burgundy : From Medicinal Herb to Liqueur
The origins of Crème de Cassis date back to the 16th century in the Burgundy region of France, an area renowned for its fine wines and a climate highly suitable for cultivating blackcurrants.
Initially, blackcurrants were primarily cultivated for their medicinal properties, believed to offer various health benefits. However, during the 16th century, liquor production flourished in France, leading to the beginning of blackcurrant extraction for liqueur production.
Auguste Denis Lagoute: Crafting the Perfect Crème de Cassis Formula
Early blackcurrant liqueur formulas lacked consistency until 1841, when Auguste Denis Lagoute, the first liqueur producer in the city of Dijon, developed a new blackcurrant liqueur formula that achieved a smooth texture and consistent flavor.
Auguste named this liqueur Crème de Cassis, which literally translates to "cream of blackcurrant." Many people mistakenly believe it contains dairy due to the word Crème in its name, but in the context of Crème de Cassis, Crème refers to its creamy, thick texture or richness, not the inclusion of cream. Indeed, blackcurrant liqueur contains no dairy cream whatsoever.
After the launch of his formula, it quickly gained popularity, leading other local producers to start manufacturing their own blackcurrant liqueurs.
Kir : The Popular Cocktail That Boosted Its Fame
By the late 19th century, Crème de Cassis had gained popularity throughout France, not just in Burgundy but also spreading to other regions. It became very popular among the upper classes, often served as a digestif after meals and mixed with white wine to create the famous cocktail Kir.
The introduction of the Kir cocktail significantly boosted the liqueur's reputation. The Kir cocktail was named after Félix Kir, the mayor of Dijon, who was the first to combine Burgundy's Aligoté white wine with Crème de Cassis to create this refreshing and uniquely flavored drink.
Moreover, during the Phylloxera epidemic, which devastated French vineyards, Crème de Cassis became an even more popular alcoholic beverage. Wine became scarce, and many wine producers shifted to producing blackcurrant liqueurs to compensate for lost revenue from their wine businesses.
Legal Protection and Crème de Cassis Today
In the 20th century, Crème de Cassis received the Appellation d'origine contrôlée (AOC) status, a protected designation under French law. This legally stipulated that only blackcurrant liqueurs produced in specific regions and adhering to precise production methods could be labeled as Crème de Cassis. This legal protection helps preserve the quality and authenticity of Crème de Cassis, similar to the protections granted to Champagne and other regional French specialties.
Today, Crème de Cassis is popular worldwide. Bartenders continue to experiment with Crème de Cassis to create innovative drinks, such as Kir Royale, which blends Crème de Cassis with Champagne for an added touch of luxury, or El Diablo, which combines Crème de Cassis with tequila and ginger beer for a distinctly different flavor profile.
With its long history, unique flavor, and versatility in use, Crème de Cassis is a fascinating liqueur and an integral part of French drinking culture that continues to be widely enjoyed.
You can find high-quality Crème de Cassis at all Rimping Supermarket branches!
