Liqueurs are an essential part of multiple cuisines. There are different liqueur varieties to complement different recipes, and cassis liqueur has become the talk of the town lately. However, it can be hard to find which why we are sharing the cassis liqueur substitutes for you. So, if you want to make cocktails or chicken with cassis sauce, you can use the substitutes mentioned in this article!
Cassis Liqueur Substitutes
This is the dark red liqueur with a sweet flavor. It is made from blackcurrants and is used in a variety of cocktails. In particular, cassis liqueur is used in wine cocktails. Some people also serve them as frappe and make an amazing after-dinner liqueur. For making cassis liqueur, blackcurrants are soaked and crushed in alcohol, along with additive sugars.
Cassis liqueur has been around since 1841, so it wouldn’t be wrong to call it a classic. However, there are different varieties of cassis liqueur out there, and flavor depends on the berry content, production method, and fruit variety.
Generally, it’s made in France but can be found in other countries as well because it’s exported. Cassis liqueur has a low alcohol beverage (approximately 15% alcohol). Now, shall we move to the substitutes?
1) Black Currant Syrup
Sure, it’s not a liqueur, but it can perfectly substitute cassis liqueur since it has a similar flavor. Blackcurrant syrup is extremely popular in Europe and delivers the perfect combination of tangy and sweet flavors. The most intriguing part is that blackcurrant syrup has a mildly bitter flavor. It can be used in ice creams, juices, cordials, and cocktails.
The best thing about blackcurrant syrup is that it has an intense and delicious flavor. The commercial variants also have pure sugarcane, which leads to the concentrated flavor. Truth be told, it can add exceptionally versatile flavor to the juices and beverages. Blackcurrant syrup has a deep purple color which means it can be added to mocktails and sangrias.
2) Kir
Kir is basically a cocktail that is native to France and French cuisine. It is actually a mixture of white wine and blackcurrant liqueur which make sit a great choice for replacing cassis liqueur. It is widely used and consumed as an aperitif in France before snacks and meals. It is made with Burgundy’s white wine. Some variants are also made from Chablis and Chardonnay.
Kir is famous as the summer drink with a light pink color and fuzzy texture. In addition to replacing cassis liqueur with a kir, you can also serve it at brunches, birthday parties, and other events. It can be made at home as well (you will need blackcurrant liqueur and chilled champagne).
However, you will need to choose the dry champagne to make sure the outcome isn’t too sweet. Lastly, you can add crushed raspberries to add the berry-like flavor.
3) Chambord
This liqueur is actually the raspberry liqueur that has been around since the late 17th century. It is native to the Loire Valley of France and has 16.5% ABV. Chambord is the outcome of black raspberries and red raspberries, along with cognac, Moroccan citrus peel, Madagascar vanilla, and honey. It has the French notes and needs weeks for infusing the fruity flavor.
Chambord is usually sold in spherical bottles. All in all, it can be used in different cocktails, such as raspberry margarita, royal spritzer, Chambord daiquiri, purple hooter, little purple men, and French martini. To summarize, it can be easily bought from the supermarkets and liqueur stores!
4) Kirsch
Kirsch is basically a brandy with a clear and colorless appearance. It is made by distilling the morello cherries (these are the sour cherries with dark color). However, there are other variants of kirsch that are made from other cherries. It is made after 100% fermentation (stones are fermented as well) which means it won’t be sweet. In some cases, it’s made from cherry juice distillation.
Kirsch usually has a refined flavor with mild cherry flavors. In addition, it has bitter undertones of almonds and cherry seeds. It can be served neat and in chilled form. Kirsch can be used in cocktails, such as Florida, ladyfinger, and rose. Kirsch can replace cassis liqueur in cakes, swiss fondue, and cherries jubilee. The best thing is that it makes a great filling for chocolates.