Ahhh February, the month of love … or at least that’s what the greeting card companies have led us believe. Regardless, we love us a little love, hugs and kisses so we are swinging a light on the Kir Kisses cocktail created by bartender Andre Sykes of Detroit. Available at his former bar, Shelby Detroit, this cocktail plays matchmaker with a Kir Royale and Ramos Gin Fizz.
Andre Sykes on the Kir Kisses Cocktail
“I’m a lover of classic cocktails and thoughtful innovation. Conversely, I like just playing around with weird builds and flavor profiles. This cocktail represents what I think is a dope medium between the two. Kir Kisses is a hybrid of Kir Royale and the Ramos Gin Fizz. I wanted to create a session cocktail that was more than just “low ABV” Something to challenge my guests while also being very keen on their profile taste. That’s when the thought of a “hybrid classic” entered my mind. I had been working on a Ramos riff and this was a good opportunity to challenge myself as a bartender. After a lot of trial and error, this drink came to fruition. On your first sip, ripe blackberries and blueberries fill your palette, followed by citrus and tart currants. Then the meringue coats your mouth with a creamy pie-like finish.
I’m also not the first bartender from Detroit to create a beautiful riff of the Kir Royale. Formally of Standby, Dorothy Elizabeth created the “Kirring Me Softly” It was her drink that gave me the first inspiration to create the “Kir Kisses.” However, I didn’t just want to “Mr. Potato Head” it to oblivion. I love Phil Ward and that philosophy, he’s a bartender hero of mine but I wanted to do something that I think no one has done before. In that regard, I think this cocktail is a success and from my guests’ perspectives as well. I think a lot of people outside of Detroit sleep on the quality of our craft and the city as a whole. But we’ve always had a way of rising past the lip of our glass. Don’t take my word for it, come visit us and see for yourself.”
Kir Kisses Recipe
- 1 oz Cocchi Rosa
- .5 oz Creme De Cassis
- .5 oz Lemon Juice
- .25 oz Simple Syrup
- 1 Dash Orange Bitters
- Egg white
- Cava (topped)
Add ingredients, except Cava, then vigorously dry shake. Add ice then vigorously shake again and double strain into a stemless flute. Let sit in the fridge for 60-90ish seconds or until separation is seen. Top with Cava so that the stream pierces through the foam to the bottom. Garnish with a Luxardo cherry.
Shelby Detroit Details
607 Shelby St, Detroit, MI 48226
shelbydetroit.com | @shelbydetroit
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