Kirsch Cassis Martini

Martini & Riffs • April 09, 2026

Curiada Ingredients

1.50 fl oz Beefeater London Dry Gin or alternative
0.50 fl oz Etter Kirsch AOP Zug Eau de Vie or alternative
0.50 fl oz LEJAY LAGOUTE Crème de Cassis or alternative

Other Ingredients

0.75 fl oz Chilled water (reduce if wet ice)

Directions

Add ice to mixing glass
Add all ingredients to mixing glass
Stir well with bar spoon
Strain into chilled cocktail glass
Express lemon zest twist over drink and drop into glass

Cocktail Description

This isn't your grandmother's fruity cocktail—the Kirsch Cassis Martini brings serious European sophistication to the classic martini format with a cherry-and-blackcurrant twist that'll make you rethink everything you know about gin drinks.

Built on a backbone of Beefeater London Dry Gin, this cocktail gets its distinctive character from Swiss kirsch eau de vie, which adds bright stone-fruit depth, and crème de cassis, which contributes rich berry sweetness and a gorgeous ruby tint. The stirring method keeps everything silky and spirit-forward, while the lemon zest garnish cuts through the fruit with citrus oils that brighten each sip. Expect flavors that taste like a sophisticated cherry cordial met a classic gin martini at a Parisian café—fruity but not sweet, botanical but not harsh, with enough complexity to keep your palate interested from first sip to last.

The technique is straightforward—just stirring with ice—making this accessible for home bartenders who can measure accurately, though sourcing quality kirsch might require a trip to a well-stocked liquor store. This makes an excellent pre-dinner cocktail when you want something refined and conversation-worthy, or serve it at a dinner party where you're trying to show off just a little. It pairs beautifully with charcuterie, especially pâté or duck rillettes, and works wonderfully alongside soft, creamy cheeses like Brie or Camembert that can stand up to the fruit flavors without getting overwhelmed.