The Kir cocktail is a popular French drink that is typically served in a white wine glass. Historically it is usually drunk before a meal – to which the French call an apéritif. The original name for the Kir cocktail was blanc-cassis, but was later renamed to "Kir" after Felix Kir – who was the mayor of Dijon in the Burgundy region of France.

After World War II, he helped popularise the drink by offering it to visiting delegations. The drink first became popular in the 1840s, but back then it was just a regional drink served in cafes. Interestingly, the original recipe for the drink had to be reinvented after World War II because the German army confiscated all the red burgundy wine in the region. Because of Mayor Kir serving this drink to so many visiting delegates, he helped promote the ingredients to make the drink as vital economic products.

Like most drinks, there are now a thousand and one variations. In France the bartender will now use a different wine depending on the region you are in. One would suppose that is only fair to each region that they get to promote their very own local wines. Other times you may be asked what different type of flavored crème you want. Some other types of variations that have been made to the Kir cocktail include using Champagne instead of wine, and calling it a Kir Royal, or alternatively by adding sparkling wine and calling it a Kir Petillant. Both ideas seem to be a way for someone to look a little "cooler" by drinking champagne, instead of wine. Other changes are using a flavored liqueur like raspberry to replace the crème. People havr sldo used beer instead of the wine, cider instead of the wine, and even, milk instead of the wine just to give the recipe a little twist. If you just stick to the original recipe you can have yourself a very tasty and smooth drink to share with friends before your dinner party meal – or afterwards, if you don't mind breaking with tradition.