Crème de Cassis substitutes
The closest substitute for Crème de Cassis is Crème de Mûre, which works but the drink will taste a little different. Blackberry instead of blackcurrant. Chambord also works.
What to use instead of Crème de Cassis
| Substitute | How much | Strength | Typical drink |
|---|---|---|---|
Crème de MûreWorks, tastes different Blackberry instead of blackcurrant. Same amount | Same amount | 16–20% ABV | −1 point |
ChambordWorks, tastes different Raspberry instead of blackcurrant. Same amount | Same amount | 16.5% ABV | About the same |
Almost the same: most people won’t notice. Works, tastes different: still a good drink, just a different one. Last resort: better than skipping the drink. Typical drink: the usual change in ABV, in percentage points, across the drinks below.
Swap it in your drink
Pick a substitute to see how much to pour in each drink with Crème de Cassis, how strong the drink ends up and when to adjust the sugar.
- Bourbon Renewal
15ml (½ oz) Crème de Cassis → 15ml (½ oz) Crème de Mûre
About 18% ABV → about 17% ABV−1 point
- El Diablo
15ml (½ oz) Crème de Cassis → 15ml (½ oz) Crème de Mûre
About 16% ABV → about 15% ABV−1 point
- Kir Royale
15ml (½ oz) Crème de Cassis → 15ml (½ oz) Crème de Mûre
About 13% ABV → about 12% ABV−1 point
- Kir
10ml (⅓ oz) Crème de Cassis → 10ml (⅓ oz) Crème de Mûre
Same strength
- Russian Spring Punch
15ml (½ oz) Crème de Cassis → 15ml (½ oz) Crème de Mûre
Same strength
How they compare
| Property | Crème de Cassis | Crème de Mûre |
|---|---|---|
| Strength | 15–22% ABV | 16–20% ABV |
| Taste | Intense blackcurrant, Sweet, Tart, Rich berry | Sweet blackberry, Tart, Berry, Fruity |
| Aroma | Blackcurrant, Berry, Sweet, Jammy | Blackberry, Ripe berry, Jammy, Sweet |
| Finish | Fruity, Sweet, Lingering berry | Berry, Sweet, Slightly tart |
| Property | Crème de Cassis | Chambord |
|---|---|---|
| Strength | 15–22% ABV | 16.5% ABV |
| Taste | Intense blackcurrant, Sweet, Tart, Rich berry | Rich raspberry, Blackcurrant, Sweet, Hint of cognac |
| Aroma | Blackcurrant, Berry, Sweet, Jammy | Raspberry, Blackcurrant, Vanilla, Honey |
| Finish | Fruity, Sweet, Lingering berry | Sweet, Berry, Smooth |
Already have one of these?
If you have Lejay-Lagoute Crème de Cassis, Gabriel Boudier Cassis or Giffard Cassis Noir de Bourgogne, you don't need a substitute: they are all Crème de Cassis. How they differ
What is Crème de Cassis?
Crème de cassis is a sweet blackcurrant liqueur from Burgundy, essential for Kir and Kir Royale. Its deep purple color and berry flavor are unmistakable.
Got Crème de Cassis? It also replaces
Questions about Crème de Cassis substitutes
What is the best substitute for Crème de Cassis?
Crème de Mûre is the closest substitute for Crème de Cassis, though the drink will taste a little different. Blackberry instead of blackcurrant. Use the same amount.
What can I use instead of Crème de Cassis in a Kir?
Crème de Mûre: swap 10ml (⅓ oz) of Crème de Cassis for 10ml (⅓ oz) of Crème de Mûre.
Which Crème de Cassis brands can I use?
If you have Lejay-Lagoute Crème de Cassis, Gabriel Boudier Cassis or Giffard Cassis Noir de Bourgogne, you don't need a substitute: they are all Crème de Cassis. They differ in style and price, not in how you use them.
Does Crème de Mûre instead of Crème de Cassis change how strong the drink is?
It can. The biggest change is in the Bourbon Renewal, which goes from about 18% to about 17% ABV. The swap calculator on this page works it out for every drink.
More liqueur substitutes
Out of Crème de Cassis?
Proof knows these swaps. Tell it which bottles you have and it shows the drinks you can still make.