creme de cassis: meaning, definition, pronunciation and examples
LowFormal, culinary
Quick answer
What does “creme de cassis” mean?
A sweet, dark red liqueur made from blackcurrants.
Audio
Pronunciation
Definition
Meaning and Definition
A sweet, dark red liqueur made from blackcurrants.
The liqueur used as a drink or cocktail ingredient, especially in the classic French cocktail Kir.
Dialectal Variation
British vs American Usage
Differences
The term is equally recognized but likely more encountered in UK contexts due to closer culinary ties to France. The American term 'blackcurrant liqueur' is a potential but less common alternative.
Connotations
In both regions, it carries connotations of sophistication, French cuisine, and classic cocktails. In the UK, it may be more readily associated with the everyday drink 'Kir'.
Frequency
Slightly higher frequency in UK English in food and drink writing, but remains a specialist term in both varieties.
Grammar
How to Use “creme de cassis” in a Sentence
[Drink] is made WITH creme de cassis.The cocktail CONSISTS OF champagne and creme de cassis.He POURED a measure of creme de cassis.Vocabulary
Collocations
Usage
Meaning in Context
Business
Rare, except in the business of spirits import/export, hospitality, or restaurant supply.
Academic
Very rare outside specific historical or cultural studies of food and drink.
Everyday
Used when ordering or discussing cocktails (e.g., a Kir) or in gourmet cooking contexts.
Technical
Used in bartending/mixology and professional culinary contexts as a specific ingredient.
Vocabulary
Synonyms of “creme de cassis”
Neutral
Weak
Watch out
Common Mistakes When Using “creme de cassis”
- Misspelling as 'cream de cassis', 'creme de casis', or 'creme de cassise'.
- Pronouncing 'cassis' with a hard 'c' (like 'cat') instead of a soft 'c' (like 'see').
- Confusing it with 'creme de menthe' (mint liqueur) or 'creme de cacao' (chocolate liqueur).
FAQ
Frequently Asked Questions
Yes, it is a liqueur, typically containing 15-20% alcohol by volume.
Yes, you can find or make non-alcoholic 'blackcurrant cordial' or syrup, but it will not be true creme de cassis, which is defined as a liqueur.
A Kir is made with white wine and creme de cassis. A Kir Royale uses Champagne or another sparkling wine instead of still white wine.
It is not strictly necessary due to the alcohol and sugar content, but refrigeration can help preserve its flavour for longer.
A sweet, dark red liqueur made from blackcurrants.
Creme de cassis is usually formal, culinary in register.
Creme de cassis: in British English it is pronounced /ˌkrem də ˈkæsiː/, and in American English it is pronounced /ˌkrem də kæˈsiːs/. Tap the audio buttons above to hear it.
Learning
Memory Aids
Mnemonic
Think: CREME = creamy liqueur, DE = of (French), CASSIS = sounds like 'cass-is' – remember it's made from blackcurrants, which are sometimes just called 'cassis' in French.
Conceptual Metaphor
LUXURY/REFINEMENT IS A FRENCH LIQUEUR (e.g., 'The evening was finished with a touch of creme de cassis').
Practice
Quiz
What is 'creme de cassis' primarily made from?