The Best Creme De Cassis Substitute (Including Non Alcoholic)

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Creme de cassis sounds like such a fancy liqueur, given its name.

Don’t be intimidated by the name, though, as you can easily find this low alcohol beverage in liquor stores and supermarkets!

But in case you can’t find any creme de cassis liqueur in your area, we’ve got you covered.

Check out our list of creme de cassis substitutes to add pizzazz to your favorite cocktail recipe!

Table Of Contents

Top 5 Substitutes for Creme De Cassis

Top 5 Substitutes for Creme De Cassis

The liqueur isn’t only used for cocktails and drinking on its own, a low alcohol beverage, usually containing 15% ABV.

It’s an essential part of numerous cuisines worldwide.

Many liqueur varieties complement different recipes, with creme de cassis liqueur being popular nowadays.

1. Raspberry Liqueur like Chambord

Chambord is a raspberry liqueur existing since the late 17^th century, originating from the Loire Valley of France.

This liqueur has a 16.5% ABV, made from black and red raspberries with cognac, honey, Madagascar vanilla, and Moroccan citrus peel.

Because of that, expect French notes and a fruity flavor from this raspberry liqueur.

You can use Chambord or other raspberry liqueurs in cocktails like raspberry margaritas, daiquiris, martinis, and the like.

Furthermore, Chambord is easy to find in supermarkets or liqueur stores, making it a convenient and effective substitute.

Fun Fact: You can use creme de cassis for drinks like Kir or in making desserts. Many dessert recipes call for creme de cassis, such as chocolate cakes, cheesecakes, ice cream, or pots de creme. The beverage intensifies the flavors and gives recipes a fruity flavor note!

2. Blackcurrant Syrup

While black currant syrup isn’t a liqueur, it’s an excellent non-alcoholic substitute when you want to create a mocktail or alcohol-free dish.

Blackcurrant syrup has a similar flavor to creme de cassis liqueur, making it a great substitute.

Blackcurrant syrup is very popular in Europe, providing a superb balance of intense tangy and sweet flavors.

It also comes with a mildly bitter taste that complements cocktails and makes desserts.

We recommend replacing cassis liqueur with black currant syrup in juices, cocktails, cordials, ice creams, mocktails, and the like. For every tablespoon of cassis required, use the same amount with black currant syrup.

3. Kir

There’s a drink called Kir, a cocktail made of white wine and blackcurrant liqueur (like creme de cassis liqueur).

It’s native to France, and its cuisine is widely consumed as an aperitif.

You may be able to find bottles of Kir for sale in liquor stores. Since this drink called Kir contains white wine with blackcurrant liqueur or creme de cassis liqueur, you can use this when replacing cassis liqueur. (*)

Just make sure you choose dry champagne to prevent drinks or dishes from becoming too sweet.

You can also add crushed black raspberries to enhance the berry-like taste. For every tablespoon of cassis needed, substitute using equal amounts of Kir.

Fun Fact: it is a dark red liqueur made from blackcurrants. The liqueur is made by soaking and crushing blackcurrants in alcohol, and it’s then mixed with additive sugars. It has a sweet flavor, served as a frappe or after-dinner drink in French cuisine.

4. Kirsch

Kirsch is brandy, having a clear and colorless appearance. It’s made through distilling morello cherries, which are dark, sour cherries.

That said, there are other kinds of Kirsch made from various cherries. Since Kirsch is made after fermentation, it isn’t a sweet liqueur. Instead, it has a refined flavor with mild cherry notes and bitter almond and cherry seed undertones.

You can perfectly substitute cassis liqueur with Kirsch in cocktails like Florida Ladyfingers and Roses.

It’s also an excellent alternative for making desserts like cakes, cherries, jubilee, swiss fondues, or chocolate fillings. For every tablespoon of cassis needed, substitute it with the same amount of Kirsch.

5. Make Your Own Creme de Cassis Substitute

You can make your own creme de cassis liqueur, though this will take a lot of time. It’s not a suitable substitute if you need it now, but worth trying so you have stock of this delicious liqueur.

You’ll need:

7-8 cups of black or red currants with their stems removed
5-6 cups of vodka
2 pounds of sugar
2 cups of vodka

Directions:

Fill 2-quart mason jars with currants until it’s ¾ filled. Pour the vodka over currants until the jars are almost filled, then seal your jars, allowing them to sit for 4-6 months.
Empty the fruit and vodka mixture into a saucepan, then bring it to a boil.
Strain your juice and measure it accurately. For every quart of the mixture, add one quart of sugar and one cup of vodka.
Combine everything in a saucepan and allow it to boil again, then simmer for about ten minutes, or until all the sugar is dissolved and the mixture has a syrupy consistency.
Pour the mixture into sterilized bottles or jars, then seal it. You can serve it right away or until it has cooled, but it’s better to let it sit for a few more weeks!

Fun Fact: it has existed since 1841, considered a classic. It’s generally made in France (originated in Burgundy, France), and manufactured in other countries. The word “cassis” translates to “blackcurrant” in French.

Frequently Asked Questions

Do you have more questions about crème de cassis liqueur? Learn more about it in our frequently asked questions:

What are the best crème de cassis liqueur brands?

Only a handful of brands can label themselves as the creme de cassis de Dijon: Gabriel Boudier, Lejay-Lagoute, L’Heritier-Guyot, and Edmond Briottet.

You can also opt for other French brands labeled as creme de cassis de Bourgogne, which are Trenel, Joannet, Joseph Cartron, and Vedrenne.

There are other creme de cassis liqueur brands produced in France and other parts of the world, labeled only as cassis.

We recommend getting brands like Hiram Walker, Bols, Jacquiot, and DeKuyper.

What cocktails can I make with creme de cassis or its substitutes?

You can use creme de cassis for Kir, Tequila Sunrise, or Snake Bite.

You can also consume it as a pousse-café, meaning you serve it after a meal with dessert and coffee.

What does creme de cassis taste like?

High-quality creme de cassis should have many layers of flavor than simply sugar.

Blackcurrants will add acidity to the drink, along with berry and floral notes.

Your creme de cassis liqueur should include the following ingredients: alcohol, blackcurrants, and sugar. Furthermore, the alcohol content must be 15-20%.

Unopened creme de cassis liqueur bottles can last for years if stored properly. Once opened, crème de cassis will only last for a few months in the fridge, like chilled champagne.

Is Creme de Cassis the same as Chambord?

Yes, Creme de Cassis and Chambord are both black raspberry liqueurs. They are both made from a distillation of black raspberries, but Chambord is also made with honey, vanilla, and cognac.