57 Down

NYT Daily • August 31, 2025

___ royale (cocktail)

Answer:

KIR

Hint:

Not available

Explanation:

This clue is looking for a classic French cocktail made with white wine and a splash of crème de cassis (blackcurrant liqueur). The blank suggests a short word, and "KIR" fits perfectly—it’s named after Félix Kir, a former mayor of Dijon who popularized the drink. The term "royale" hints at a fancier version where champagne replaces the wine, but the base name stays the same. Think of it as the elegant cousin of a wine spritzer.

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