McCormick Just Announced Its 2026 Flavor of the Year (Here’s What It Actually Tastes Like)

In season three of Emily in Paris, the characters drink a simple but elegant cocktail called a kir royale. It’s a mixture of champagne and creme de cassis, and it has a beautiful ruby red glow. The internet went nuts for the drink, and now you can even buy ready-to-drink versions of the cocktail.

A personal favorite liqueur of mine, creme de cassis was thrust into the spotlight with its starring role in Emily in Paris. Since then, it’s become a staple on bar carts in the United States. Similar to Chambord, creme de cassis is a berry-flavored liqueur made with black currant, which McCormick has named its 2026 Flavor of the Year.

You might also recognize the scent of black currant if you happen to be a candle fan. It’s one of the fragrant notes in the cult favorite Diptyque Baies candle, alongside rose. There’s a reason why the Baies scent is Diptyque’s best-selling candle—who doesn’t love roses and berries?

It truly doesn’t get easier than combining two simple ingredients to make something delicious, rewarding, and special, whether it’s a cocktail or a candle. And I think that's a big part of why McCormick named black currant as the flavor of the year. Black currant gets along with everyone, but still feels really fancy.

What’s special about black currant is that it’s a very balanced fruit. It looks like a blueberry but is the color of a blackberry. It’s not as sweet as a raspberry, and not as tart as a cranberry. It’s so versatile and easygoing. 

When it comes to cooking, everyone is looking for low-fuss, high-reward recipes that don’t compromise on flavor. 2025’s biggest recipe was arguably the viral hot honey beef bowl, which is proof of exactly that. Black currant packs a punch, but will never overshadow any other ingredients you use. A black currant sauce drizzled over braised cabbage would make the perfect holiday side.

Think of your friend who doesn’t care if you go out for a night on the town or chill at home eating pizza—they’re just happy to spend quality time with you. That’s how I imagine black currants in the food community. And I think that’s exactly the kind of energy we should all bring into 2026. So pour yourself a kir royale!