Crown and Coke (Level Up a Classic)

Here’s how to make Crown and Coke, one of the easiest Crown Royal cocktails there is! Here’s the ratio to use and a few tricks to step it up.

Got a bottle of Crown Royal whisky? Here’s the easiest way to make it into a cocktail: make Crown and Coke! This variation on the popular rum and Coke might sound simple, but it tastes even better than the sum of its parts. The sweet caramel of cola is a fitting match for Crown Royal with its vanilla, brown sugar, and oaky notes. It might be considered low-brow by some, but with the right ratio and a few tips, it’s a legit Crown Royal cocktail!

Looking for another popular cocktail with Crown? Try the Royal Flush.

Get the ratio right

Here’s how to make the best Crown and Coke recipe: use the right ratio! It’s easy to mix up a version of this drink that’s too heavy on the Coke. Use the right ratio to get just the right flavor combination. The perfect Crown and Coke ratio is:

• 2 ounces of Crown Royal whisky to 4 ounces of cola or
• 1 part Crown to 2 parts cola

Of course, if you prefer a stronger drink, you can up the ratio by another ½ ounce or even 1 ounce of Crown Royal. This is the standard I follow, and you can customize your drink from there.

Use lemon to add brightness

Most rum and Coke or Crown and Coke recipes don’t require lemon juice, but I’ve found it’s absolutely necessary for the flavor. The sweetness of the cola can be overwhelming, so a squeeze of lemon cuts the sweetness with acidity.

Use the juice from 1 lemon wedge (1 teaspoon), or go up to ½ ounce of fresh lemon juice (1 tablespoon). You can taste the difference!

Crown Royal cocktail variations

You can make endless varieties of Crown Royal cocktails by varying the type of Crown! This Canadian whisky was introduced in 1939 as a tribute to the royal tour of Canada of King George VI and Queen Elizabeth. (This is a fact The Crown fans will certainly appreciate!)

It was available only in Canada until 1964, then introduced in the U.S. in the 1960s. Here are a few recommended types of Crown Royal to use in this drink:

• Apple Crown Royal: Crisp tart undertones
• Peach Crown Royal: Fruity sweetness
• Vanilla Crown Royal: Warm smoothness
• Black Crown Royal: Bold and flavorful (The whisky is aged in charred oak barrels.)

I recommend avoiding Crown Royal Maple. It had such a strong maple flavor that it overpowers any drink you add it to!

More Coke cocktails

There are many ways to vary this very simple drink concept! The Rum and Coke was introduced in the 1900s, and it’s become one of the most popular drinks around the world. You can mix cola with just about any type of alcohol, though. Here are some ideas:

• Rum for Rum and Coke or Cuba Libre
• Jack Daniels for Jack and Coke
• Any whiskey or bourbon for Whiskey and Coke
• Red wine for a Kalimotxo (Use equal parts wine and Coke.)
• Gin for Gin and Coke
• Vodka for Vodka and Coke
• Tequila for Tequila and Coke
• Hennessy for Hennessy and Coke (Use 1.5 ounces of Hennessy to 4 ounces of Coke.)

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