Crown and Ginger
The Crown and Ginger is a quintessential two-ingredient cocktail that highlights the delicate balance between its components. The smooth, mellow profile of Crown Royal, with its hints of vanilla and fruit, is perfectly complemented by the zesty, warming spice of ginger ale. Served over ice in a highball glass and often garnished with a lime wedge, it's an incredibly refreshing, easy-drinking, and consistently popular choice in bars worldwide. Its appeal lies in its simplicity, accessibility, and the satisfying way the flavors meld together.
Preparation
Preparation time: 2 minutes
Preparation time
Difficulty
Drink Classification
The Crown and Ginger is a classic highball, a category of mixed alcoholic drinks that consist of a base spirit and a larger proportion of a non-alcoholic mixer. It is a simple and popular type of cocktail served over ice in a tall glass.
Serving
Serve this cold drink in a tall Highball glass filled with ice to maintain its refreshing chill and carbonation. The alcohol content is relatively mild, making it a pleasant and easy-sipping cocktail.
Serving size
Approximately 240-300 ml / 8-10 oz
Alcohol content
Approximately 10-13% ABV
Alcohol strength
Serving temperature
Cold
Glass type
Highball
Glass treatment
None
Backstory
There is no single creator or specific origin story for the Crown and Ginger; rather, it evolved naturally as a popular bar call. Crown Royal Canadian Whisky was introduced in 1939 and gained immense popularity in the United States over the following decades. As with many popular spirits, drinkers began mixing it with common sodas, and the pairing with ginger ale proved to be a particularly harmonious and enduring combination that is now a staple.
Origin
This drink's origin is not tied to a specific date or place, but its popularity grew in Canada and the United States during the mid-to-late 20th century, parallel to the rise of its namesake whisky, Crown Royal.
Crown and Ginger
The drink is most commonly known as "Crown and Ginger," a straightforward name describing its two primary ingredients. It is also frequently ordered by its full name, "Crown Royal and Ginger Ale," which specifies the brand of Canadian whisky used.
Original name
Crown and Ginger
Alternative name
Crown Royal and Ginger Ale
Characteristics overview
The Crown and Ginger offers a balanced flavor profile of sweet whisky and spicy ginger, with a bubbly, refreshing texture. Its aroma is inviting, and it leaves a clean, warming aftertaste, making it a perfect year-round highball.
Flavor
Sweet, Spicy Ginger, Vanilla, Light Oak, Crisp
Aroma
Ginger, Lime, Grain, Subtle Caramel
Taste balance
Sweet, Spicy
Aftertaste
Clean, Warming, Ginger Spice
Fizziness
Bubbly, Carbonated
Color appearance
Golden Amber, Clear, Bubbly
Texture
Light, Crisp, Effervescent
Seasonality
Refreshing, Year-round
Flavor intensity & Experience
The flavor is moderately intense, led by the sweetness of the ginger ale and whisky, balanced by a pleasant ginger spice and lively carbonation. The alcohol presence is gentle rather than overpowering.
Sweetness
Saltiness
Sourness
Bitterness
Spiciness
Fruitiness
Creaminess
Carbonation
Ingredients
This simple highball requires just two main ingredients: Crown Royal Canadian Whisky and ginger ale. The quality of both ingredients will directly impact the final taste of the drink.
- Crown Royal Canadian Whisky60 ml / 2 ozSpecifically calls for Crown Royal for its signature smooth profile, but other Canadian whiskies can be substituted.
- Ginger Ale120-180 ml / 4-6 oz, to topUse a quality ginger ale; the final taste depends heavily on it. The amount can be adjusted to taste.
Ice type
- Cubed
Mixing equipments
No special equipment is needed; the drink is built directly in the serving glass. A long bar spoon is helpful for a gentle stir that combines the ingredients without losing carbonation.
- Highball Glass: For building and serving the drink.
- Bar Spoon: For gently stirring the ingredients after mixing.
Instructions
Preparation is incredibly simple: build the drink directly in an ice-filled highball glass by adding the whisky, topping with ginger ale, giving it a quick stir, and adding a lime garnish.
1. Fill a highball glass to the top with ice cubes.
2. Pour 2 oz (60 ml) of Crown Royal Canadian Whisky over the ice.
3. Top the glass with 4-6 oz (120-180 ml) of chilled ginger ale.
4. Give the drink a very gentle stir with a bar spoon to combine the ingredients.
5. Garnish with a fresh lime wedge or wheel.
Garnishing
A lime wedge or wheel is the classic garnish, adding a bright citrus aroma and a touch of acidity that cuts through the sweetness and enhances the ginger notes.
- Lime Wedge or Wheel: Squeeze a wedge over the drink and drop it in, or place a wheel on the rim.
Dietary Information
This drink is generally considered vegan and free from common allergens like dairy, eggs, nuts, and soy. While distilled from grain, Crown Royal whisky is considered gluten-free, making the cocktail suitable for those with gluten sensitivities.
✓ Contains alcohol
✓ Caffeine-free
✓ Dairy-free
✓ Egg-free
✓ Soy-free
✓ Nut-free
✓ Gluten-free
✓ Vegan-friendly
✓ Vegetarian-friendly
Nutrition information
The cocktail has a moderate calorie count, with nearly all carbohydrates and sugars coming from the ginger ale. Using a diet or zero-sugar ginger ale can significantly reduce these values.
Calories
Averagely 160-190 kcal / 670-795 kJ
Calories level
Carbohydrates
Averagely 12-18 g
Carbohydrate level
Sugar
Averagely 12-18 g
Sugar level
Occasions
This is a versatile drink suitable for almost any casual occasion, from a relaxed evening at home to a lively party or happy hour with friends. Its refreshing and straightforward nature makes it an excellent choice for social gatherings where simplicity is appreciated.
- Happy Hour
- Casual Gatherings
- Parties
- Watching Sports
- Relaxing at Home
Pairing suggestions
The Crown and Ginger's sweet and spicy profile pairs well with a wide range of casual and savory foods. It's an excellent companion for salty bar snacks like pretzels and nuts, and it can also stand up to heartier fare like BBQ, burgers, and spicy chicken wings, as its sweetness and carbonation help cleanse the palate.
- Salty Snacks (pretzels, chips, nuts)
- Chicken Wings
- Burgers and Sandwiches
- Barbecue
Crown and Ginger: The Effortlessly Royal Highball
The Crown and Ginger is the epitome of an effortless yet satisfying cocktail. Its beauty lies in the simple, perfect marriage of smooth Canadian whisky and spicy ginger ale, creating a drink that is both refreshing and full of character. It requires no complex techniques or ingredients, making it accessible to everyone and perfect for any casual setting. Garnished with a squeeze of lime, it becomes a crisp, balanced, and endlessly drinkable highball that has rightfully earned its place as a bar-call classic.
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