Crown Royal Old Fashioned

Crown Royal Old Fashioned is a ready-to-drink canned cocktail from Crown Royal, listed here as a United States product from Massachusetts. The can holds the finished drink, so there's nothing to muddle, stir or measure. The label doesn't tell us the ABV, the sweetener or the bitters, so treat anything below about flavor as what drinks in this style usually deliver, not as a measured profile. An Old Fashioned is a spirit-forward drink built on whiskey, a little sugar and aromatic bitters, often finished with citrus oils. Expect a canned version to lean toward whisky warmth, a light sweetness and a faint bitter-spice edge, with orange or cherry notes in the background. It's closer to a stirred, slow-sipping cocktail than a spritzy seltzer, so don't look for bright fizz or a tart, juicy profile. Crown Royal is a Canadian-whisky brand, which suggests a smoother, rounder base than a rye-heavy or high-proof bourbon Old Fashioned. The can doesn't state that, though, so check the label if the whisky character matters to you. Chill the can thoroughly before opening. Cold tames sweetness and keeps the whisky from tasting hot. For the best result, pour it over a large ice cube or a few solid cubes in a rocks glass. The ice dilutes the drink slowly, and the wide glass lets the aroma come forward. An orange peel twisted over the glass and dropped in is a simple garnish that suits the style. If you're outdoors or on the move, drinking it straight from the cold can works fine. Because it's a still cocktail, there's no pressure to manage, but pouring over ice usually tastes better than drinking it at room temperature. The style pairs well with food that has some smoke, salt or fat. Think grilled steak, burgers, barbecue ribs, smoked sausage, aged cheddar, roasted nuts or a dark-chocolate dessert. The can format also suits tailgates, campsite fires, cabin weekends and backyard cookouts, anywhere a stirred cocktail would be welcome but a bar setup isn't practical. It's also an easy way to have a single Old Fashioned on hand without buying a bottle of whisky, bitters and sugar.