Crown Royal substitutes
The closest substitute for Crown Royal is Rye Whiskey, which works but the drink will taste a little different. More spice and body. Bourbon and Irish Whiskey also work.
What to use instead of Crown Royal
| Substitute | How much | Strength | Typical drink |
|---|---|---|---|
Rye WhiskeyWorks, tastes different More spice and body. Same amount | Same amount | 40–50% ABV | +1 point |
BourbonWorks, tastes different Sweeter and fuller. Same amount | Same amount | 40–50% ABV | +1 point |
Irish WhiskeyWorks, tastes different Similarly light and smooth. Same amount | Same amount | 40–46% ABV | About the same |
Almost the same: most people won’t notice. Works, tastes different: still a good drink, just a different one. Last resort: better than skipping the drink. Typical drink: the usual change in ABV, in percentage points, across the drinks below.
Swap it in your drink
Pick a substitute to see how much to pour in each drink with Crown Royal, how strong the drink ends up and when to adjust the sugar.
- Duck Fart
15ml (½ oz) Crown Royal → 15ml (½ oz) Rye Whiskey
About 26% ABV → about 27% ABV+1 point
- Ottawa Apple
45ml (1½ oz) Crown Royal → 45ml (1½ oz) Rye Whiskey
About 14% ABV → about 15% ABV+1 point
- Washington Apple
15ml (½ oz) Crown Royal → 15ml (½ oz) Rye Whiskey
About 14% ABV → about 15% ABV+1 point
- Water Moccasin
15ml (½ oz) Crown Royal → 15ml (½ oz) Rye Whiskey
About 15% ABV → about 16% ABV+1 point
- Vegas Bomb
15ml (½ oz) Crown Royal → 15ml (½ oz) Rye Whiskey
Same strength
How they compare
| Property | Crown Royal | Rye Whiskey |
|---|---|---|
| Strength | 40% ABV | 40–50% ABV |
| Taste | Smooth, Vanilla, Caramel sweetness, Light oak, Fruit | Spicy, Peppery, Dried fruit, Herbal, Oak |
| Aroma | Vanilla, Light oak, Caramel, Fruit, Subtle rye spice | Spice, Pepper, Caraway, Citrus, Oak |
| Finish | Smooth, Warm, Light spice, Medium | Dry, Spicy, Long, Warming |
| Property | Crown Royal | Bourbon |
|---|---|---|
| Strength | 40% ABV | 40–50% ABV |
| Taste | Smooth, Vanilla, Caramel sweetness, Light oak, Fruit | Sweet corn, Vanilla, Caramel, Oak, Gentle spice |
| Aroma | Vanilla, Light oak, Caramel, Fruit, Subtle rye spice | Vanilla, Caramel, Oak, Corn sweetness, Baking spices |
| Finish | Smooth, Warm, Light spice, Medium | Warm, Sweet, Medium to long, Oak tannins |
What is Crown Royal?
Crown Royal is a Canadian blended whisky known for its smooth, approachable character and iconic purple bag. A staple for shots and mixed drinks.
Got Crown Royal? It also replaces
Questions about Crown Royal substitutes
What is the best substitute for Crown Royal?
Rye Whiskey is the closest substitute for Crown Royal, though the drink will taste a little different. More spice and body. Use the same amount.
What can I use instead of Crown Royal in an Ottawa Apple?
Rye Whiskey: swap 45ml (1½ oz) of Crown Royal for 45ml (1½ oz) of Rye Whiskey. It ends up about 15% ABV instead of about 14% (before the ice melts).
Does Rye Whiskey instead of Crown Royal change how strong the drink is?
It can. The biggest change is in the Duck Fart, which goes from about 26% to about 27% ABV. The swap calculator on this page works it out for every drink.
More spirit substitutes
Out of Crown Royal?
Proof knows these swaps. Tell it which bottles you have and it shows the drinks you can still make.