This is a huge Father’s Day for me, mostly because this is my first as a dad myself. Last Father’s day I shared a steak dinner and a bottle of a Crown Royal that was part of their Noble Collection with my amazing step-father, and it was a day to remember. This year however is on an entirely different playing field due to the recent birth of my beautiful and precious daughter just two weeks ago. The world wholly changes when your hold your new child for the first time and after we got home and settled I decided to unwind and celebrate this truly life-changing event with Crown Royal Texas Mesquite.
Crown Royal Texas Mesquite uses the superb Crown Royal Deluxe Canadian Whisky as its base and infuses it with locally sourced Texas mesquite wood; the result is an exceptionally smooth drinking whisky paired with an almost fiery smoky undercarriage. I first had the Crown Royal Texas Mesquite neat and was met with a nose that is dominated by a fierce smokey soul with hints of mild vanilla intertwined with BBQ spiciness. Just like the nose suggests the palette is initially dominated by mesquite that has undeniable tones of oak, but that quickly gives way to more subtle hints of caramel and vanilla that the delicious Crown Royal Deluxe base brings to the table. Crown Royal Texas Mesquite finishes just as you would expect; dominated by an interesting and novel smokiness but also with an extremely smooth and forthcoming finish.
As good as Crown Royal Texas Mesquite is on its own it truly shines as part of a minimalist yet distinctive cocktail, these are the ones I recommend.
Texas Mesquite Old Fashioned
- 1.5 oz. Crown Royal Texas Mesquite
- ½ teaspoon of wildflower honey
- Dash of orange bitters
Add honey to a rocks glass and top with Crown Royal Texas Mesquite. Stir for 30 seconds to mix in the honey, then add ice. Add a dash of orange bitters and stir again. Garnish with an orange peel and/or mint sprig.
This take on the classic Old Fashioned gives multidimensionality to a classic favorite. The mesquite smokiness changes the flavor profile a bit but leaves what makes the Old Fashioned great intact. The Texas Mesquite Old Fashioned pairs best with grilled, smoked, and barbecued red meat.
Texas Mesquite Mule
- 1.5 oz. Crown Royal Texas Mesquite
- ½ oz. lemon juice
- ½ oz. agave syrup
- 4 oz. Ginger Beer
Combine Crown Royal Texas Mesquite, lemon juice and agave syrup in a shaker. Strain over ice and top with ginger beer. Garnish with a lemon wheel, lime, or slice of candied ginger.
This ultra-easy cocktail option is best enjoyed outside during a sweltering outdoor party or BBQ. This Mule is amazingly refreshing, surprisingly light, and crisp so it pairs extremely well with grilled hardy vegetables.
For this father’s day slow down, lock yourself in the home office or parlor, and enjoy a glass or two of Crown Royal Texas Mesquite. You deserve it.