Royal Flush Drink

The Royal Flush drink mixes Crown Royal whisky with cranberry juice and peach schnapps for a refreshing sweet-tart cocktail. Here’s how to make this easy drink at home, plus a Royal Flush shot variation.

Looking for a way to use Crown Royal whiskey? Try the Royal Flush, a fun drink that pairs sweet tart cranberry with the vanilla, brown sugar and oaky notes of Crown Royal. Add fruity peach schnapps, and it’s a refreshing, sweet-tart way to drink your whiskey.

As a cocktail expert I like balanced drinks, so I’ve created my own spin on this cocktail so it’s interesting and sophisticated, not overly sweet. Here’s how to make it!

What’s in a Royal Flush Drink?

The Royal Flush drink is a cocktail made with Crown Royal whiskey, cranberry juice, and peach schnapps. It’s named after the highest possible poker hand: ace, king, queen, jack, and ten in the same suit, making it an apt drink for card playing.

Some recipes include Chambord, a black raspberry liqueur, but the original recipe doesn’t include it and the flavors work without the extra liqueur. Here’s what you’ll need for the Royal Flush drink:

Crown Royal whisky: the smooth Canadian whisky the drink is based around
100% unsweetened cranberry juice: I like using unsweetened for color and an ultra-tart flavor
Peach schnapps: to infuse fruity, peach-forward flavor
Simple syrup: just a touch (only if you’re using unsweetened cranberry juice)
Club soda (optional): for a little fizz

Use 100% Unsweetened Cranberry Juice

I like using 100% unsweetened cranberry juice in all our cranberry cocktails. Sweetened cranberry juice, aka cranberry juice cocktail, has lots of added sugar. These days you can find bottes marked with 100% juice or “unsweetened” cranberry juice.

The unsweetened juice brings balance and a bright color. The tartness of the cranberry is a great antidote to the fruity peach. It also makes a drink that’s a vibrant, bright red. Since it comes out very tart, I added a hint of simple syrup to balance it out. If you can only find sweetened cranberry juice, omit this!

A Little About Crown Royal Whisky

This Canadian whisky was introduced in 1939: it was a tribute to the royal tour of Canada of King George VI and Queen Elizabeth. It was available only in Canada until 1964, then introduced in the US in the 1960’s. Some people consider Canadian whisky at the lower strata of the whiskey world, but it’s very popular and can make a mean drink.

You can use any type of Crown Royal in this drink. There are lots of flavor variations that could work, like Apple, Peach, Vanilla, Black, and so forth. We wouldn’t recommend using the Maple Crown Royal here, though: its flavor is overpowering.

About Peach Schnapps

Peach schnapps is a type of schnapps made by adding peach flavoring to a clear grain spirit. It was introduced in 1984 by DeKuyper, and quickly became the top selling schnapps in America. The flavor is intensely fruity and peach-forward, making it great for adding flavor.

Once you’ve used it for the Royal Flush, a few more peach schnapps cocktails are the Fuzzy Navel (with orange juice), the Peach Martini (with vodka), and my Peach Bourbon Cocktail.

How to Make It a Royal Flush Shot

Want to make a Royal Flush shot instead of a tall drink? It’s the same flavor in a smaller, stronger pour. Here’s what to do:

Use the same three spirits in equal parts: Use ¾ oz Crown Royal, ½ oz peach schnapps, and ¾ oz cranberry juice. Shake briefly with ice, and strain into a shot glass.
Skip the simple syrup and the soda. A Royal Flush shot is boozier than the cocktail, so make sure to drink responsibly.

When To Serve a Royal Flush Drink

The Royal Flush drink is a fruity, intriguing whiskey drink that’s great for a game night or anytime! Serve it as a:

Dinner party drink
Cocktail night drink
Guys night or girls night drink
Late night drink