Red Snapper
A popular, smooth shooter that balances the distinct vanilla and oak notes of Crown Royal Canadian whisky with the nutty sweetness of amaretto and the tartness of cranberry juice. Despite sharing a name with the gin-based Bloody Mary variation, this version is strictly for the party crowd, designed to be shaken cold and enjoyed quickly.
What it tastes like
The aroma is dominated by sweet toasted almond and vanilla from the amaretto and Canadian whisky. On the palate, the syrupy nuttiness is balanced by the sharp acidity of cranberry juice, creating a medium-bodied texture. The finish is short and clean, leaving a lingering tartness and a mild oak warmth.
Flavour profile
Ingredients
- Crown Royal Canadian Whisky1 oz
- Amaretto1 oz
- Cranberry Juice1 oz
Preparation
- 1
Fill a cocktail shaker with ice.
- 2
Pour the Crown Royal, Amaretto, and cranberry juice into the shaker.
- 3
Shake vigorously for 10-15 seconds to chill and dilute slightly.
- 4
Strain the mixture into an Old Fashioned glass.
- 5
Serve immediately, intended to be consumed as a shooter.
Substitutions
- Crown Royal Canadian WhiskyBourbon — Bourbon introduces more charred oak and caramel notes, making the drink slightly bolder.
- AmarettoHazelnut Liqueur — This swap replaces the marzipan flavor with a toasted, earthy nuttiness.
- Cranberry JuicePomegranate Juice — Pomegranate adds a more tannic mouthfeel and a deeper, darker fruit profile.
Variations
Spiced Snapper
Add two dashes of aromatic bitters to the shaker to introduce notes of clove and cinnamon.
Snapper Collins
Strain the mixture into a tall glass over fresh ice and top with club soda for a carbonated, long-drink version.