Asking when the Crown Royal bag became affiliated with Black households may leave people scratching their heads. The actual drink, mixed with Canadian whisky, was a gift to the queen and king of England in 1939. How it transitioned from royalty in Europe to households here is still a mystery, but there are decades of history proving the latter. Look no further than Amanda Williams’ art series “Color(ed) Theory,” in which houses were painted to reflect various cultural and colorful moments, ranging from a nod to Chicagoans and the mild sauce house (Harold’s Chicken Shack) to the purple Crown Royal bag house.

Crown Royal’s Humanitarianism

For consumers, that purple bag could actually house the liquor. However, it’s just as likely to have random items ranging from Pente pieces to sewing needles and yarn inside. Crown Royal knows its eco-friendly and cultural affiliation, too, and has used its reputation to give back.

During the pandemic, the liquor brand teamed up with Ari Lennox, Anthony Ramos, Dreamville/Interscope and Republic Records to recreate the famed Sly and the Family Stone song “If You Want Me to Stay.” For every stream of the track, Crown Royal donated funds to Main Street Alliance, a nonprofit organization committed to supporting small businesses in the United States.

In 2023, its Royal Rider program agreed to donate $100K as part of The Hats Off Grant, which was split among four cowgirls and cowboys. Those funds offered financial support to continue their rodeo career.

This is a brand that makes it easy to want to support, not just to recycle that purple, velvet bag with tchotchkes but knowing that money spent with them could end up with a larger cause.

Champagne Royale Cocktail Recipe

• 1.25 ounces of Crown Royal Black Blended Canadian Whisky
• 0.75 ounces of simple syrup
• 0.75 ounces of fresh lemon juice
• 3.5 ounces of orange juice
• 0.25 ounces of champagne
• 1 lemon wedge

Champagne Royale Cocktail Directions

Fun Fact About ‘Royale’ Versus ‘Royal’

While the word “royal” (and the color purple) are often linked to royalty, hence the color of the Crown Royal whisky bag, the term “royale” is affiliated with a few things: an egg custard dish, a ballet move and champagne.