Prepare Your Berries: If using fresh berries, rinse them thoroughly. Hull strawberries and halve or quarter larger ones. You can leave smaller berries whole. If using frozen berries, there is no need to thaw them beforehand.

Combine Ingredients (Except Crown Royal and Vanilla): In a medium saucepan, combine the prepared berries, granulated sugar, water, and lemon juice. Stir gently to mix everything.

Simmer to Perfection: Place the saucepan over medium heat. Bring the mixture to a gentle simmer, then reduce the heat to low. Let it simmer for 10-15 minutes, stirring occasionally. The berries will soften and release their juices, creating a rich sauce. The compote should thicken slightly. For a smoother compote, you can mash some of the berries with the back of a spoon.

Remove from Heat and Infuse: Once your compote reaches your desired consistency, remove it from the heat. Now, stir in your chosen Crown Royal whisky and, if using, the vanilla extract. The heat of the compote helps to slightly mellow the alcohol while leaving behind its incredible flavor.

Cool and Serve: Allow the compote to cool slightly before serving. As it cools, the flavors will meld beautifully and the compote will thicken further.