Last Updated on: 22nd January 2024, 01:45 pm
J Highland
J Highland is a certified sommelier with 30 years in the liquor industry, owning a pub, a liquor store, and moonlighting as an agave spirits distiller.
In this post, I share my expert approach to drinking 1800 Cristalino Tequila.
Written by: J Highland
Best Way to Drink 1800 Cristalino Tequila
“1800 Cristalino offers a pleasant experience when sipped neat and better when adding ice, enhancing its smoothness.”, suggests Tequila expert Neil Coleman.
It’s not the best choice for cocktail mixology, given the myriad of more suitable alternatives.
This Tequila’s sweetness and the unique character derived from former port casks make it accessible, albeit not particularly complex or rich in agave flavor.
It goes down easily without any harshness, appealing to those who favor a milder, sweeter liquor.
Related: Top Cristalino Tequila
On the Rocks
When serving 1800 Cristalino over ice, it’s best to use large cubes.
Their slower melting rate minimizes dilution, which is particularly important for this Tequila, bottled at a modest 80-proof (40% ABV).
Adding too much water can overly dilute the spirit, muting its flavors and rendering the drink somewhat flat.
Tequila Shots
While Cristalino can be enjoyed as a shot, its nuances are best appreciated slowly.
For those who prefer shots, 1800 Silver serves as a more traditional and cost-effective choice.
Selecting Glassware
A whiskey rocks glass is ideal for 1800 Cristalino, enhancing the tasting experience with its design that emphasizes aroma and flavor.
For a touch of elegance, a Riedel glass is perfect, while shot glasses are better reserved for less refined Tequilas.
Taste Experience
The nose is pleasantly smooth, featuring a whisper of vanilla alongside an anise-like undertone.
On tasting, a pronounced cherry essence leads, accompanied by vanilla, a whisper of oak, and a gentle black pepper nuance.
It concludes swiftly, imparting a satisfying sweetness and a black pepper trace, without any enduring heat.
Cocktails
1800 Silver makes a better choice to make cocktails but if you want to try it in a mixed drink here are some ideas for you to consider:
- Cristalino Margarita: Replace your standard Tequila with Cristalino for a crystal-clear margarita that’s as smooth as it is visually striking.
- Cristalino & Tonic: A simple highball with a twist; the tonic’s quinine complements Cristalino’s subtle sweetness, offering a refreshing and modern take on Tequila.
Food Pairings
The flavor profile of 1800 Cristalino pairs wonderfully with:
- Seafood Ceviche: The zest and freshness of the dish complement the tequila’s bright notes.
- Smoked Salmon: The smokiness mirrors the oak’s influence on Cristalino.
- Grilled Pineapple: A sweet and tangy partner, echoing the tequila’s subtle sweetness.
- Caprese Salad: The basil and tomato provide an earthy counterbalance to the spirit’s crispness.
- Dark Chocolate: A sliver of high-cacao chocolate can highlight Cristalino’s vanilla undertones.
Storage
Keep your Cristalino well:
- Storage: Upright in a cool, shaded place to preserve its clarity and flavor.
- Sealing: Always seal tightly post-use.
- Consumption: While it doesn’t degrade, savor your Cristalino sooner rather than later to enjoy its peak profile.