FROM THE WIRES...
With summer winding down and Labor Day quickly approaching, cocktail drinkers will be on the lookout for interesting new libations with which to close out the season and ring in fall. Marrying the clarity and smoothness of a Blanco tequila with the depth and complexity of an Añejo Tequila, 1800 Cristalino Tequila remains the perfect tequila with which to toast the coming of fall. Aged in new American and French oak barrels before being finished in port wine casks, 1800 Cristalino Tequila ($68, ReserveBar) offers notes of oak, vanilla, citrus, and its crisp finish makes it the perfect expression to enjoy in the below Labor Day/fall transitional cocktails.
1800 Cristalino Negroni
1 oz. 1800 Cristalino
1 oz. strawberry-infused Campari*
¾ oz. sweet vermouth
¼ oz. coffee liqueur
2 drops of Mexican mole bitters
Directions: Combine all ingredients in a mixing glass and mix well. Strain over a large ice cube in a double rocks glass. Top with orange zest and shaved mexican chocolate
*Strawberry-infused Campari can be made by combining Campari and strawberries in a quart container and letting sit for 24 hours.