Cristal Seco Aguardiente

What is Cristal Seco Aguardiente?

Cristal Seco Aguardiente is an alcoholic spirit that is flavored with anise. It is made by Embotelladora Azuaya in South America and has been available for sale for about 45 years, but the traditional liquor has a much longer history. It is made using sweet sugar cane that has been sun dried and pure spring water from the Nevado Ruiz Mountains in Colombia. Cristal is perfect to use in many different mixed drinks and cocktails as well as over ice or on its own.

 

The name of the spirit is used to reference the total clearness of the original form of aguardiente, which looks exactly the same as water. Aguardiente refers to spirits that are at least 29% and no more than 60% alcohol, and translates to Fire water, or burning water. There are a few different versions of the liquor available for sale, and while aguardiente is flavorless, Cristal Seco aguardiente has the flavor of anise. Cristal Seco is triple filtered, extra dry, flavorless, and is about 65-proof.

 

Sometimes the flavored spirit may be incorrectly referred to as rum by many people. There are a number of classic cocktails that you can make with Cristal Seco aguardiente in order to give them an interesting flavor twist. Try creating the Cristal Jelly Bean which has one and a half ounces of Cristal Seco Aguardiente and half an ounce of Chambord. Serve over ice in a chilled glass.

 

You may also like a Cristal Mojito, if you enjoy the classic recipe for mojitos. You will need two ounce of Cristal Seco, one ounce of lime juice, two ounces of simple syrup, two ounces of club soda and some mint leaves. Put the mint leaves, lime juice and simple syrup in a tall glass. Muddle the ingredients together in the glass to crush the mint. Fill the glass with ice and then add the Cristal and club soda. Stir to mix all ingredients. Drink and enjoy!