By 
So many moments in life deserve celebrating. Your best friend's engagement, your father's milestone birthday, a Tuesday afternoon—all are worthy of a toast. And special times call for a special beverage, something exceptional to fill the glass you're raising to mark the moment. I say: Toast with tequila. It's just the right spirit to get you in the spirit.
When it comes to selecting which tequila to toast with, I turn to Tequila Don Ramón Platinium Cristalino Añejo, which has long been a top choice in its native Jalisco, Mexico. Though añejo tequila is usually known for its deep amber color and sharp woody flavor, this cristalino expression from Casa Don Ramón is nearly clear (thus the name), with a smoother finish than its traditional cousin's. To achieve these characteristics, this spirit is double-distilled and aged in American and French oak barrels for 12 months, before undergoing a complex filtration process that removes much of the harsher notes and color. The result is a super-smooth tequila with its own uniquely rich, voluptuous mouthfeel and a buttery, aromatic flavor. It's equally sippable on its own or in cocktails, making it the perfect toasting spirit. Here are three of my favorite ways to enjoy this approachable yet complex spirit:
Neat.
For a change of pace from Champagne, I like Tequila Don Ramón Platinium Cristalino Añejo served in a tequila flute. Shorter and narrower than a Champagne flute, this glass has tall, thin walls that best capture the liquor's aromas—inhale them before you sip, and take in the notes of vanilla, cacao, and cinnamon. Then savor the hint of spice on the palate and let the gentle woody finish hit the roof of your mouth.
Over Ice.
Sometimes a toasting moment calls for a little tequila on ice. I like to place a large ice cube in your favorite glassware (smaller crushed ice will overly water down your drink) and top with a generous pour of Tequila Don Ramón Platinium Cristalino Añejo. The high-quality glass highlights the unique color, encouraging you to linger over your drink's flavor profile after the toasting is done.
Mixed.
Like many other fine spirits that are superb on their own, this cristalino tequila also makes for a mighty fine mixed drink. Since tequila is grown from blue agave, I often sweeten my margaritas with agave nectar. It's a fitting nod to Tequila Don Ramón Platinium Cristalino Añejo's Jalisco-grown ingredients—and the sweetness of the agave nectar mirrors the subtly sweet, slightly fruity flavor that blue agave brings forth in the tequila, inspiring multiple rounds of both sipping and toasting.
Salud. Santé. Salute. Prost. L'chaim. However you say it, you'll want to toast with Casa Don Ramón.
