An Old Cuban Cocktail is a bubbly, minty rum drink with a splash of champagne and bitters. Inspired by the mojito, this modern classic is a must-try!
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An Old Cuban Cocktail Recipe
The Old Cuban Cocktail was created by Audrey Saunders in 2001 at a New York restaurant called Beacon. Since then it has become a highly popular cocktail and a contemporary classic. This drink is on the list of the International Bartender Association’s IBA official cocktails, which includes all the classic cocktails.
Saunders is a bartending legend and is the creator of many other modern classic cocktails. She is known for her love of the classics and genius re-inventions of them.
This masterpiece cocktail is inspired by a traditional mojito but with a few unique characteristics that take this drink to a different level. You can think of it as a combination of two classic cocktails: The Mojito and The French 75.
It’s refreshingly minty with an added complexity from the bitters and the vanilla and coconut notes that the aged rum provides. All those tasty flavors are topped with a luxurious splash of bubbles to make this drink a perfect summertime sipper.
Another delicious twist on a traditional mojito is our EASY MANGO MOJITO RECIPE! It's definitely a must-try!
Ingredients in an Old Cuban Cocktail
This tasty drink is made with a few simple ingredients that combine to create a well-balanced cocktail that is full of zesty, minty flavor. You will need the following ingredients to make an Old Cuban:
- Fresh mint. Sprigs of fresh mint add lots of flavor and aroma to this cocktail.
- Lime juice. Fresh is always best when making cocktails.
- Simple syrup. You can use a storebought or homemade 1:1 simple syrup for this recipe. We have a recipe for simple syrup HERE if you are looking to make your own!
- Aged rum (aka golden rum). Aged rum has a much more nuanced flavor in comparison to white rum, which is what a traditional mojito uses. Aging rum for a few years gives it a complex flavor with notes of vanilla, coconut, almond, citrus, and/or caramel. You can substitute dark rum or white rum for this recipe, it is just best with aged rum.
- Angostura bitters. The bitters add complexity and balance to this drink which is just delicious.
- Champagne. Everything is better with a bit of bubbly! You can use any kind of champagne, sparkling wine, or prosecco that you like best for topping off this cocktail.
Garnish Options
This is an elegant and luxurious classic cocktail recipe so we feel it is best to keep the garnish simple if you do want to add one. A small sprig of fresh mint or even a single mint leaf are beautiful options. You could also add a lime zest twist to your drink or a subtle sprinkle of lime zest over the top before serving.
How to Make an Old Cuban Cocktail
This cocktail is easy to make and is a traditional shaken cocktail so you only require a simple cocktail shaker to make it perfectly. Follow the steps below or find a full detailed recipe at the end of this page to make your own Old Cuban.
STEP ONE
Muddle the mint leaves with the simple syrup and lime juice in a cocktail shaker. You can use a cocktail muddler or just a spoon.
STEP TWO
Add the rum, bitters, and ice. Shake until well-chilled, about 60 seconds.
STEP THREE
Strain into a chilled coup serving glass.
STEP FOUR
Top with champagne. Add any desired garnish and serve immediately.
Recipe Tips and Notes
- Use fresh ingredients: Fresh mint leaves and freshly squeezed lime juice are essential to creating a refreshing and flavorful cocktail. If the mint is not fresh, it can be bitter and ruin the flavor of the drink.
- Muddle the mint well: Muddling the mint helps to release the essential oils and flavors. So be sure to muddle your mint for long enough to get the most out of it.
- Use a good-quality rum: A good-quality rum will make a big difference in the flavor of your Old Cuban. So choose one that you will be able to enjoy best in this drink.
- Get the sweetness right: The right amount of simple syrup will depend on personal preference, but it's important to add enough to balance the tartness of the lime juice. Feel free to adjust the amount you add to suit your taste.
- Chill the ingredients before mixing: Chill the mint leaves, lime juice, rum, champagne, and simple syrup before making your cocktail. This will help to keep the drink cool and refreshing.
- Measure accurately: Use a jigger or a measuring cup to measure your ingredients accurately. A precise measurement can make a big difference in the balance and flavor of your cocktail.
Recipe
Old Cuban Cocktail
Equipment
- 1 cocktail shaker
- 1 coupe serving glass
Ingredients
- 1 sprig mint leaves about 6 leaves
- 1 ounce Simple Syrup
- ¾ ounce Lime Juice freshly squeezed
- 1 ½ ounce aged rum golden rum
- 2 dashes Angostura Bitters
- 2 ounces champagne or any sparkling wine
Instructions
- Muddle the mint leaves with the simple syrup and lime juice in a cocktail shaker. You can use a cocktail muddler or just a spoon.
- Add the rum, bitters, and ice. Shake until well-chilled, about 60 seconds.
- Strain into a chilled coup serving glass.
- Top with champagne. Add any desired garnish and serve immediately.
Notes
- Use fresh ingredients: Fresh mint leaves and freshly squeezed lime juice are essential to creating a refreshing and flavorful cocktail. If the mint is not fresh, it can be bitter and ruin the flavor of the drink.
- Muddle the mint well: Muddling the mint helps to release the essential oils and flavors. So be sure to muddle your mint for long enough to get the most out of it.
- Use a good-quality rum: A good-quality rum will make a big difference in the flavor of your Old Cuban. So choose one that you will be able to enjoy best in this drink.
- Get the sweetness right: The right amount of simple syrup will depend on personal preference, but it's important to add enough to balance the tartness of the lime juice. Feel free to adjust the amount you add to suit your taste.
- Chill the ingredients before mixing: Chill the mint leaves, lime juice, rum, champagne, and simple syrup before making your cocktail. This will help to keep the drink cool and refreshing.
- Measure accurately: Use a jigger or a measuring cup to measure your ingredients accurately. A precise measurement can make a big difference in the balance and flavor of your cocktail.
Nutrition
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