Old Cuban

Old Cuban Description

How to prepare the Old Cuban cocktail recipe

Sophisticated, refreshing, and deeply aromatic, the Old Cuban is a modern classic that elegantly bridges the gap between a Mojito and a French 75. This refined cocktail blends the richness of aged rum with the zesty brightness of lime juice, the depth of Angostura bitters, and the freshness of mint, all topped with a celebratory splash of Champagne. Slightly sweet, delicately bubbly, and packed with complexity, the Old Cuban delivers a luxurious drinking experience with a nod to both Caribbean and European cocktail traditions. It’s a perfect choice for festive occasions or as a classy twist on familiar flavors.

Old Cuban cocktail ingredients:

• Aged Rum: 45 ml (1.5 oz)

• Champagne (or dry sparkling wine): 22 ml (0.75 oz)

• Lime Juice (freshly squeezed): 22.5 ml (0.75 oz)

• Cane Sugar Syrup: 15 ml (0.5 oz)

• Angostura Bitters: 2 dashes

• Fresh Mint Leaves: 6 leaves

• Optional garnish: Mint sprig or lime twist

Old Cuban recipe instructions:

1. Muddle Mint: In a shaker, gently muddle the mint leaves with the cane sugar syrup to release their oils.

2. Add Ingredients: Add rum, lime juice, and bitters to the shaker.

3. Shake with Ice: Fill the shaker with ice and shake vigorously until well chilled.

4. Strain: Double strain into a chilled coupe glass to remove mint bits.

5. Top with Champagne: Gently top with chilled Champagne or sparkling wine.

6. Garnish & Serve: Garnish with a mint sprig or lime twist for a touch of elegance.

Old Cuban history and origin:

The Old Cuban was created in the early 2000s by legendary bartender Audrey Saunders, a key figure in the modern craft cocktail revival and founder of the Pegu Club in New York City. Her aim was to craft a drink that combined the refreshing elements of a Mojito with the sophistication of a Champagne cocktail.

By using aged rum instead of white rum and adding bitters for depth, Saunders elevated the traditional mint-and-lime formula into something far more refined. The addition of Champagne gives it a celebratory sparkle, making it ideal for special occasions. Today, the Old Cuban is widely considered a modern classic and a shining example of how a few quality ingredients can create a cocktail with elegance, balance, and timeless appeal.