Rum cocktails, like a mojito, are some of my favorite drinks. So when I heard about the old Cuban cocktail, I knew I needed to give it a try! Rum fans will love this bubbly, minty rum cocktail with a splash of champagne and bitters.
The old Cuban cocktail was created by renowned mixologist Audrey Saunders in the early 2000s at a restaurant in New York city, called Beacon. Saunders is known for her love of classic cocktails and modern "re-inventions". This champagne cocktail is inspired by a traditional mojito, but with a few unique characteristics making it more a combination of a Mojito and a 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 sipper.
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Ingredient Notes
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.
- Fresh mint - Sprigs of fresh mint add lots of flavor and aroma to this cocktail.
- Fresh Lime juice - The sour notes of the lime perfectly compliment the sweetness of rum and mint. Freshly squeezed lime juice is always best when making cocktails.
- Simple syrup - You can use homemade simple syrup or storebought in this recipe.
- Aged rum - Aged rum, also known as Golden 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.
See the recipe card below for the full ingredient list with measurements.
Garnish Suggestions
This is an elegant 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 a single mint leaf
- Lime zest twist
- A subtle sprinkle of lime zest on top of the drink
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 and muddler to make it perfectly.
- STEP ONE: Muddle 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 cocktail glass.
- STEP FOUR: Top with champagne. Add any desired garnish and serve immediately.
Expert Tips
- 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.
More cocktails to consider:
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Recipe
Old Cuban Cocktail
Equipment
- Strainer
Ingredients
- 1 sprig Fresh Mint about 6 leaves
- 1 ounce Simple Syrup
- ¾ ounce Lime Juice freshly squeezed
- 1 ½ ounces Aged Rum golden rum
- 2 dashes Angostura Bitters
- Ice Cubes
- 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.1 sprig Fresh Mint, 1 ounce Simple Syrup, ¾ ounce Lime Juice
- Add the rum, bitters, and ice. Shake until well-chilled, about 60 seconds.1 ½ ounces Aged Rum, 2 dashes Angostura Bitters, Ice Cubes
- Strain into a chilled coup serving glass.
- Top with champagne. Add any desired garnish and serve immediately.2 ounces Champagne
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.
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