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Old Cuban
Cocktail recipe

Rating

4.71 / 5
The Old Cuban cocktail is a refreshing and elegant blend of Caribbean and Cuban flavors. This cocktail was created in the late 1990s by renowned mixologist Audrey Saunders at the Pegu Club in New York City. Inspired by the classic Mojito, this cocktail replaces the soda water with champagne for a sophisticated twist. The lime juice provides a tangy and citrusy kick while the mint leaves add a refreshing herbal note. The aged rum adds a depth of flavor and richness, balanced out by the sweetness of the sugar syrup. A couple of dashes of Angostura Bitters bring a subtle spicy complexity to the drink. The combination of these classic ingredients results in a well-balanced and flavorful cocktail that is perfect for any occasion. Whether sipping on a warm summer evening or toasting to a special occasion, the Old Cuban is a must-try for any cocktail lover.
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Microbadges

IBA Official Drink
15 key ingredients
Cocktail Of The Day
Base ingredient
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Champagne / prosecco
Calories
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215 calories
Garnish
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Mint
Alcohol content
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15.18% | 2.52 units *
Details
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Classic
Shaken

Tags

Champagne / prosecco ingredient icon
Champagne / prosecco cocktails
Mint Leaves ingredient icon
Top ten Mint Leaves cocktails
Aged rum ingredient icon
Top ten Aged rum cocktails

Cocktail glass

Ingredients

oz
ml
cl
Lime juice cocktail ingredient icon for the Old Cuban cocktail
Lime juice
Mint Leaves cocktail ingredient icon for the Old Cuban cocktail
Mint Leaves
Aged rum cocktail ingredient icon for the Old Cuban cocktail
Aged rum
Sugar Syrup cocktail ingredient icon for the Old Cuban cocktail
Sugar Syrup
Champagne / prosecco cocktail ingredient icon for the Old Cuban cocktail
Champagne / prosecco
Angostura Bitters cocktail ingredient icon for the Old Cuban cocktail
Angostura Bitters
Serves:
-
+
cocktail colin avatar

Cocktail Colin says:

5/5

The Old Cuban is a masterful orchestration of flavors that elegantly merges the tropical vibrancy of aged rum with the crisp, effervescence of champagne. This cocktail delicately balances the sharpness of lime and the sweetness of sugar syrup, while the mint and Angostura bitters add refreshing and complex undertones, making it an irresistible choice for a sophisticated gathering.

Method
How to make a Old Cuban

Serves 1 · Takes 3 minutes
Muddle the mint leaves and rum in a cocktail shaker
Add the sugar syrup, lime juice and two dashes of Angostura bitters
Shake well with lots of ice and strain into a cocktail glass
Top up with the champagne and gently stir the mixture
Garnish with a mint sprig before serving
~ Taste and if necessary add a touch more sugar syrup or lime juice. ~

Power tips
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Use fresh mint leaves and gently bruise them to release essential oils without tearing them apart, ensuring a balanced mint flavor.
Opt for a high-quality aged rum as it imparts depth and complexity to the cocktail, making a noticeable difference in the final taste.
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History of the Old Cuban

Cuban drinks have quite a cult following in the cocktail world. Stunning cocktails including the dai...

Learn more about some of the mixology terms used in this cocktail

·  Muddle  ·  Bitters  ·  Shake  ·  Strain  ·  Stir  ·  Garnish  · 

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Comments

Paul Lockman avatar
Paul Lockman

Tried it with white rum and soda instead of champagne. Still tasted great! Mint and lime really shine. Super refreshing.

Jen Brown avatar
Jen Brown

I'm not usually a fan of cocktails that are too sweet, but this one surprised me. The lime cuts through the sugar really well, and the mint keeps it fresh. The prosecco gives it a nice fizz that balances the aged rum. Definitely worth a try.

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FAQ's

Origins history icon

What is the origin of the Old Cuban cocktail?

The Old Cuban is a relatively modern cocktail that was created by famed bartender Audrey Saunders. It is believed to have originated in the early 2000s at the Pegu Club in New York City. The drink is a variant of the classic Mojito but is more sophisticated, with the addition of champagne and a shift from being served on the rocks to being presented in a cocktail glass.

Ingredient substitutions icon

Can I substitute the champagne in an Old Cuban with another type of sparkling wine?

Yes, you can substitute the champagne with another type of sparkling wine if you prefer or if champagne is not available. Prosecco is a popular alternative, providing a slightly sweeter taste. Cava is another suitable substitute, offering a dryer profile similar to champagne. The choice of sparkling wine can slightly alter the taste and feel of the cocktail but will still be in keeping with the spirit of the Old Cuban.

Ingredient specifics icon

What is the significance of using aged rum in an Old Cuban?

The use of aged rum in an Old Cuban is significant because it brings a depth of flavor that younger rums cannot provide. Aged rum contributes notes of vanilla, spice, and sometimes caramel, depending on the rum used, that enhance the complexity and richness of the cocktail. This choice of spirit contrasts with the fresh, zesty lime and mint, creating a balanced and sophisticated drink.

Alcohol content comparison icon

How does the alcohol content of an Old Cuban compare to other classic cocktails?

With an alcohol content of 15.18%, the Old Cuban falls into a moderate range of potency for classic cocktails. It is stronger than light cocktails like the classic Mojito, which it is based on, due to the addition of champagne and higher quantities of rum, but it is not as strong as some spirit-forward cocktails like the Martini or Manhattan. Its balance makes it a perfect choice for those looking for a cocktail that is neither too light nor too strong.

Faq icon

What makes the Old Cuban a celebrated cocktail in the bartending world?

The Old Cuban is celebrated in the bartending world for its sophisticated balance of flavors, elegant presentation, and modern twist on the classic Mojito. Its creation by Audrey Saunders, a respected figure in the cocktail revival movement of the early 21st century, also adds to its prestige. Moreover, its ability to embody the essence of a traditional cocktail while presenting something new and vibrant has made it a favorite among bartenders and cocktail enthusiasts alike.

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* US units estimated based on the standard alcohol content of the ingredients used and the proportions in the recipe. Please drink responsibly.
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