If you’re searching for a cocktail that bridges the gap between a refreshing mojito and elegant Champagne service, you’ve found your answer. The Old Cuban elevates mint and lime with aged rum’s complexity and sparkling wine’s celebratory finish.
We’ve perfected this recipe over lots of sips. The secret lies in understanding this isn’t just a mojito with bubbles – it’s a completely different cocktail that deserves its own respect.
What Is an Old Cuban Cocktail?
Quick Answer: The Old Cuban combines muddled mint, aged rum, lime juice, and Angostura bitters, finished with Champagne. Created by Audrey Saunders at Pegu Club around 2001, this modern classic transforms the casual mojito into something worthy of crystal coupes.
The genius lies in adding bitters – absent from mojitos – which provides depth that stands up to the effervescence.
What you’ll love about this recipe:
What You Need to Make an Old Cuban Cocktail
How to Make an Old Cuban Cocktail
- Place mint, simple syrup, and lime juice in shaker. Liquid helps mint release oils effectively.
- Lightly muddle to bruise leaves and release oils, not pulverize into green bits.
- Add rum and bitters, fill with ice. Let bitters integrate properly.
- Shake vigorously for 15-20 seconds until well-chilled.
- Double strain into chilled coupe to remove mint particles.
- Top with Champagne and garnish with mint sprig.
Bartender’s Tips
- Balance sweetness: If your rum runs sweet, reduce simple syrup slightly.
- Chill your glass: Warm coupes flatten bubbles fast. Keep them in the freezer.
- Don’t overmuddle: Bruised mint releases oils; destroyed mint releases bitter chlorophyll.
How to Serve This Old Cuban Cocktail
Serve immediately in a chilled coupe with fresh mint sprig. Perfect as a sophisticated aperitif or refined happy hour centerpiece.
More Cocktail Recipes
Explore our rum cocktail collection or browse sparkling cocktail recipes for more bubbly inspiration.
Old Cuban Cocktail Recipe
Ingredients
- 5 fresh mint leaves
- 1 oz simple syrup
- ¾ oz fresh lime juice
- 1½ oz aged rum
- 2 dashes Angostura bitters
- 2½ oz chilled Champagne or sparkling wine
- Garnish: mint sprig
Instructions
- Place mint leaves, simple syrup, and lime juice in a shaker.
- Lightly muddle to release mint oils.
- Add rum and bitters, then fill shaker with ice.
- Shake until well chilled.
- Double strain into a coupe glass.
- Top with Champagne and garnish with a mint sprig.
Video
Recipe FAQs
You’ll lose the complexity that makes this special. Aged rum provides vanilla and spice notes white rum can’t match.
Prosecco is excellent and budget-friendly. Champagne elevates it for special occasions. Avoid overly sweet options.
Removes mint particles that create unpleasant texture and bitter aftertaste.
Pre-mix everything except Champagne up to 4 hours ahead. Add bubbles when serving.
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