Old Cuban

Cocktails are a great way to combine history and taste. The Old Cuban is one of my all-time favorites, and I am delighted to share it with you today. This drink stands out for its refined combination of rum, fresh mint, and effervescent champagne. It’s a cocktail that promises to make any occasion special, blending the exuberant spirit of a mojito with an exquisite, effervescent touch. Trust me, once you taste it, the Old Cuban may become your new go-to.

Tasting Notes

Flavors abound in the Old Cuban. Each sip starts with the smooth, rich taste of aged rum and ends with a refreshing rush of mint. The lime juice provides the appropriate zesty punch to balance the sweetness of the simple syrup. The champagne adds a subtle fizz, resulting in a cocktail that is not only delicious but also extremely refreshing. Its intricacy makes it an intriguing drink to sample.

Equipment and Glassware

The Old Cuban, a traditional drink that combines a Mojito and a French 75 with rum, you’ll need the following equipment and glassware:

• Cocktail Shaker
• Fine Mesh Strainer
• Muddler
• Measuring Jigger
• Coupe Glass
• Champagne Flutes
• Bar Spoon
• Ice Maker or Ice Tray

Ingredients

• ¾ ounce freshly squeezed lime juice
• 1 ounce simple syrup
• 6-8 mint leaves
• 1 ½ ounces aged rum
• 2 dashes of Angostura bitters
• 2 ounces champagne or sparkling wine
• Lime wedge or mint sprig for garnish

Instructions

1. Mix simple syrup and lime juice in a cocktail shaker. Muddle the mint leaves gently with a wooden spoon or muddler (bruise the leaves, so the flavor seeps out). 
2. Add rum and bitters, then fill the rest of the shaker with ice. 
3. Shake until the mixture is thoroughly chilled. 
4. Pour through a double strainer (to avoid bits of mint leaves) into a chilled cocktail glass. 
5. Top with champagne and garnish. 

Pro Tips

For the finest flavor, combine freshly squeezed lime juice with high-quality aged rum. To avoid bitterness, gently muddle the mint. Chilling the coupe glass prior can improve the sipping experience.

When to Serve

The Old Cuban is ideal for parties or as a sophisticated pre-dinner cocktail. Its festive flair makes it excellent for holidays, weddings, or any other occasion where you want to wow your guests with a classy selection.

Which Liquor Brands to Choose

For the Old Cuban, choose a premium aged rum, such as Havana Club 7-Year or Appleton Estate Reserve. These rums provide depth and complexity to the cocktail, enhancing its overall flavor.

Similar Cocktails

• Classic Mojito: A classic, minty rum cocktail with a simpler profile.
• French 75: Another bubbly cocktail, but with gin and lemon.
• Hemingway Daiquiri: A rum-based drink with grapefruit and maraschino.
• Mint Julep: A bourbon cocktail with mint, more straightforward but equally refreshing.
• Airmail: A rum and honey cocktail, also topped with champagne.

History

Audrey Saunders, a skilled bartender, devised the current classic, the Old Cuban. It straddles the line between a traditional Mojito and a Champagne cocktail, showcasing Cuban history and modern mixology. This drink exemplifies Saunders’ inventive attitude and has rapidly become a favorite among cocktail connoisseurs.