Indulge in the rich flavors of a Cuban Cocktail No. 2 recipe! Crafted with smooth brandy, apricot brandy, and tangy lime juice, this elegant cocktail is a delightful treat for fall evenings.
Prep time:
1 minute
Mixing time:
1 minute
Servings:
1
Calories:
170
Ingredients
- 2 oz Brandy
- ½ oz apricot Brandy
- 1 oz lime or lemon juice - freshly squeezed
- Ice cubes
- Lime or lemon twist - for garnish, optional
Equipment
- Cocktail Shaker
- Strainer & Fine-strainer
- Coupe Glass
- Measuring Jigger
Instructions
- Chill Glass: Start by chilling your coupe glass, ice it up with some ice just before starting or leave in the freezer a few hours before.
- Add lemon or lime juice: Measure and pour 1 oz lime or lemon juice in a cocktail shaker.
- Pour Apricot Brandy: Add ½ oz apricot Brandy to the mix.
- Add Brandy: Measure and pour 2 oz Brandy into the shaker.
- Shake: Add ice cubes to the shaker. Secure the lid and shake vigorously for about 10-15 seconds.
- Strain: Fine strain the cocktail mixture into your chilled coupe glass with no ice.
- Garnish: Add a lime or lemon twist on the rim of the glass for an elegant finish.
Notes
Substitutes:
- Brandy: If you're out of brandy, a good quality whiskey or rum can provide a robust base with a different but pleasant flavor profile.
- Apricot Brandy: No apricot brandy? Peach liqueur or even a splash of apricot nectar mixed with a bit of neutral spirit (like vodka) can mimic the fruity depth.
- Lime or Lemon Juice: Ideally, use whichever you prefer or have on hand. They're interchangeable depending on whether you like sweeter (lemon) or slightly bitter (lime).
Making a Pitcher of Cuban Cocktail No. 2:
- Scale: To serve 8, use 16 oz of brandy, 4 oz of apricot brandy, and 8 oz of lime or lemon juice.
- Mix: In a large pitcher, stir together the brandy, apricot brandy, and lime or lemon juice with ice cubes. Strain and store in the fridge until serving.
- Serve: Pour the cocktail into chilled coupe glasses, garnish each with a lime or lemon twist, and serve immediately.
Making it Non-Alcoholic:
- Brandy Substitute: To mimic brandy, use a non-alcoholic spirit with a woody or nutty profile.
- Apricot Brandy Substitute: Mix apricot syrup with some non-alcoholic vanilla extract for a non-alcoholic version that still gives you that fruity and slightly exotic flavor.
- Proceed As Usual: Follow the original steps using these substitutes for a delightful non-alcoholic version.
Making it Vegan:
- Check Your Brands: Most brandies and apricot brandies are vegan, but it's always best to check your specific brands to ensure they don't use animal-derived fining agents.
- Garnish: All the ingredients, including the garnish, are naturally vegan, so you don't need to adjust here.
What is a Cuban Cocktail No. 2?
The brandy-based Cuban Cocktail No.2, featured in the iconic ‘Savoy Cocktail Book’ (1930), holds a significant place in cocktail history. Made of brandy, apricot brandy, and lime or lemon juice, this drink is relatively easy to make, requiring only a few ingredients and basic cocktail-making tools such as a shaker and strainer. Combining the rich flavors of brandy with the sweetness of apricot brandy and the acidity of lime or lemon juice creates a balanced and refreshing cocktail.
What is a Cuban Cocktail No. 2 made of – The ingredients
Here are the ingredients you need to gather for your Cuban Cocktail No. 2:
- Brandy: Serves as the base spirit, providing a rich and smooth flavor foundation.
- Apricot Brandy: Adds a sweet, fruity layer, enhancing the cocktail’s complexity.
- Lime or Lemon Juice: Introduces a tartness that balances the sweetness of the apricot brandy.
