Try our Old Cuban recipe for a simple delight! It's the perfect summer drink with rum, lime, and champagne.
Prep time:
1 minute
Mixing time:
1 minute
Servings:
1
Calories:
212
Ingredients
- 1½ oz Aged Rum
- ¾ oz simple syrup
- ½ oz fresh lime juice
- 2 dashes Angostura aromatic bitters
- 2-3 fresh mint leaves
- Champagne or Sparkling Wine - to top
- Mint sprig - for garnish, optional
Equipment
- Cocktail Shaker
- Muddler
- Cocktail Strainer
- Fine strainer
- Champagne Flute
Instructions
- Chill Glass: Stir some ice cubes in your champagne flute.
- Muddle Mint: Muddle 2-3 fresh mint leaves with ¾ oz simple syrup in the cocktail shaker.
- Add Ingredients: Pour ½ oz fresh lime juice, 2 dashes Angostura aromatic bitters, and 1½ oz Aged Rum into the shaker.
- Shake: Fill the shaker with ice cubes and shake the mixture vigorously until well chilled.
- Strain: Fine strain the cocktail into a chilled champagne flute.
- Top Off: Fill the rest of the flute with champagne or sparkling wine.
- Garnish: Decorate the cocktail with a mint sprig.
Notes
Substitutes:
- Aged Rum: I often use dark rum when I don't have aged rum. It offers a rich depth that complements the cocktail's other ingredients.
- Simple Syrup: Sometimes, I've run out of simple syrup, so I dissolve some sugar in water. Agave nectar also makes a good swap, but I use a tad less since it's sweeter.
- Champagne or Sparkling Wine: A crisp Prosecco or Cava does wonders if you're out of champagne.
Making a Pitcher of Old Cuban:
- Scale: For a pitcher serving 8, you'll need 12 oz of aged rum, 6 oz of simple syrup, 4 oz of fresh lime juice, 16 dashes of Angostura bitters, and around 24 mint leaves. When ready to serve, top off each glass with champagne.
- Mix: Combine all the ingredients except the champagne in a large pitcher with ice. Stir well.
- Serve: Pour the mixture into individual champagne flutes, top with champagne, garnish with a mint sprig, and serve immediately.
Making it Non-Alcoholic:
- Aged Rum Substitute: Opt for a non-alcoholic dark rum or a mix of pineapple and coconut water for a tropical flavor.
- Champagne Substitute: Use a non-alcoholic sparkling wine or club soda for that bubbly kick.
- Proceed As Usual: Use the non-alcoholic substitutes, omit the Angostura Bitters and follow the original steps to relish a non-alcoholic version.
Making it Vegan:
Ensure the champagne or sparkling wine doesn't employ animal-derived fining agents like gelatin, egg whites, or milk proteins. Most modern brands have vegan-friendly options, so always check the label.What is an Old Cuban?
Old Cuban is a rum cocktail that blends champagne with aged rum and the zest of lime. It is an ode to the vibrant nightlife of Havana, drawing inspiration from the city’s lively atmosphere. The drink captures the essence of old-world elegance combined with the Caribbean’s refreshing flavors. Listed under ‘New Era Drinks’ this cocktail has earned recognition from the International Bartender Association (IBA).
What is an Old Cuban made of – The ingredients
Before you start making your Old Cuban, make sure you have these ingredients at hand:
- Aged Rum: Provides the cocktail with a rich, deep flavor that serves as the drink’s base.
- Lime Juice: Adds a zesty tang, balancing the sweetness of other ingredients.
- Simple Syrup: Sweetens the mix, enhancing the overall taste profile.
- Mint Leaves: They offer a refreshing and aromatic touch in the drink.
- Angostura Bitters: Contributes complexity and depth with its herbal and botanical notes.
- Champagne or Sparkling Wine: Gives the cocktail its effervescence and lightness, elevating the overall experience.
- Mint Sprig (for garnish): Enhances presentation and adds a hint of minty aroma upon sipping.
