Old Cuban

Old Cuban cocktail recipe, illustration

Illustration generated by AI from the recipe’s glass, ice and garnish — not a photograph of a real pour.

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Ingredients

How to make it

  1. In a shaker, combine a handful of mint, 2 oz of white rum, 1 oz of sugar syrup, 1 oz of lime juice, and 2 dashes of angostura bitters with ice.
  2. Shake the mixture well.
  3. Double strain the cocktail into a cocktail glass.
  4. Top with 2 oz of prosecco.

The Old Cuban is a refreshing cocktail made with white rum, mint, and sparkling wine, perfect for summer gatherings.

The story

The Old Cuban is a contemporary cocktail created by Audrey Saunders at the Pegu Club in New York City in the early 2000s. It combines elements of a Mojito and a French 75, reflecting a trend towards refreshing, sparkling cocktails. Its popularity has endured due to its balance of flavors and the use of champagne, making it suitable for various occasions.

How it tastes

The Old Cuban offers a refreshing blend of mint, citrus, and sweetness from the sugar syrup, complemented by the effervescence of Prosecco. It is typically served as an aperitif or at celebrations, thanks to its light and bubbly nature.

Getting it right

Key to the Old Cuban's success is the proper muddling of mint to release its oils without over-muddling, which can lead to bitterness. Additionally, double straining ensures a smooth texture by removing mint fragments and ice shards.

Variations

  • Old Cuban Royale — This variation replaces Prosecco with Champagne, adding a more luxurious touch.
  • Spiced Old Cuban — Incorporate spiced rum instead of light rum for a warmer flavor profile.

Substitutions

  • Light rum — Use white rum or a light agricole rum as alternatives.
  • Prosecco — Sparkling wine or cava can be used in place of Prosecco.

Questions

Can I make an Old Cuban without Prosecco?
Yes, you can substitute Prosecco with any sparkling wine or even soda water for a non-alcoholic version.
What kind of mint should I use?
Spearmint is typically preferred for cocktails due to its sweet flavor, but you can use other varieties if desired.
Is there a way to make it less sweet?
To reduce sweetness, decrease the amount of sugar syrup or use a less sweet sparkling wine.

This text was drafted by a language model from the catalogue’s data and is machine-translated outside English.

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