The Old Cuban cocktail blends the freshness of a classic Mojito with the elegance of sparkling wine, using aged rum instead of white rum. It is a true expression of metropolitan sophistication—refreshing, captivating, and full of character. Fresh mint, rich aged rum, tangy lime, and the delicate effervescence of sparkling wine come together beautifully in this drink. Although it may initially seem like a simple summer refresher, it offers far greater complexity. In fact, this cocktail is an elegant, celebratory take on tropical flavors, making it perfect for sophisticated evenings.
Story
The Old Cuban cocktail did not emerge during the early days of Cuban rum culture. Instead, Audrey Saunders, the legendary bartender behind New York’s Pegu Club, created it in the early 2000s. Saunders wanted to combine the freshness of a Mojito with the sophistication of a sparkling cocktail—and she succeeded brilliantly. Although its name pays tribute to Cuba, the Old Cuban is a modern American creation that captures both nostalgia and a spirit of innovation.
Ingredients
1 ½ oz (45 ml) aged rum, such as dark aged or añejo rum
¾ oz (22.5 ml) freshly squeezed lime juice
⅔ oz (20 ml) simple syrup
2 dashes Angostura bitters
6–8 fresh mint leaves
2 oz (60 ml) dry sparkling wine, to top
How to Make an Old Cuban Cocktail
Gently muddle the mint leaves in a shaker. Then, add the rum, lime juice, simple syrup, Angostura bitters, and ice. Shake well to chill the drink and allow the flavors to blend. Next, fine-strain into a chilled cocktail glass and top with dry sparkling wine. The result is a light and refreshing cocktail with a distinctive, sophisticated character.
Serving and Garnish
The Old Cuban cocktail is traditionally served in a coupe or cocktail glass. For garnish, add a small sprig of mint or place a lime wheel on the rim of the glass. A clean and simple presentation works best for this elegant drink.
Calorie Content
A single serving of an Old Cuban cocktail contains approximately 200–210 calories. The simple syrup and sparkling wine contribute significantly to the final calorie count. However, because the drink tastes so light and refreshing, it can be surprisingly easy to enjoy more than one.