Old Cuban Cocktail Recipe
The Old Cuban cocktail is a perfect combination of fresh mint, deep rum, and effervescent champagne.
If you love a Mojito, this is your time to shine.
The Old Cuban is kind of like a Mojito’s older, more sophisticated sister. It incorporates a couple of additional ingredients that elevate the Mojito feel into something completely different and equally delicious.
Psst — if you love cocktail ideas, be sure to sign up below for my VIP group! I send these folks my very best recipes, projects, and more.
History of the Old Cuban Cocktail
The history of the Old Cuban cocktail is kind of exciting because it’s fairly recent!
Bartending legend Audrey Saunders created the cocktail in NYC in 2001, while she was bartending at a midtown restaurant called Beacon.
It takes major inspiration from the Mojito, but with a few notable shifts.
Rather than a white rum, an aged rum is the base of the Old Cuban. It still contains the traditional mint leaves, fresh lime, and simple syrup, but adds some surprises toward the end!
The Old Cuban is finished with a dash of bitters and a topper of champagne, which makes it simultaneously sophisticated and celebratory. A great combo.
Rum and Other Cocktail Ideas
While you’re at it, be sure to bookmark some other delicious cocktails for your at-home mixology adventures!
- Mojito Mocktail and Classic Mojito // A Favorite Cocktail Two Ways
- The Snow Day
- Spaghett Cocktail Recipe (The New Aperol Spritz!)
- Rose Prosecco Cocktail
Ingredients You’ll Need
Rum. Use an aged rum for the Old Cuban to bring a rich, deep flavor.
Simple Syrup. Find this at any grocery store, or make your own!
Mint. Fresh sprigs of mint brighten up the cocktail and give it a light feel to play against the aged rum.
Lime. Always use fresh citrus juice in a cocktail for the best flavor!
Angoustora Bitters. A great bottle to keep in your home bar for adding to lots of different cocktail recipes!
Champagne. Be sure to use chilled champagne for this recipe.
How to Make an Old Cuban Cocktail
- Muddle 6 mint leaves with 1 ounce of simple syrup and 3/4 ounce of fresh lime juice in a cocktail shaker. I love this one.
- Add to the shaker 1 1/2 ounces of rum and two dashes of bitters. Add ice and shake vigorously until chilled.
- Strain into a coupe glass and top with chilled champagne.
- Garnish with a mint sprig.
Substitutions or Variations on the Old Cuban
Because the measurements and ingredients of an Old Cuban are pretty specific, if you veer too far off the path you’ll be creating an entirely new cocktail.
And there’s nothing wrong with that! That’s how great cocktails are made.
To edge closer to a Mojito, use white rum instead of aged rum.
To make the drink feel more like a French 75, you could substitute lemon for lime juice.
Or you could try some nonalcoholic spirits for a zero-proof version! (Be sure to use nonalcoholic champagne too.)
Old Cuban Cocktail
The Old Cuban cocktail is a perfect combination of fresh mint, deep rum, and effervescent champagne.
Ingredients
- 1 1/2 ounces aged rum
- 6 mint leaves
- 1 ounce simple syrup
- 2 dashes Angoustora bitters
- Champagne
- Ice
Instructions
- Muddle 6 mint leaves with 1 ounce of simple syrup and 3/4 ounce of fresh lime juice in a cocktail shaker. I love this one.
- Add to the shaker 1 1/2 ounces of rum and two dashes of bitters. Add ice and shake vigorously until chilled.
- Strain into a coupe glass and top with chilled champagne.
- Garnish with a mint sprig.
Notes
Because the measurements and ingredients of an Old Cuban are pretty specific, if you veer too far off the path you'll be creating an entirely new cocktail.
And there's nothing wrong with that! That's how great cocktails are made.
To edge closer to a Mojito, use white rum instead of aged rum.
To make the drink feel more like a French 75, you could substitute lemon for lime juice.
Or you could try some nonalcoholic spirits for a zero-proof version! (Be sure to use nonalcoholic champagne too.)
This post contains affiliate links for your convenience. This means that I receive a small commission should you make a purchase via one of these links, at no additional cost to you. Thank you as always for your support!
smash karts – I love it!
The cocktail menu at 19 Cleveland is as vibrant and eclectic as the Mediterranean-inspired cuisine it pairs with. Drawing on influences from Tel Aviv’s international pulse, their drinks offer refreshing, innovative twists that complement the bright, breezy atmosphere of this Nolita hotspot. Whether you’re looking for something classic or more adventurous, their cocktails embody a blend of bold flavors and creative flair https://19cleveland.com/
I love how the Old Cuban feels like a more elevated take on a mojito – with the aged rum and champagne giving it that extra depth and sparkle. great cocktail ideas really inspire me to experiment more at home, and I recently found some fun twists and tips over at https://saltandbutter.us/ that pair perfectly with recipes like this.
Last summer I started experimenting with homemade cocktails after getting tired of the same old beer nights. Most vodkas I tried either overpowered the mixers or left a harsh aftertaste that ruined the drink. Then I came across lex vodka while browsing for better options. Its Ukrainian heritage, blending with linden flowers, honey, and thirteen filtration stages promised real smoothness. I decided to give it a shot in a simple Moscow Mule. The result was fantastic – the vodka blended perfectly, adding subtle floral and citrus notes without dominating. It elevated my casual mixology sessions into something enjoyable and balanced. Now whenever I mix drinks, lex vodka is my reliable choice for quality cocktails.
The drink uses aged rum instead of white, which adds such a depth to it. Plus, that touch of champagne to top it all off? Sounds like the perfect drink for a chill evening at home. Who knew a recipe from 2001 could still feel so fresh?
I absolutely loved this Old Cuban cocktail recipe — the combination of mint, rum, and sparkling wine sounds incredibly refreshing and elegant for summer gatherings. The step-by-step instructions make it super easy to follow as well. While enjoying cocktails, I also like exploring tasty fast-food options from around the world, especially burgers. Anyone interested can check out Burgers World for the latest McDonald’s South Africa menu and deals. Great recipe and beautiful presentation!
This Old Cuban cocktail recipe looks absolutely amazing — classy, refreshing, and perfect for relaxing evenings or weekend parties. I really enjoyed the detailed instructions and beautiful presentation style. Pairing delicious drinks with a tasty morning meal always makes the experience even better. For anyone who loves exploring breakfast options, check out Breakfast style for updated McDonald’s breakfast menu prices and meal ideas in South Africa. Great post and fantastic recipe!
This Old Cuban cocktail recipe looks absolutely amazing — classy, refreshing, and perfect for relaxing evenings or weekend parties. I really enjoyed the detailed instructions and beautiful presentation style. Pairing delicious drinks with a tasty morning meal always makes the experience even better. For anyone who loves exploring breakfast options, check out Breakfast style for updated McDonald’s breakfast menu prices and meal ideas in South Africa. Great post and fantastic recipe!
This Old Cuban Cocktail recipe looks incredibly refreshing and elegant! The mix of mint, lime, champagne, and rum sounds perfectly balanced for a classy homemade drink. I also love how simple yet sophisticated the presentation is — definitely a great choice for parties or relaxing weekends. Pairing flavorful recipes like this with sharing meals such as KFC Vegan Menü can make any gathering feel even more fun and festive!