Skip to content
MixologyRecipe
Classic CocktailsMediumAI Generated Recipe

Old Cuban

A sophisticated twist on the classic Mojito that elevates the rum and mint combination with aged rum and sparkling wine. This elegant cocktail balances the earthiness of muddled mint with the richness of aged rum and the effervescence of champagne.

The Old Cuban represents the perfect marriage of Cuba's most famous cocktail tradition with French elegance. Created by cocktail legend Audrey Saunders in the early 2000s, this drink transforms the humble Mojito into something extraordinary by swapping out soda water for champagne and white rum for aged. The result is a cocktail that's simultaneously refreshing and sophisticated, with layers of complexity that unfold with each sip. It's the drink that proves sometimes the best innovations come from respectful evolution rather than radical reinvention.

5 min
🥃coupe
Share:
Old Cuban cocktail served in a coupe
✨

AI-Crafted Recipe

This recipe was created by our AI mixologist. It may not be a traditional recipe but should be a delicious interpretation.

📝 Ingredients

Units:
Servings:

Garnish: Fresh mint sprig

👨‍🍳 Instructions

  1. Add the mint leaves to the bottom of your cocktail shaker and gently muddle them to release their oils, being careful not to over-muddle.

  2. Add the aged rum, fresh lime juice, simple syrup, and Angostura bitters to the shaker.

  3. Fill the shaker with ice and shake vigorously for 10-15 seconds.

  4. Double strain the mixture into a chilled coupe glass to remove all mint particles and ice shards.

  5. Top with champagne, pouring slowly to preserve the bubbles.

  6. Garnish with a fresh mint sprig and serve immediately.

Flavor Profile

HerbaceousCitrusyEffervescentComplexRefreshing

Tools Needed

Jigger

Jigger

View on Amazon →
Cocktail Shaker (Boston)

Cocktail Shaker (Boston)

View on Amazon →
OXO SteeL Cocktail Strainer (Hawthorne)

OXO SteeL Cocktail Strainer (Hawthorne)

View on Amazon →
Muddler

Muddler

View on Amazon →
Fine Mesh Strainer

Fine Mesh Strainer

View on Amazon →
Citrus Juicer

Citrus Juicer

View on Amazon →
Coupe Glass Set

Coupe Glass Set

View on Amazon →

💡 Pro Tips

  • 1

    Use a quality aged rum with good body and character - avoid anything too light or too heavily spiced

  • 2

    Muddle the mint gently to avoid bitter oils from the stems - you want to bruise, not pulverize the leaves

  • 3

    Use a dry champagne or cava rather than sweet to maintain balance with the simple syrup

  • 4

    Double strain to remove any mint particles that could make the drink cloudy

  • 5

    Serve immediately after topping with champagne to preserve the effervescence

📜 History & Origin

The Old Cuban was created by Audrey Saunders, the pioneering bartender behind New York's legendary Pegu Club, in the early 2000s. Saunders, known for her meticulous approach to cocktail creation and her ability to reimagine classics, developed this drink as an elevated take on the Mojito. The inspiration came from her desire to create something more substantial and complex than the traditional Cuban highball while maintaining its essential character. The substitution of aged rum for white rum adds depth and complexity, while champagne replaces soda water to bring elegance and celebration to every sip. The drink quickly became a signature at Pegu Club and helped establish Saunders as one of the most influential bartenders of the modern cocktail renaissance. The Old Cuban represents a perfect example of how contemporary bartenders can honor tradition while pushing boundaries, creating something that feels both familiar and completely new.

🍸 Related Recipes

Mojito

Mojito

French 75

French 75

Southside

Southside

Champagne Cocktail

Champagne Cocktail

Sake Mojito

Sake Mojito

Virgin Mojito Mocktail

Virgin Mojito Mocktail

Frequently Asked Questions

What does a Old Cuban taste like?

The Old Cuban has a herbaceous, citrusy, effervescent, complex, refreshing flavor profile. A sophisticated twist on the classic Mojito that elevates the rum and mint combination with aged rum and sparkling wine. This elegant cocktail balances the earthiness of muddled mint with the richness of aged rum and the effervescence of champagne.

What ingredients do I need for a Old Cuban?

A Old Cuban requires 6 ingredients: Aged Rum, Fresh Lime Juice, Simple Syrup, fresh mint leaves, Angostura Bitters, Champagne.

How long does it take to make a Old Cuban?

A Old Cuban takes about 5 minutes to prepare and is considered medium difficulty.

What glass should I use for a Old Cuban?

A Old Cuban is traditionally served in a coupe, garnished with Fresh mint sprig.

Can I make a non-alcoholic version of a Old Cuban?

Yes, you can make a mocktail version of the Old Cuban by substituting the spirits with non-alcoholic alternatives such as seedlip, non-alcoholic distilled spirits, or flavored syrups and juices that mimic the original flavor profile.

What is the history of the Old Cuban?

The Old Cuban was created by Audrey Saunders, the pioneering bartender behind New York's legendary Pegu Club, in the early 2000s. Saunders, known for her meticulous approach to cocktail creation and her ability to reimagine classics, developed this drink as an elevated take on the Mojito. The inspiration came from her desire to create something more substantial and complex than the traditional Cuban highball while maintaining its essential character. The substitution of aged rum for white rum adds depth and complexity, while champagne replaces soda water to bring elegance and celebration to every sip. The drink quickly became a signature at Pegu Club and helped establish Saunders as one of the most influential bartenders of the modern cocktail renaissance. The Old Cuban represents a perfect example of how contemporary bartenders can honor tradition while pushing boundaries, creating something that feels both familiar and completely new.