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© 2026 Cezzis.com | All rights reserved.
Recognized by the International Bartenders Association as a popular cocktail recipe.
The Old Cuban represents a sophisticated evolution in rum-based cocktails—a sophisticated blend of aged rum, lime juice, simple syrup, mint, Angostura bitters, and champagne that combines the tropical flavors of a Mojito with the elegance of French sparkling wine. Created by Audrey Saunders at the Pegu Club in New York, this innovative cocktail has become a modern classic.
The Old Cuban was developed in the early 2000s at the Pegu Club, a venue that has become synonymous with the modern craft cocktail movement. Audrey Saunders, inspired by the classic Mojito and the sophistication of champagne cocktails, created this drink as a way to elevate the humble Mojito into something truly special. The result was a cocktail that honors Cuban tradition while adding contemporary elegance.
The Old Cuban maintains the essential structure of the classic Mojito—rum, lime, sugar, and mint—while adding sophisticated elements that transform it into a more complex and refined drink. The addition of Angostura bitters adds depth and complexity, while the champagne float adds effervescence and elegance. This approach demonstrates how modern bartenders can enhance classic cocktails without losing their essential character.
What makes the Old Cuban particularly compelling is its use of aged rum, which adds depth and complexity that white rum cannot provide. The aged rum's caramel and vanilla notes complement the mint and lime, while the bitters add a sophisticated edge that elevates the entire drink. This approach has helped establish aged rum as a legitimate cocktail ingredient.
The use of champagne in the Old Cuban is particularly inspired, as it adds both visual appeal and sophisticated flavor. The bubbles help to lift the rum and mint flavors, while the champagne's natural acidity complements the lime's tartness. This pairing demonstrates how sparkling wine can enhance rather than overwhelm other ingredients.
Since its creation, the Old Cuban has gained popularity worldwide, appearing on menus from New York to London to Tokyo. Its appeal transcends cultural boundaries, making it a favorite among both professional bartenders and home enthusiasts. The cocktail's success has helped establish the concept of "elevated classics" in modern mixology.
The Old Cuban's enduring popularity lies in its perfect balance of flavors—the aged rum's complexity, the mint's freshness, the lime's acidity, and the champagne's effervescence create a harmonious whole that's greater than the sum of its parts. This balance makes it a perfect example of how modern cocktails can achieve sophistication through careful ingredient selection.
The Old Cuban continues to delight drinkers with its sophisticated flavor profile and elegant presentation. Whether enjoyed as a celebratory cocktail or a sophisticated evening drink, it serves as a reminder that the best modern cocktails often arise from careful attention to balance and harmony rather than complexity for its own sake. 🍹🥂🌿