The Old Cuban: The Mojito Gets a French Kiss

Ingredients

• 1 1/2 ounces aged rum
• 3/4 ounce lime juice
• 3/4 ounce simple syrup
• 2 dashes angostura bitters
• 1 1/2 ounces champagne
• Garnish with a mint sprig

Directions

• Fill a cocktail shaker with ice.
• Add aged rum, lime juice, simple syrup, and bitters to the shaker.
• Shake vigorously until well-chilled, about 10-15 seconds.
• Strain into a chilled coupe glass.
• Top with champagne.
• Garnish with a mint sprig.

The Mojito Gets a French Kiss

The Old Cuban is Audrey Saunders's sparkling rum cocktail, combining aged rum, lime, mint, bitters, and champagne. It sits between a Mojito and a champagne cocktail without fully becoming either one.

The Birth of 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 Mojito Connection

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.

A Celebration of Aged Rum

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 Champagne Connection

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.

Global Influence

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.

A Testament to Balance

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.

Enduring Appeal

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.

Best from late spring through summer, especially for patio-hour pours. 🍹🥂🌿