If you’ve never had an Old Cuban, it is very much like a Mojito. The main difference is the use of a dark rum instead of white, and the addition of some sparkling wine. It’s still full of minty goodness and feels kind of like a celebratory version of a mojito. Perfect for Spring!
Print
- Yield: 1 cocktail 1x
Ingredients
- ¾ ounce freshly squeezed lime juice
- 6 mint leaves
- 1 ounce simple syrup
- 1½ ounces dark rum
- 2 dashes Angostura bitters
- 2 ounces sparkling wine
- ice (for shaking)
Instructions
- Add the lime juice, mint leaves, and simple syrup to a cocktail shaker and muddle until the mint leaves are bruised. Add the rum, bitters, and ice and shake well. Strain into a cocktail glass and top off with the sparkling wine. Garnish with additional mint leaves or lime if desired.
Notes
You may wish to double strain the cocktail to avoid mint flecks.
- Category: Cocktail Recipe
Frequently Asked Questions
What makes an Old Cuban different from a Mojito?
The Old Cuban swaps white rum for dark rum and adds 2 ounces of sparkling wine, which gives it a more complex, celebratory character compared to a classic Mojito. The base of lime juice, mint, and simple syrup remains the same.
Why should I muddle the mint with the lime juice and simple syrup before adding the rum?
Muddling the 6 mint leaves together with the lime juice and simple syrup bruises the leaves and releases their oils into the liquid base before any alcohol is added. This extracts more flavor than muddling the mint alone or after adding the spirits.
What does double straining do, and when should I bother?
Double straining passes the shaken cocktail through a fine mesh strainer on top of the standard cocktail strainer, catching any mint flecks or ice shards. Worth doing when you want a clean, clear glass. For a casual drink, the single strain is fine.
