Old Cuban: A Champagne Twist With Serious Flavor
Sep 02, 2025
If you’re hunting for a polished, downright delicious Old Cuban recipe, you’re in the right place. This one marries the bright snap of a mojito with the celebratory sparkle of Champagne. Think aged rum, fresh mint and bubbles working in perfect harmony. Everything but the booze.
It isn’t a classic Champagne Old Fashioned. It’s a modern beauty with a refined bubbly finish. Easy to make. Elegant any time of year. Hard to resist.
Why the Old Cuban Stands Out
This drink is a modern classic for a reason. You get the lift of mint and lime with the depth of aged rum. El Guapo Lime Cordial keeps things bright without fuss. Our Cuban Bitters bring tropical heat with allspice and cinnamon. They pull the whole thing together with warm spice and a polished finish. Made in New Orleans.
How To Make an Old Cuban
Makes one cocktail
Ingredients
- 1.5 ounces Privateer True American Amber Rum
- 0.25 oz El Guapo™ Lime Cordial
- 3-4 dashes El Guapo™ Cuban Bitters
- 6 Mint leaves, plus sprig for garnish
- 1 oz Champagne
- 1 small lime wheel, for garnish
Instructions
- Place the mint leaves in a shaker.
- Add Lime Cordial and gently bruise the mint.
- Add rum and bitters.
- Fill the shaker with ice.
- Shake until cold.
- Strain into a coupe.
- Top with Champagne.
- Garnish with a lime wheel and mint sprig.
- Serve right away.
Aromatic Layering With Cuban Bitters and Champagne
The magic comes from quality modifiers. El Guapo Lime Cordial sets a clean sweet tart base. Cuban Bitters add tropical depth that links the aged rum to the fresh mint. The warm spice meets the crisp Champagne for a complex and elegant finish. No artificial anything. Serious flavor.
Looking for more cocktail inspiration? Explore our complete collection of recipes and discover your next favorite drink. Have a question? Contact us for assistance, or visit El Guapo’s homepage to explore everything we offer.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the difference between an Old Cuban and a Mojito?
Both use rum, lime and mint. An Old Cuban leans richer with aged rum. It relies on lime cordial for balance and finishes with sparkling wine. It feels polished. A Mojito stays lighter and more casual.
Can I use a different type of rum?
Yes. White rum gives a crisper result. Dark or spiced rum adds deeper notes. Aged rum keeps the drink closest to its modern classic roots.
What is a Champagne Old Fashioned?
It uses the structure of an Old Fashioned plus bubbles instead of whiskey. Different drink. Same celebratory energy. The Old Cuban takes that spirit and folds it into a bright rum forward build.
