Old Cuban Cocktail Recipe: A Refreshing Champagne Cocktail with a Twist

Looking for a sophisticated and delicious old cuban cocktail recipe? This modern fusion cocktail takes the best of a French 75 and the foundation of a mojito, with a touch of champagne, aged rum, and mint. It's a glorious mix for a refreshing drink that's perfect for warm weather but hard to resist even during colder months. While it’s not a classic champagne old fashioned, it offers a refined bubbly twist on a classic cocktail foundation.

Why the Old Cuban Cocktail is So Special

This cocktail is a fantastic example of a modern classic. It has the refreshing quality of a mojito with the elegant, celebratory feel of a sparkling wine cocktail. The use of aged rum provides a depth of flavor with notes of caramel and spice, while the fresh mint and zesty El Guapo™ Lime Cordial keep it light and bright. A few dashes of El Guapo™ Cuban Bitters add a tropical, herbal complexity that ties all the flavors together perfectly.

How to Make the Old Cuban Cocktail

This old cuban cocktail recipe is a straightforward guide to a beautiful and well-balanced drink.

Makes one cocktail

x Weston Table

• 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:

1. Put the mint leaves into a cocktail shaker.
2. Add the El Guapo™ Lime Cordial and gently bruise the mint with a muddler or wooden spoon.
3. Add the rum and the bitters.
4. Fill the cocktail shaker with ice.
5. Shake vigorously until the cocktail is well-chilled, about 15 to 20 seconds.
6. Strain the liquid into a cocktail coupe.
7. Top the drink with the champagne.
8. Garnish with a lime wheel and a mint sprig.
9. Serve immediately.

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

Q: What is the difference between an Old Cuban and a Mojito?

A: An Old Cuban and a Mojito share key ingredients like rum, lime, and mint. However, an Old Cuban is made with aged rum for a richer flavor, uses a lime cordial instead of fresh lime juice and sugar, and is topped with sparkling wine or Champagne, giving it a much more elegant and bubbly character.

Q: Can I use a different type of rum?

A: Yes. While aged rum is traditional for this cocktail, you can experiment with different types. Using a white rum will result in a crisper, more mojito-like flavor, while a dark or spiced rum can add an even deeper, more complex taste.

Q: What is a Champagne Old Fashioned?

A: A Champagne Old Fashioned is a cocktail that combines the classic Old Fashioned ingredients of bitters and sugar with Champagne instead of whiskey or bourbon. It is a different drink from the Old Cuban, but both are excellent examples of modern cocktails that feature Champagne.