This post may contain affiliate links. Please read my disclosure policy.
You are going to fall in love with this refined modern cocktail known as the Old Cuban! Made with bourbon, Prosecco, and Angostura bitters, it’s bubbly and boozy with a bit of spice and a hint of fresh mint. It’s a sippable and smooth delicious hybrid of a mojito and French 75!
What Is An Old Cuban Cocktail?
The Old Cuban is actually a newbie in the world of cocktails! It was invented in 2001 by the Pegu Club owner and famous Soho New York bartender Audrey Saunders. Also known for the invention of the gin gin mule, she is a legend. Saunders took the concept of a classic Mojito and a French 75 to create this cocktail that we all now know and love as the Old Cuban. It’s fresh with a hint of mint, but complex in flavor with aromatic bitters and rounded off with a bit of bubbles. A true masterpiece, it’s a refined cocktail that speaks for itself.
Traditionally, Old Cubans are made with aged rum, lime juice, bitters, simple syrup, Champagne, and fresh mint. Yet, in my recipe, I like to use bourbon and Prosecco in place of the rum and Champagne. I find that the bourbon cuts back on the sweetness and using Prosecco adds a bit of fruitiness to the cocktail. It’s a matter of preference really.
But regardless of what type of booze you like in your Old Cuban, you can’t leave out the dashes of bitters! They are an important part of this delicious drink just as much as they are in an Old Fashioned or Manhattan. With notes of cloves and cinnamon, the Angostura bitters add a bit of warm spice to the Old Cuban that makes it unforgettable.
Why You’ll Love This Old Cuban Cocktail
- Easy Cocktail! You only need 6 ingredients, some ice cubes, a shaker, and a chilled glass to make this tasty drink that comes together in seconds. No fancy blender is needed.
- Delicious Modern Classic! With bubbles, bourbon, bitters, a bit of citrus, and then finished off with some fresh mint, this delicious cocktail has become an iconic modern classic.
- Party Perfect! This impressive drink will wow your guests. With its complex layers of flavor and smooth delivery, you can’t go wrong serving these classic cocktails at your next dinner party.
Ingredients You’ll Need
- Bourbon – Some recipes use rum, I like to use bourbon when I make old Cubans.
- Simple Syrup – You can find it pre-made at a grocery store. To make your own, bring equal parts water and granulated sugar to a boil over medium heat in a saucepan while stirring constantly until all the sugar dissolves. Then let it cool.
- Lime Juice – Always use fresh lime juice when making cocktails.
- Angostura Bitters – Traditionally aromatic Angostura bitters are used, but orange bitters could be yummy too.
- Prosecco – Adds a little bit of bubbly to the drink. You can use Champagne if you don’t have any Prosecco.
- Mint Leaves – Fresh mint leaves make the drink and add a bit of color.
This refined cocktail recipe is super easy! But do make sure that your glass is already chilled before you begin making the drink and don’t leave out the bitters!
Shake The Drink
To begin, you need to create the basis of the cocktail. Just add the bourbon, simple syrup, fresh lime juice, and Angostura bitters to a cocktail shaker. Then fill it with a handful of ice and shake everything together vigorously.
Finish The Old Cuban
Next, grab your chilled coupe glass and strain the mixture into the glass. Then top it with some Prosecco and garnish it with some fresh mint leaves. Now, serve the cocktail immediately and enjoy!
Can I Use A Different Sweetener In Place Of The Simple Syrup?
Yes! You can use your favorite artificial sweetener, honey, or agave instead. You may also want to add a little more Prosecco depending on the sweetness of your sweetener of choice.
What Are Angostura Bitters Made Of?
Made by the House of Angostura in Trinidad and Tobago, the exact recipe is a secret. Yet, we know that they are made of a combination of gentian root as well as other herbs and spices like cloves and cinnamon. Bitters are wonderful at balancing cocktails.
Expert Tips
- Don’t over-thicken the simple syrup. Do not simmer the simple syrup for too long. When done it will coat the back of a spoon. You just want the sugar to dissolve and thicken, but not turn into glue.
- Make your limes juicy. Roll the limes as you press them against the kitchen counter to soften them up a bit. This old-fashioned trick makes it easier to get the most juice out of them.
- Use freshly opened Prosecco. A brand new bottle of unopened Prosecco will make the most bubbly drink. And you should always keep sparkling wines in the fridge to maintain their fizziness.
Other Delicious Cocktails To Try
Old Cuban
Ingredients
- 1½ ounce bourbon
- 1 ounce simple syrup
- ¾ ounce fresh lime juice
- 2 dashes Angostura bitters
- 2 ounces Prosecco
- 2 fresh mint leaves
Instructions
- Combine the bourbon, simple syrup, lime juice and Angostura bitters in a shaker and fill with ice. Shake vigourously.
- Strain into a chilled coupe glass.
- Top with Prosecco and garnish with fresh mint.
Tips & Notes:
- To make simple syrup, combine 1 cup sugar and 1 cup water in a saucepan and bring to a boil, stirring until the sugar is dissolved. Remove from heat and store leftovers in a jar or airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 weeks.
- Don’t over-thicken the simple syrup. Do not simmer the simple syrup for too long. When done it will coat the back of a spoon. You just want the sugar to dissolve and thicken, but not turn into glue.
- Make your limes juicy. Roll the limes as you press them against the kitchen counter to soften them up a bit. This old-fashioned trick makes it easier to get the most juice out of them.
- Use freshly opened Prosecco. A brand new bottle of unopened Prosecco will make the most bubbly drink. And you should always keep sparkling wines in the fridge to maintain their fizziness.
