The Old Cuban is a smooth blend of aged rum, simple syrup, lime juice, mint, bitters, and Champagne, a modern and polished reinterpretation of the popular Mojito combined with a French 75. This contemporary classic was born in 2001 from the ingenious mixology of Audrey Saunders while she was at the now-closed Beacon restaurant in New York City.

In 2005, Saunders went on to open the Pegu Club, an establishment that rapidly made a name for itself within the emerging craft cocktail culture. Saunders used her creativity and ingenuity to breathe fresh life into time-honored drinks, like the Old Cuban and the Gin Gin Mule, and therefore left an indelible mark on the modern cocktail scene.

Upon its closure in 2020, the Pegu Club had etched its presence in the annals of mixology, with Saunders' concoctions remaining front and center. Inspired by the Mojito, the Old Cuban elevates the experience with superior ingredients, perfect preparation, and stylish presentation.

Fundamentally, the Old Cuban mirrors the Mojito's sour trinity of spirit, citrus juice, and sugar. However, it takes a departure from the norm by swapping white rum with aged rum, thereby infusing the cocktail with a fuller flavor, reminiscent of subtle notes of vanilla and caramel and balanced by the addition of Angostura bitters.

Presentation is key when it comes to the Old Cuban. To ensure an even color and consistency, an essential step is to double-strain the cocktail through a fine mesh strainer. This eliminates any floating mint leaves, which could detract from the drink's elegance. Adding a nod to French 75, the cocktail takes a decadent step up from the Mojito’s effervescent soda water by crowning the drink with Champagne, which enhances the complexity and crispness of the flavors.

Making the Old Cuban involves combining 1 1/2 ounces of aged rum, one ounce of simple syrup, 3/4 ounces of lime juice, six mint leaves, and two dashes of Angostura bitters in a shaker with ice. Once chilled, the mix is strained into a chilled coupe glass, topped with two ounces of Champagne, and garnished with a sprig of mint. Served with sophistication and the perfect blend of ingredients, the Old Cuban offers a delightful twist on a timeless classic.