Reviewed by WhatDrink Editorial Team, Drinks EditorHow we calculate nutrition
Cocktailalcoholic12.4% ABV7 ingredientsexcellent recipe
Difficulty
Advancedmuddled drink
Why: 7 ingredients, muddled drink, requires shaker, muddler
Best for: BBQ, Chocolate, Seafood Dinner
Ingredients & Tools
BaseCitrusSweetenerBittersGarnishHerb / spice
- 6 FreshMint LeavesGarnish
- 1.0 ozSimple SyrupSweetener
- 4.0 ozFresh Lime JuiceCitrus
- 2.0 ozDark RumBase
- 2 dashesAngostura BittersBitters
- 2.0 ozChampagne
- to tasteChopped Fresh MintHerb / spice
Tools:shakermuddler
How to Make It
ShakeStirStrainGarnish
- Muddle mint leaves, syrup, and lime juice in mixing glass.StirStirring chills and dilutes while keeping the drink clear and smooth.
- Add rum, bitters, and ice and shake well.ShakeShaking chills, dilutes and adds texture.
- Strain into chilled cocktail glass and top with Champagne.StrainStraining removes ice chips, pulp or solids for a cleaner texture.
- Garnish with chopped mint.GarnishGarnish changes aroma, presentation or final flavour impression.
Best For
Food Pairings
Diet & Lifestyle
Gluten-FreeVeganVegetarian
Make it your way
Adjust this drink
Try alcohol-freeBrowse mocktails and zero-ABV alternatives.Make it lighterTry a longer serve style, more ice, soda, tonic or a lower-ABV alternative.Lower the sugarCompare with drinks that use less estimated sugar per serve.Lower the caloriesCompare with drinks that sit lower on estimated calories per serve.
Swap notes
Base spiritWhite rum is light and clean; gold rum adds vanilla warmth; dark rum is rich and molasses-heavy. Swapping between them changes the body and sweetness — reduce syrup if going darker.CitrusLemon juice can replace lime but it is sharper and less floral — the drink will taste brighter and slightly more tart. Grapefruit juice works if you want something more bitter. Whichever you use, add a little at a time and taste as you go.SweetenerSimple syrup is neutral; honey adds floral warmth; agave is lighter and less cloying; grenadine adds pomegranate colour and fruit sweetness. Sweeteners vary in intensity — start with less than you think you need, then taste. Always rebalance with a little citrus if the drink feels flat after swapping.BittersAngostura bitters add spice, clove and cinnamon warmth. Orange bitters swap in cleanly if you want a brighter, more citrus-forward result. Peychaud's is lighter and more floral — it works well in spirit-forward drinks where you want less spice weight.
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Frequently asked questions
- What is a The Old Cuban?
- The The Old Cuban is a cocktail made with 7 ingredients, traditionally served in a Cocktail Glass. It has an ABV of approximately 12.4%. A standard serving contains approximately 309 calories.
- What does a The Old Cuban taste like?
- The Old Cuban has a flavour profile featuring Citrus, Spice, Mint, Lime. The exact taste varies depending on the brands and measures used.
- What food goes well with a The Old Cuban?
- The Old Cuban pairs well with BBQ, Chocolate, Desserts. The pairing is based on complementary flavour profiles from the recipe's ingredients.
- How strong is a The Old Cuban?
- The The Old Cuban has an ABV of approximately 12.4%. That's approximately 1.87 US standard drinks. A standard serving contains 309 calories, 24.6g sugar, 33.5g carbs. Strength varies depending on the exact measures and spirits used.
- When is a The Old Cuban typically served?
- The Old Cuban is a popular choice for Seafood Dinner. It also works well as an aperitif or casual evening drink.
- What drinks are similar to a The Old Cuban?
- If you enjoy The Old Cuban, look for cocktails with a similar spirit base and flavour profile using the filters on the cocktails page. Drinks with matching body and acidity scores on the sensory bar will feel closest in character.
- Can I make a The Old Cuban at home?
- Yes. The The Old Cuban uses 7 ingredients, making it more involved to prepare at home. You will need a Cocktail Glass. Use quality spirits and fresh ingredients for the best result.
- What do the sensory profile dimensions mean?
- Sensory profile dimensions describe key flavour characteristics: Body (light to full), Dryness (sweet to bone dry), Acidity (flat to crisp), Fruitiness (subtle to prominent) and Boldness (delicate to bold). Each scale helps you compare cocktails at a glance and find ones with similar character.
- How do I use sensory profiles to find cocktails I like?
- Compare the Body, Acidity and Fruitiness of The Old Cuban with other cocktails. If you enjoy this drink, look for others with a similar profile. Adjust one dimension at a time to discover new favourites while staying in your flavour comfort zone.