**To make cocktails like these from the comfort of your own home download the Mixed Cocktail App **
This week on our quest to find out more about cocktails, we decided to take a look at a drink that's fast on it's way to becoming a modern classic. We spoke to uber bartender Jacob Briars who told us all about The Old Cuban.
First up, what is an Old Cuban?
It's a popular cocktail which was created in New York City by talented bar owner Audrey Saunders. It's a summery mix of Bacardi 8 rum, lime, sugar, mint and sparkling wine. It's generally held to be one of the first great cocktails of the 21st Century, and perfect for anyone who loves Daiquiris, Mojitos, or Champagne. So, a perfect drink for everyone, really!
Where did it come from?
Like so many bartenders around the world, Audrey was inspired by the golden age of the 'Cantineros' - the Cuban bartenders who made Havana the best place on earth to drink in the 1920s and 1930s. She took two of the most popular cocktails, the Mojito and the Daiquiri and married them together with Champagne to make a cocktail that's perfect for any kind of celebration.It uses Bacardi 8, an aged rum (that's where the 'old' comes from) that was first produced in Cuba more than 150 years ago.
Who drinks it?
It's not as well known as it should be, so someone who orders an Old Cuban has probably been to New York City, or who takes good suggestions from their bartender. It's quite a sophisticated drink, and is very popular with cocktail lovers, but it really works for anyone.
If we're making one at home, can we get away with not buying all that cocktail making equipment?
Of course. Never let the lack of tools stop you from making great drinks! If you don't have a muddler, use a spoon or even chopsticks to gently press the oils out of the mint. If you don't have a shaker, you can use any container with a lid, such a jam or preserving jar or even a tupperware bowl if you find yourself in real strife. However, good cocktail equipment is not that expensive, and you only need a couple of pieces to make great drinks, so ask for a bar kit for your next birthday! You won't regret it.
Obviously champagne would be ideal but our bank balances ain't gonna cover it. Anything we could use instead?
A good classic cocktail recipe deserves a little respect, so we try to make it just as Audrey made it in 2002 - Bacardi 8, lime, sugar, mint, Champagne. Of course, you may not have a bottle of Champagne lying around, in which case a quality sparkling wine, such as a dry English or Antipodean wine, or a drier prosecco, would still be delicious!
The Recipe:
Ingredients
45ml Bacardi 8 Year Old Rum
30ml Lime Juice
30ml Sugar Syrup
8 Mint Leaves
Top With Martini Brut Sparkling Wine
Get your hands on…
A cocktail shaker
A muddler (or rolling pin)
Method
Muddle (squish together) the lime juice using a muddler (or a rolling pin if you don't have a muddler), syrup and mint in the cocktail shaker.
You can either buy pre-mixed sugar syrup or if you want to make your own, you can find instructions in the Masterclass section.
Pour in the rum, Angostura Bitter and ice.
Shake everything well (don't forget the lid!).
Strain into a cocktail glass and top up with champagne.
Garnish the drink with a mint leaf.
**To make cocktails like these from the comfort of your own home download the Mixed Cocktail App **
This article originally appeared on The Debrief.