An Old Cuban is a beautiful marriage between a sparkling French 75 and a minty Mojito. In this recipe, we've added cranberry for a sweet, tart sparkling concoction making it a perfect winter cocktail.

    
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I recently had the pleasure of having an Old Cuban at a local restaurant here in Atlanta. Out of all the restaurants and bars I've visited, I've never seen an Old Cuban on the menu, at least not that I noticed. Just by reading the ingredient list on the bar menu, I knew the drink was going to be stunning. And obviously I wasn't wrong because now there is a recipe for it on my blog. 

This isn't the modern classic recipe however, I wanted to reflect the flavors of winter by adding tart cranberry to the mix. And in the end, it doesn't stray too far from the original, but it does add a little festive flare to spice up a party or simple gathering with friends and family. 

What You Need For This Recipe

Mint Leaves
Simple Syrup (or less, to taste)
Cranberry Juice Cocktail
Lime Juice
Gold Rum 
Angostura Bitters (optional)
Sparkling Wine (Champagne, Prosecco, Cava etc.)



What's Is An Old Cuban?
The Old Cuban was created in 2001 by Audrey Saunders, the owner of Pegu Club in New York City. It's a beautiful marriage between at French 75 and a mojito. The Old Cuban is a simple cocktail and so delicious, it's no wonder by it became an instance classic.  

How To Make A Cranberry Old Cuban?

Sparkling Wine: For this recipe I used Prosecco, which isn't a part of the original recipe, but I enjoy the extra sweetness. Any sparkling wine will do. For a drier cocktail try a brut Champagne or sparkling wine.
Aged Rum: Aged rums are rums that have been matured in barrels for at least 4 years. These rum have a richer, deeper flavor and have a gold to caramel color. Bacardi Gold is my favorite.
Cranberry Juice: Cranberry juice cocktail or 100% cranberry juice will work well. Just note that the cocktail version will be sweeter. Choose based on what you like.
Mint: Fresh mint is a must. If making a pitcher or punch try your local farmer's market to get larger bunches of mint.
Simple Syrup: This is very easy to make. Just cook 1 part water and 1 part sugar until the sugar has dissolved and allow to cool.  However if your short on time, use a store bought brand.
Lime Juice: For making single cocktails, I use fresh limes. However when making for a crowd, bottled lime juice works perfectly.
Angostura Bitters: Bitters are spirits infused with botanicals like, herbs, spices and fruit. They have a very intense flavor which why you only a few dashes. 
Although this ingredient is optional, it's highly recommended. The bitters create a complexity to this drink that would be missed without it. 

How To Make A Cranberry Old Cuban For A Crowd?

This drink needs to stay cold in order for it to taste its best. Nobody likes warm Prosecco and adding small ice will water down the cocktail faster. There are a few ways you can present this at a party without compromising the drink.

Make A Large Piece Ice: The larger the ice the slower it melts. For this option, use a cute mold, a large container or bundt pan you already have to make large piece of ice. Make sure it's no more than a 1/3 of the size of the punch bowl or pitcher you plan on using. You can even decorate your ice with the garnishes for a beautiful presentation.

Serve  Mimosa Style: Add the base of the cocktail to your punch bowl, pitcher or carafe. Keep the sparkling wine on ice near the punch bowl and with serving glasses. Add a sign or verbally instruct guest to top their drinks with the cold sparkling wine. 

Keep in the Fridge: The is might be a great option particularly if there will be children who might confuse it for Hawaiian punch.

Tips For Making This Recipe
  • To save some time, use store bought lime juice and simple syrup. 
  • If serving for a crowd make sure to keep the it cold. Use large ice about 1/3 the size of your punch bowl.
  • For a drier/less sweet cocktail, use a brut sparkling wine or Champagne and/or 100% cranberry juice. 
Enjoy,