Old Cuban

Old Cuban, from Bemelmans Bar at the Carlyle, New York

One of the city’s most beloved hotel bars was the birthplace of this revered modern classic. Bartender Audrey Saunders created the drink for the bar’s revamped menu in 2001, and it’s remained a fixture ever since.

Ingredients

• ¾ oz. lime juice

• 1 oz. simple syrup

• 6 mint leaves

• 1½ oz. aged rum

• 2 dashes Angostura bitters

• 2 oz. champagne

• Garnish: mint leaves

Directions

1. Muddle the lime juice, simple syrup, and mint in a mixing glass.

2. Add the rum, bitters, and ice, and shake well.

3. Strain into a cocktail glass, top with the champagne, and garnish.