The Polarizing Old Cuban: A Lush Talk Deep Dive into Rum and Bubbles

Welcome back to another spirited session where we take the art of the cocktail and view it through the lens of honesty, humor, and a little bit of ‘lushness.’ In today’s spotlight, we are looking at the Old Cuban—a drink that has often been described as the sophisticated, older sibling of the Mojito. However, as our recent episode of Lush Talk revealed, sophistication is in the eye of the beholder, and sometimes, a cocktail can lead to a very divided house.

Setting the Scene: Safe Sipping and High Spirits

Before the shakers start rattling, it is essential to remember the golden rule of Lush Talk: safe drinking. We love a good time, but responsibility is the garnish that makes every drink better. As the hosts settled in for their final ‘hurrah’ in a series of champagne-based cocktails, the energy was high, the ice was ready, and the rum was waiting. This particular segment focused on a drink that bridges the gap between the ruggedness of aged rum and the elegance of French champagne.

The Anatomy of the Old Cuban

The Old Cuban isn’t just a drink; it’s a modern classic. Created by the legendary bartender Audrey Saunders in the early 2000s, it takes the basic DNA of a Mojito and elevates it. The transcript highlights the essential components: aged rum, fresh lime juice, simple syrup, Angostura bitters, mint, and a topping of champagne. While the recipe seems straightforward, the choice of ingredients—specifically the rum—can change the entire profile of the beverage.

During the episode, the choice was ‘The Kraken’—a potent, spiced, and aged rum known for its dark profile and high proof. This choice led to some ‘fun’ stories about past encounters with the mythical beast of a spirit. As the hosts noted, the Kraken has a tendency to ‘take people out,’ which adds a layer of danger and excitement to the mixology process.

The Process: Muddling and Shaking

The preparation involves a delicate balance. You start with six mint leaves, which provide that essential herbaceous aroma. Then comes the 3/4 ounce of lime juice and an ounce of simple syrup. The host notes the importance of ‘smooshing’ the ingredients—muddling is key to releasing those mint oils without shredding the leaves into bitter confetti. Then, the heavy hitter arrives: 1.5 ounces of Kraken rum. A few dashes of Angostura bitters add the spice and depth needed to round out the sweetness.

Then comes the shake. Shaking a drink with mint and citrus helps aerate the liquid, creating a cold, crisp foundation before the final effervescent touch. Once poured, the drink is topped with champagne. It is this final addition that is supposed to provide the ‘zest’ and ‘wah-wah-wah’ that the hosts were looking for.

The Verdict: A Divided House

This is where things get interesting. In the world of content creation and drink reviews, honesty is paramount. One host gave the Old Cuban a 5/10, calling it ‘baseline’ and ‘just okay.’ It lacked the complexity she was hoping for, feeling a bit flat despite the champagne topper.

The other host, however, was far less forgiving. Her review? ‘Do not pass go, do not collect $200, go straight to jail.’ For her, the Old Cuban was a ‘nasty’ experience that didn’t live up to the hype of the Great Gatsby era she was hoping to emulate. This highlights a fascinating point in mixology: the ‘Old Cuban’ is highly dependent on the quality of the rum and the balance of the sweetener. If the rum is too overbearing or the champagne too dry, the drink can lose its charm.

Ranking the Series

As this was the final countdown for their cocktail segment, the hosts ranked the four drinks they had tried: the Steelback, the Passion French 75, the Summertime Soiree, and the Old Cuban. The consensus? The Passion French 75 was the clear winner of the series. It provided the perfect balance of fruit, spirit, and bubbles that the other drinks couldn’t quite match.

Final Thoughts: Why We Experiment

Even though the Old Cuban didn’t win over everyone on the set, the journey is what matters. Stepping out of your comfort zone—moving from your standard 90s cocktails or basic sparkling wine—is how you find what you truly love. Whether you end up with a new favorite or a drink that you want to send ‘straight to jail,’ the experience of sharing it with friends and family is what makes the cocktail culture so enduring.

As we head into 2026, Lush Talk promises more adventures, more shenanigans, and more honest reviews. Whether you’re a fan of aged rum or you prefer to stick to your favorite sparkling wine, remember to ‘lush on together’ and always drink responsibly.