Field Report: Bemelmans Bar (with Recipe)

The Old Cuban cocktail, a modern classic on the menu at Bemelmans Bar for the last 20 years.

Old Cuban

Audrey Saunders, Beacon/Tonic, New York City, 2001

• 1 1/2 ounces brown rum (Bacardi 8 recommended)

• 3/4 ounce lime juice

• 1 ounce simple syrup

• 2 dashes Angostura bitters

• 6 mint leaves

• 2 ounces Champagne

Muddle mint leaves with simple syrup and lime juice in a mixing glass. Add rum, bitters and ice. Shake until chilled, about 15 seconds. Strain into a chilled cocktail glass. Top with Champagne.