Cuban Cocktail No. 2

Pro tips

• Fresh lime juice is non-negotiable—bottled juice dulls the citrus snap and throws off the balance with the sweet apricot brandy.
• Chill your glass before serving to keep the cocktail cold longer; the spirit blend has low alcohol and warms quickly.
• Measure the light rum precisely (use a bar spoon or 1 tsp measure)—it's easy to overpour and drown the apricot notes.
• Stir (don't shake) the drink with ice for 10–15 seconds to chill and slightly dilute without aerating the delicate flavor profile.

Substitutions

• Apricot-flavored brandy → apricot liqueur (Bols or Marie Brizard); slightly drier but similar sweetness and body
• Light rum → añejo or gold rum (note: shifts the profile toward warmth rather than citrus clarity—use sparingly)
• Fresh lime juice → fresh lemon juice (note: more acidity, less aromatic; balance with a small pinch of simple syrup if too sharp)

Storage & make-ahead

Cocktails are meant fresh; serve immediately. Store spirits at room temperature in dark bottles away from direct sunlight.

Equipment

bar jigger or measuring spoon · citrus juicer or reamer · mixing glass · bar spoon · strainer · coupe or cocktail glass

What type of brandy works best for Cuban Cocktail No. 2?

Use a standard cognac or French brandy for the 1.5 oz base. Apricot-flavored brandy (like Bols) works for the 0.5 oz modifier. Avoid overly aged or high-proof varieties that overpower the delicate balance.

Can you make Cuban Cocktail No. 2 without rum?

The light rum (1 tsp) is minimal but adds a signature note. Omit it if necessary, though the drink loses its Cuban identity; don't substitute with other spirits.

Should Cuban Cocktail No. 2 be served chilled or at room temperature?

Serve chilled over ice or straight up in a chilled coupe glass. Fresh lime requires cold to balance properly.

How do you juice half a lime without waste?

Cut the lime in half lengthwise, use a citrus reamer or hand-squeeze over a fine strainer to catch seeds and pulp. You'll get roughly 0.5–1 oz of juice.