Cuban Cocktail No. 2 is a vintage spirit-forward drink that combines apricot brandy, five-star brandy, and rum with bright lime juice for a smooth, subtly fruity sipper.
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Instructions
1
Shake with ice and strain into cocktail glass.
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Tips & Notes
Pro tips
Use fresh lime juice squeezed immediately before serving—bottled or frozen juice dulls the bright citrus note that balances the brandy and apricot.
Pour ingredients into a mixing glass with ice, stir gently for 15–20 seconds to chill without over-dilution, then strain into a chilled glass.
The rum is measured in teaspoons rather than ounces—do not overpower the drink; this is a brandy-forward cocktail with rum as a subtle accent.
Chill your serving glass with ice water or in the freezer for 2 minutes before straining to preserve the drink's temperature.
Substitutions
Old Mr. Boston Apricot Brandy → other apricot brandy or apricot liqueur (note: liqueurs are sweeter; reduce slightly or add less if substituting)
Old Mr. Boston Five Star Brandy → cognac or other premium brandy (note: cognac is more complex; flavor will shift from fruit-forward to oaky)
Lime juice → lemon juice (note: less tropical, more tart; adjust to taste)
Storage & make-ahead
Cocktails are best served immediately after preparation. Store unmixed ingredients in sealed bottles at room temperature for up to 2 years.
Equipment
mixing glass · bar spoon · jigger · citrus squeezer · cocktail strainer · coupe or cocktail glass
Common Questions
What brands of brandy should I use for this cocktail?
The recipe calls for Old Mr. Boston apricot flavored brandy and Old Mr. Boston five-star brandy. These specific brands define the drink's flavor profile; substituting with other brands will alter the taste.
Should this cocktail be served cold?
Yes, serve over ice in a chilled glass to balance the spirit intensity and brighten the lime and apricot notes.
Can I make this as a batch cocktail?
Yes, multiply the ingredients by the number of servings and store in a bottle. Add fresh ice and lime juice when serving to maintain quality.
What glassware works best?
A coupe glass or cocktail glass showcases this drink; rocks glass with ice works equally well for a casual serve.
How do I properly juice half a lime?
Cut the lime in half lengthwise, then use a citrus squeezer or hand-squeeze over a strainer to catch pulp and seeds. Fresh juice is essential for flavor.
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