Cuban Cocktail No. 2

Pro tips

• Use fresh lime juice, never bottled — it's the backbone of the drink and balances the sweetness of the apricot brandy.
• Chill your glass with ice water before serving to keep the cocktail cold longer without over-dilution.
• Measure the 1 tsp rum carefully; the ratio heavily favors brandy, so don't over-pour rum or it will dominate the apricot notes.

Substitutions

• Old Mr. Boston Apricot Brandy → apricot liqueur or peach schnapps (sweeter alternative, adjust to taste)
• Fresh lime juice → fresh lemon juice (note: shifts citrus profile from bright to tart)
• Old Mr. Boston Five Star Brandy → cognac or VS brandy (similar proof and oak aging)

Can I make Cuban Cocktail No. 2 without apricot brandy?

Yes. Substitute apricot liqueur or peach schnapps for the apricot brandy, though the flavor profile will shift slightly toward peach.

What type of rum works best in this cocktail?

Light or white rum is traditional for Cuban cocktails; avoid dark or spiced varieties to prevent overpowering the brandy and apricot notes.

Should this cocktail be shaken or stirred?

Shake with ice and strain into a chilled glass for proper dilution and temperature; the citrus juice requires aeration.

Can I batch this recipe ahead?

Yes, mix the brandy and rum in advance, but add fresh lime juice and ice only when serving to prevent oxidation.