Old Cuban

Directions

1. 1
   Muddle the mint leaves with the rum, lime juice, Simple Syrup, and bitters in a cocktail shaker.
2. 2
   Add ice, cover, and shake vigorously, or stir, until combined and chilled, about 30 seconds.
3. 3
   (In general, the drink is ready when the shaker mists up.)
4. 4
   Pour the muddled liquid into a chilled champagne flute, holding back the ice, but letting some of the mint leaves fall into the glass.
5. 5
   Add enough Champagne to almost fill the glass to the top.
6. 6
   Garnish with a sprig of mint.
7. 7
   Drink.
8. 8
   1 cup sugar
9. 9
   1 cup water
10. 10
    Put the sugar and water in a small saucepan.
11. 11
    Cook over low heat, stirring, until the sugar dissolves.
12. 12
    (Alternatively, heat in the microwave.)
13. 13
    Store in a sealed container in the refrigerator.
14. 14
    Yield: about 1 1/2 cups