He’s probably tired of all those cigar gag gifts, but it’s hard to shop for a man whose needs are impossible to ascertain and his means even less so. So if Fidel happens to plop down on the bar stool next to yours, offer to buy him a drink. No matter what you think of his politics, someone who survives an estimated 683 assassination attempts and makes it to the age of 83 deserves that much. At Pegu Club, Audrey Saunders garnishes this cocktail with a sugar-coated vanilla bean, but we went with a sprig of mint. You never know if that vanilla bean is loaded.
In a mixing glass muddle 3/4 ounce lime juice, 1 ounce simple syrup, and 6 mint leaves. Add 1 1/2 ounces rum, 2 dashes Angostura bitters, and enough ice to fill the glass three-fourths full, and shake well. Strain the drink into a cocktail glass and top with 2 ounces of Champagne. Garnish with a mint sprig.
