Old Cuban vs. Russian Spring Punch

The difference, by the numbers

Both have simple syrup and sparkling wine. Only the Old Cuban has mint, aged rum, lime juice and Angostura bitters; only the Russian Spring Punch has vodka, lemon juice and crème de cassis. In parts, an Old Cuban is 1½ rum, ¾ lime, 1 syrup and 2 bubbles; a Russian Spring Punch is 1¾ vodka, 1¾ lemon, 1 cassis, ¾ syrup and 4 bubbles. By volume, the Old Cuban is 38% mixer and juice, 29% spirit, 19% syrup and sugar and 14% citrus; the Russian Spring Punch is 44% mixer and juice, 19% spirit, 19% citrus, 11% liqueur and 7% syrup and sugar. That makes them close cousins on the ratio map.

The Old Cuban is the stronger drink in the glass (12.1% ABV against 11.3%) and holds more alcohol (1.46 standard drinks against 1.10). The Old Cuban has more calories (about 225 against 167) and more sugar (19.6 g against 13.5 g). Both are shaken; the Old Cuban is served in a coupe, the Russian Spring Punch in a highball.