The Cuba Libre’s history is rich in irony. Legend has it that, during the Spanish-American war, a U.S. army captain stationed in Havana mixed up the concoction as a toast to Cuba’s freedom. The cocktail is now caught in a tangled political web that prevents one of its key ingredients, Coca-Cola, from being sold on the island where it originated.
A beachy twist on the Rum and Coke, it’s fresh lime juice that gives the Cuba Libre its signature punch. The citrus also helps mellow the sweetness of cola and gives depth to the smoky caramel and vanilla goodness of fine rum.
Ingredients
2 ounces rum
4 ounces Coca-Cola
2 lime wedges
Directions
Fill a highball glass with ice.
Add the rum followed by the Coca-Cola.
Squeeze in the juice of one lime wedge and add it to the glass.
Stir gently and garnish with the other lime wedge.
While made with both rum and Coca-Cola, a Cuba Libre adds freshly squeezed lime juice to the mixture.
Why is it called a Cuba Libre?
As the story goes, during the Spanish-American war, a U.S. army captain stationed in Havana poured Coca-Cola and lime juice into his glass of rum before shouting in a toast, “¡Por Cuba Libre!,” which translates to, “For a free Cuba!”
How much alcohol does a Cuba Libre have?
A Cuba Libre contains two ounces of rum and comes in at around 11 percent ABV.
The Barrilito Old Fashioned:
Upgrade your Old Fashioned with Ron del Barrilito Three Stars Rum. This cocktail has smoky notes of almonds, vanilla, raisins, and bananas.
The Jungle Bird Recipe:
From Kuala Lumpur comes this classic tiki cocktail that's surprisingly easy to make at home. Learn how with this recipe.
Marta’s Burro Caldo:
Popular pizza joint Marta serves up a Burro Caldo that combines rum, Nocino liqueur, butter, orange, and baking spices.
The Frozen Mango Piña Colada Recipe:
Starting with the traditional Piña Colada as the base, adding mango really provides this classic summer cocktail with a twist it deserves.
The Whey Daiquiri, a Take on the Daiquiri:
With the comforting flavors of milk tea, this Daiquiri variation adds a level of decadence to the typically light and refreshing cocktail.