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.
Caribbean Club Recipe:
A classic American cocktail gets a contemporary makeover in this modern riff on the Clover Club featuring white rum and lemon curd.
The Frozen Eggnog Recipe:
A chilly take on the holiday original, this cinnamon- and nutmeg-spiced frozen eggnog is served cold and easy to batch for a crowd.
The Coconut Airman Recipe:
In this reinterpretation of the Test Pilot, a classic tiki cocktail, Natalie Migliarini uses white rum and Paloma flavors. Learn how to make her recipe.
The Toasted Coconut Sour Recipe:
Wintry pomegranate and tropical coconut come together in this white rum sour. Learn how to make the cocktail and its toasted coconut syrup with this recipe!
The Cinnamon Rum Eggnog Recipe:
Whip up two servings of boozy, cinnamon-spiced eggnog at your next holiday gathering — or any time you want a cozy cold-weather treat.
The Kingston Negroni:
The Kingston Negroni is a great change of pace, with rum completely upending the original cocktail's profile. Check out the recipe here!