Cuba Libre cocktail
The Cuba Libre is a mixed drink that features rum and cola. The cocktail is sweet yet well balanced due to the juice of freshly squeezed lime.
The Cuba Libre originated in Cuba in the early 20th century. "Cuba Libre" means "free Cuba" in Spanish and was a very famous phrase that celebrated the freedom of the country from the Spanish rule.
- Total Time:
- Type: Cocktail
- Units: 2
Equipment
- Highball glass
Ingredients
- 2 lime wedges
- 60 ml rum
- 120 ml cola
Instructions
- Fill the highball glass with ice. Squeeze and drop into it 2 lime wedges.
- Pour the rum and top up with cola.
- Gently stir and serve.
FAQ
Which rum works best in a Cuba Libre?
Light rum is the classic choice, keeping the drink crisp and refreshing. Dark rum adds more depth and caramel notes, giving it a richer edge, much like the difference between a Mojito made with light rum versus aged rum.
How strong is a Cuba Libre?
A standard serve (50ml rum at 40% ABV topped with cola and a squeeze of lime) comes to about 2.0 alcohol units, putting it on par with a Whiskey Sour and lighter than boozy sippers like the Martini.
What makes a Cuba Libre different from a Rum and Coke?
The squeeze of fresh lime juice is what sets it apart. That touch of citrus gives it brightness and balance, similar to how lemon transforms a Tom Collins from plain gin and soda into a true cocktail.
When did the Cuba Libre become popular?
The drink dates back to around 1900 in Havana, Cuba, after the Spanish–American War. “¡Cuba libre!” (“Free Cuba!”) was a popular toast at the time, and the name stuck to the rum, lime, and cola mix.
What’s the best way to serve it?
Always in a tall glass filled with ice, garnished with a wedge of lime. The simplicity and refreshing style make it one of the easiest rum cocktails to serve at parties, right alongside the Piña Colada and Daiquiri.