Cuba Libre Cocktail

The Cuba Libre is a classic cocktail made with rum, cola, and lime. This simple, 3-ingredient cocktail is a must-have in any bartender’s repertoire.

The “Cuba Libre”

The Cuba Libre is a variation on the basic rum and coke cocktail. A Cuba Libre starts with the same base of light rum and cola (traditionally, Coca-Cola), but adds a squeeze of fresh lime juice. The tart citrus perfectly balances out the sweetness of the rum and the sugary soda, making the drink refreshing but not cloyingly sweet.

Where Did The Cuba Libre Cocktail Get Its Name?

Cuba Libre means “Free Cuba” in Spanish, which may give a hint about how the drink came to be. Cuba gained its independence from Spain in 1898, but was occupied by American forces until 1902. As the legend goes, American soldiers used to love to drink rum and coke cocktails at the local Cuban bars. One soldier raised his glass and toasted to “Cuba Libre!” and the name stuck.

Ingredients

• 2 ounces light rum
• 4 ounces cola
• Fresh lime

Helpful Bartending Tools

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• Cocktail Jigger (for measuring liquor amounts)
• Boston Cocktail Shaker Set (contains shakers, jigger, strainer)
• Bar Spoon (though you could also use a regular teaspoon for this one)

Recipe intended for readers 21+

Instructions

1. Fill a cocktail glass with ice.
2. Pour in 2 ounces of rum.
3. Top with cola and a squeeze of fresh lime juice.
4. Garnish with a lime wedge.

Prep Tips

• The amount of lime juice used is entirely up to you! Generally, the juice from one lime wedge should be plenty, but you can add more if you enjoy a tarter drink.
• Traditionally, fresh lime juice is used, rather than a sweetened lime juice cocktail mixer. Using sweetened lime juice will make an already sweet drink even sweeter.

Frequently Asked Questions

What Is The Best Type Of Rum To Use For A Cuba Libre Cocktail?

Traditionally, a Cuba Libre is made with Bacardi Superior Silver Rum and Coca-Cola. However, you really can use any type of light or silver rum and any brand of cola. It comes down to your own preference for taste.

At first thought, it would make sense to use a Cuban rum to make the Cuba Libre cocktail. However, this might prove difficult if you live in the United States, since the importation of Cuban rums was banned in 1962.

That’s one of the reasons that Bacardi is often used for this drink. The Bacardi company was founded in 1862 in Santiago de Cuba. And while politics forced Bacardi (and many others) to move their production elsewhere, Bacardi still proudly honors their Cuban heritage. It’s about as close as we can get to authentic Cuban rum in the States.

More Rum Cocktails To Try

• Hurricane Cocktail
• Peach Mojito
• Island Breeze Cocktail
• Dark & Stormy Cocktail

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