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Table of Contents
- How to Make the Cuba Libre Drink
- History of the Cuba Libre Cocktail
- Cuba Libre Ingredients
- Variations
- Final Thoughts & Cuba Libre Recipe
Hey, hey– It’s your favorite drink from college… with a twist!
We know you’ve had a combination of rum and Coke in some form, but have you ever had a Cuba Libre?
With just three ingredients—rum, cola, and lime (plus one additional ingredient in our version)— this simple drink balances of the typical sweetness of cola with citrus.
Chris, Rob, and I tried this classic cocktail recently, tweaking it to highlight its flavors and elevate it just a little more. Check out the video below.
How to Make the Cuba Libre Cocktail
In this video, Chris demonstrates how to mix the perfect version of this rum cocktail, focusing on how to enhance its flavors with one quick trick. Sometimes, the smallest details—like fresh lime and a secret ingredient—make all the difference.
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Cuba Libre History: Not Just a Rum & Coke
The Cuba Libre cocktail has its roots in the late 19th century, during Cuba’s fight for independence from Spain, which turned into the Spanish-American War. The name translates to “Free Cuba,” a toast often made during the war for liberation from Spanish rule.
According to Bacardi Rum, the story goes like this: An American soldier added a squeeze of lime to his drink while out partying with some Cuban buddies during the Cuban independence movement that saw Americans swoop in to “save” Cuba, only to take over from Spain.
But before the hope of Cuban independence was lost at the time, this soldier supposedly raised his glass, proclaiming “¡Por Cuba libre!” And the name seems to have stuck for this rum and Coke cocktail modification, whether or not the story is true.
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Cuba Libre Cocktail Ingredients
The Cuba Libre cocktail recipe relies on three simple ingredients (plus one extra for good measure), each playing a key role in creating its classic flavor:
- Rum: Cuban-style white or aged rum provides a light, smooth base with subtle sweetness. Note that the type of rum you use will change the flavor profile. Supposedly Bacardi rum is traditional, but we’re using Havana Club– It’s a Cuban rum, and we’re making a Cuban cocktail, after all!
- Coca Cola: The fizzy sweetness of this soft drink balances the rum and lime while adding a caramel undertone. While Coke is traditional, of course use your preferred cola mixer.
- Lime: Fresh lime juice brings a necessary tanginess in my opinion, balancing out the sweetness of the soda. Pro tip: Make sure to slice off a lime wheel for the garnish before squeezing the rest to a pulp.
- Angostura Bitters: While the first three are traditional ingredients, we like to add just a dash of bitters to tie the whole drink together, balancing it out and adding a deeper flavor to an otherwise pretty straightforward beverage.
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Variations
Probably because this is such a super simple mixed drink, it’s easy to customize and adapt to suit your preferences with just a tweak or two. Here are a few fun variations to try:
- Spiced Cuba Libre: Use spiced rum instead of white rum for a warm, aromatic twist.
- Dark and Smoky: Use a split base of dark rum and mezcal for earthy notes, smoky flavor, and added depth. Or just skip the rum altogether!
- Coconut Libre: Add a splash of coconut rum for a tropical vibe.
- Light Libre: Sub out the soda or split it with soda water/club soda for a lighter, less sweet mixed drink. You can even combine it with the above idea and use coconut La Croix for a light, tropical vibe.
- Añejo & Cola: Switch to tequila for what’s known as the Batanga, a popular drink in Mexico. Even better: Use Mexican coke (made with real cane sugar vs. high-fructose corn syrup). I had this on the plane home from Mexico City, and they’re surprisingly delicious!
- Lavender Libre: Add a bar spoon of lavender simple syrup for little floral flavor and depth. This will also add more sugar, so play with the balance to make sure your drink isn’t too sweet.
- Craft Cola: Instead of the classic cocktail recipe of American Coke, use a craft soda, like Olipop, instead.
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A Fancy Name for a Simple Cocktail
The Cuba Libre cocktail is more than just a rum and cola— I mean, it’s not the most sophisticated drink, let’s be honest, but it has history (if you believe Bacardi rum) and its own charm.
Whether you stick to the classic recipe or experiment with more modern recipes, this cocktail is a timeless drink for parties and summer days; plus, it really couldn’t be easier to make. So go give it a try and let me know what you think. ¡Salud!
Cuba Libre Cocktail Recipe
Equipment
- 1 Bitters Bottles optional
- 1 Hand Juicer optional
- 1 Pour Spouts optional
Ingredients
- 2 ounces Rum Havana Club Golden Rum
- 0.25 ounce Fresh Lime Juice
- 4-6 ounces Coke
- 1 dash Angostura Bitters optional
Instructions
- Build the cocktail into the Collins glass with ice cubes, and give a gentle stir.
- Add additional Coke as needed.
- Garnish with a fresh lime wedge.
