Simple. Classic. Refreshing. The Cuba Libre is more than just rum and Coke—it’s a crisp, citrus-bright cocktail with a splash of history and a whole lot of flavor. With just three ingredients, this iconic drink is perfect for summer nights, casual get-togethers, or anytime you want an easy, no-stress cocktail.
What Is a Cuba Libre?
A Cuba Libre is a traditional cocktail made with rum, cola, and fresh lime. While it may look like a basic rum and Coke, the fresh lime is what sets it apart. That squeeze of citrus brightens the drink and balances the sweetness of the cola, making it refreshing and dangerously easy to sip.
Why You’ll Love This Drink
- Only 3 ingredients
- Ready in under 2 minutes
- Perfect for parties or weeknights
- Easily customizable
Whether you’re hosting friends or unwinding after a long day, this classic never disappoints.
Ingredients
- 2 ounces white or light rum
- 4–6 ounces cola (to taste)
- Fresh lime wedge
- Ice
How to Make a Cuba Libre
- Fill a tall glass with ice.
- Pour in the rum.
- Top with cola.
- Squeeze in fresh lime juice and drop the wedge into the glass.
- Stir gently and serve immediately.
That’s it. No shaker. No fancy tools. Just a perfectly balanced cocktail.
Best Rum for a Cuba Libre
For a traditional flavor, use light or white rum. Popular choices include:
- Bacardi
- Havana Club (where available)
- Flor de Caña
- Don Q
You can also use dark rum for a deeper, richer flavor if you prefer.
Variations to Try
- Spiced Cuba Libre: Use spiced rum for warm, caramel notes.
- Cherry Cuba Libre: Add a splash of cherry cola or garnish with a maraschino cherry.
- Vanilla Twist: Use vanilla-flavored rum for a smooth, dessert-like finish.
- Extra Citrus: Add a squeeze of lemon or orange along with the lime.
When to Serve It
This drink is perfect for:
- Summer cookouts
- Game day
- Taco night
- Poolside sipping
- Easy entertaining
It pairs especially well with grilled meats, tacos, and salty snacks.
Tips for the Best Flavor
- Always use fresh lime, not bottled juice.
- Chill your glass for an extra refreshing sip.
- Don’t over-stir—just enough to blend the flavors.
Final Thoughts
The Cuba Libre proves that sometimes the simplest recipes are the best. With crisp cola, smooth rum, and a bright splash of lime, this timeless cocktail delivers big flavor with minimal effort.
Save this recipe for your next gathering—or the next time happy hour calls.
Cuba Libre
Ingredients
- 1.5 oz (45 ml) rum
- 4 oz (120 ml) cola
- 1/2 oz (15 ml) fresh lime juice
- Lime wedge , for garnish
- Ice cubes
Instructions
- Gather your ingredients: All you need is rum, cola, fresh lime juice, and ice cubes. You can easily find these ingredients in most grocery stores.
- Fill a glass with ice: Take a highball glass and fill it up with ice cubes. This will make your drink nice and cold.
- Add the rum: Pour 1.5 ounces (or about a shot) of rum into the glass over the ice.
- Squeeze in the lime juice: Take half a lime and squeeze the juice into the glass. This adds a fresh, tangy flavor to the drink.
- Top with cola: Pour about 4 ounces (or enough to fill the glass) of cola into the glass over the rum and lime juice.
- Give it a stir: Use a spoon or a stirrer to gently mix everything. You want all the flavors to blend nicely.
- Garnish and serve: Add a lime wedge to the rim of the glass for a decorative touch. Then, serve your Cuba Libre and enjoy it responsibly!
Love these. :)
And to think all this time I’ve been calling them Rum & Coke (LOL). Good History lesson!
Me, too! It wasn’t until I was researching for my Cuban themed party that I read the history myself. Interesting stuff!