Cuba Libre

Cuba Libre is a popular cocktail that originated in Cuba. It’s a simple and refreshing drink made with rum, cola, and lime.

The history behind the Cuba Libre is said to celebrate the end of the Cuban War of Independence. A US soldier, Captain Russell, ordered a rum and Coke® with a twist of lime. When onlookers asked about the drink’s name, the Captain proposed a toast, “Por Cuba Libre” (For a free Cuba), and the original Cuba Libre was born.

two glasses of cuba libre on a tray with some havana honey cigars

Ingredients for Cuba Libre

This classic drink is easy to make! With just a few simple ingredients, you will have a classic Cuba Libre to sip and enjoy.

  • 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
Created around the turn of the century (1902), this classic Cuban drink -- the Cuba Libre -- uses simple ingredients.

How to Make a Cuba Libre Cocktail

Preparing a Cuba Libre is super easy! You just need a few simple ingredients and a couple of steps:

  1. 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.
  2. Fill a glass with ice: Take a highball glass and fill it up with ice cubes. This will make your drink nice and cold.
  3. Add the rum: Pour 1.5 ounces (or about a shot) of rum into the glass over the ice.
  4. 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.
  5. Top with cola: Pour about 4 ounces (or enough to fill the glass) of cola into the glass over the rum and lime juice.
  6. Give it a stir: Use a spoon or a stirrer to gently mix everything. You want all the flavors to blend nicely.
  7. 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!

Why this recipe works

  1. Balanced Flavor Profile: The combination of rum, cola, and lime juice creates a well-balanced flavor profile. The rum provides a rich and slightly sweet base, while the cola adds effervescence and a hint of sweetness. The fresh lime juice adds a tart and citrusy note, balancing out the sweetness of the other ingredients. This balance of flavors makes the Cuba Libre a refreshing and enjoyable drink.
  2. Simple Ingredients: The recipe calls for basic ingredients that are easy to find and inexpensive. Rum, cola, and lime juice are widely available in most grocery stores or liquor shops. This simplicity makes it convenient to prepare the drink at home or order it at a bar without the need for specialized or hard-to-find ingredients.
  3. Customizable: The Cuba Libre recipe is highly adaptable and can be easily customized to suit individual preferences. You can adjust the ratios of rum, cola, and lime juice to your liking, depending on whether you prefer a stronger or lighter drink. Additionally, you can experiment with different types of rum or cola brands to personalize the flavor profile further. This versatility allows you to tailor the Cuba Libre to your taste preferences, making it a versatile and versatile cocktail option.

Recipe tips and kitchen tricks

  1. Use Quality Ingredients: While the Cuba Libre is a simple cocktail, using high-quality ingredients can elevate its flavor. Opt for a good-quality rum with a smooth and balanced flavor profile. Freshly squeezed lime juice will also enhance the drink’s citrusy notes. Additionally, choose a cola that you enjoy drinking on its own, as it will significantly impact the overall taste of the cocktail.
  2. Chill Your Ingredients: For an extra refreshing Cuba Libre, chill your ingredients before preparing the cocktail. Chill the rum, cola, and freshly squeezed lime juice in the refrigerator beforehand, and use plenty of ice cubes in the glass. This will ensure that your drink is served ice-cold and stays refreshing for longer, especially on hot days.
  3. Experiment with Garnishes: While a lime wedge is the traditional garnish for a Cuba Libre, feel free to get creative and experiment with different garnishes to add visual appeal and flavor complexity. Try garnishing your drink with a sprig of fresh mint or a slice of lemon in addition to or instead of the lime wedge. Not only will this enhance the presentation of your cocktail, but it can also introduce subtle flavor variations that complement the drink’s profile.

Recipe Variations

  1. Spiced Rum Cuba Libre: Instead of using regular rum, try using spiced rum to add extra warmth and complexity to the drink. Spiced rum typically contains additional spices like cinnamon, nutmeg, and cloves, which pair well with the flavors of cola and lime. The spiced rum adds a deliciously aromatic twist to the traditional Cuba Libre, making it perfect for those who enjoy a bit of extra flavor in their cocktails.
  2. Dark ‘n’ Stormy: This variation substitutes rum with dark rum and ginger beer for cola. To make a Dark ‘n’ Stormy, fill a glass with ice, pour in 2 ounces of dark rum, top it off with ginger beer, and squeeze in some fresh lime juice. Stir gently and garnish with a lime wedge. The dark rum adds richness and depth to the cocktail, while the spicy ginger beer provides a refreshing kick.
  3. Cuban Mule: Inspired by the Moscow Mule, the Cuban Mule replaces rum with vodka and cola with ginger beer. To make a Cuban Mule, fill a glass with ice, pour in 2 ounces of vodka, top it off with ginger beer, and squeeze in some fresh lime juice. Stir gently and garnish with a lime wedge. This variation offers a crisp and refreshing alternative to the classic Cuba Libre, with the spicy ginger beer complementing the zesty lime and smooth vodka.

Serving Suggestions

  1. Latin-Inspired Appetizers: Create a spread of Latin-inspired appetizers to pair with your Cuba Libre. Offer small bites such as empanadas, ceviche, plantain chips with guacamole, or grilled shrimp skewers with a zesty dipping sauce. These flavorful appetizers will enhance the overall experience and transport your taste buds to the Caribbean.
  2. Cuban Sandwiches: Prepare classic Cuban sandwiches (also known as Cubanos) to serve alongside your Cuba Libre. Layer slices of roasted pork, ham, Swiss cheese, pickles, and mustard between slices of Cuban bread, then press and grill until golden and crispy. Cut the sandwiches into smaller portions for easy sharing among guests.
  3. Latin-Inspired Charcuterie Board: Create a Latin-inspired charcuterie board featuring an assortment of cheeses, cured meats, olives, crackers, and nuts. Add a touch of tropical flair with fresh fruit such as sliced guava, papaya, or passionfruit. This customizable spread offers a variety of flavors and textures that complement the Cuba Libre’s profile.
  4. Chilled Seafood Platter: Impress your guests with a chilled seafood platter featuring an array of fresh seafood such as shrimp cocktail, crab claws, oysters on the half shell, and lobster tails. Serve with lemon wedges, cocktail sauce, and mignonette for dipping. The light and refreshing seafood pairs beautifully with the citrusy notes of the Cuba Libre.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

What is a Cuba Libre?

A Cuba Libre is a classic cocktail that originated in Cuba. It is made with rum, cola, and fresh lime juice, typically served over ice. The name u0022Cuba Libreu0022 means u0022Free Cubau0022 in Spanish and is said to have originated during the Spanish-American War when American soldiers mixed rum with cola and lime as a toast to Cuban independence.

What type of rum is best for making a Cuba Libre?

While any type of rum can technically be used to make a Cuba Libre, light or gold rum is traditionally preferred. Light rum has a mild flavor profile that pairs well with the sweetness of cola and the tartness of lime, creating a balanced and refreshing cocktail. However, some people enjoy experimenting with dark or spiced rum for added depth of flavor.

Can I use lemon juice instead of lime juice in a Cuba Libre?

While lime juice is the traditional choice for a Cuba Libre, you can substitute lemon juice if you prefer or if limes are not available. However, keep in mind that lemon juice has a slightly different flavor profile than lime juice, so the taste of the cocktail may vary slightly. Experiment with different citrus juices to find your preferred combination.

What is the difference between a Cuba Libre and a Rum and Coke?

While both cocktails are made with rum and cola, the key difference lies in the addition of fresh lime juice in a Cuba Libre. The lime juice adds a citrusy brightness to the drink, balancing out the sweetness of the cola and enhancing the overall flavor profile. A Rum and Coke, on the other hand, typically consists of rum and cola only, without the addition of lime juice.

Is there a non-alcoholic version of the Cuba Libre?

Yes, you can make a non-alcoholic version of the Cuba Libre by simply omitting the rum. Mix cola with fresh lime juice and serve over ice for a refreshing and alcohol-free alternative. This mocktail version retains the signature flavors of the classic cocktail while being suitable for those who prefer not to consume alcohol.

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Cuba libre

Cuba Libre

Ronda Eagle | Kitchen Dreaming
Created around the turn of the century (1902), this classic Cuban drink — the Cuba Libre — uses simple ingredients.
5 from 1 vote
Prep Time 1 minute
Total Time 1 minute
Course Beverages
Cuisine Cuban
Servings 1 serving
Calories 144 kcal

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!

Nutrition

Serving: 1servingCalories: 144kcalCarbohydrates: 12gProtein: 0.1gFat: 0.03gSodium: 5mgPotassium: 20mgFiber: 0.1gSugar: 10gVitamin A: 7IUVitamin C: 4mgVitamin E: 0.03mgVitamin K: 0.1µgCalcium: 4mgFolate: 1µgIron: 0.1mgZinc: 0.1mg
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