Cuba libre

Cuba libre is a refreshing cocktail made with cola, lime juice, and rum. It originated in Cuba and is a popular drink in many parts of the world.

Cuba libre recipe

• 120 ml cola
• 50 ml white rum
• 10 ml Fresh lime juice

Build all ingredients in a highball glass filled with ice. Garnish with lime wedge.

Directions for how to make the Cuba libre

1. Fill a highball glass with ice cubes.
2. Pour 50 ml of white rum into the glass.
3. Squeeze 10 ml of fresh lime juice into the glass.
4. Add 120 ml of cola to the glass.
5. Stir the drink with a stirrer or straw.
6. Garnish the drink with a lime wedge.
7. Serve and enjoy.

Tips for how to make the perfect Cuba libre

• Use high quality rum such as Bacardi or Havana Club for an authentic taste
• Use fresh lime juice instead of bottled lime juice for a fresher taste
• Use Mexican Coca-Cola instead of regular Coca-Cola to get a more authentic taste, as it uses cane sugar instead of high fructose corn syrup
• Add ice cubes into the glass before pouring the drink to ensure it stays cold
• Use a highball glass to serve for the authentic look
• Garnish with a lime wedge for a finishing touch.

Alcohol-free alternative to the Cuba libre

One alcohol-free alternative to Cuba libre is the Virgin Cuba Libre. To make this drink, you will need 2 oz of cola, ½ oz of fresh lime juice, and ice cubes.

Steps to make:

1. Take a Collins glass and fill it with ice cubes.
2. Pour 2 oz of cola into the glass.
3. Add ½ oz of fresh lime juice to it.
4. Stir it well to mix.
5. Garnish with a lime wedge or a sprig of mint.
6. Serve and enjoy your non-alcoholic version of Cuba Libre.

You can also experiment with using different types of cola or by adding other fruit juices like pineapple or orange for a unique twist on this classic drink.

Cuba libre fun facts

1. Cuba libre was invented during the Spanish-American War, in 1898, by American soldiers.
2. The name Cuba libre means “free Cuba” in Spanish, reflecting the soldiers' support of Cuba’s independence.
3. Originally made with Bacardi rum and Coca-Cola, Cuba libre was popularized by celebrities like Ernest Hemingway and Frank Sinatra.
4. In some countries, Cuba libre is also known as a “rum and Coke” or a “Cubata”.
5. The world record for the largest Cuba libre cocktail was set in 2015 in Havana, Cuba, with a 2,484-liter drink comprised of 1,500 liters of rum, 430 liters of Coca-Cola, and 350 kilograms of ice.