My absolute favorite drink, the Cuba Libre. This is the sexy sister to the Mojito and is a simple but delicious cocktail recipe consisting of rum, coke, and a squeeze of lime. The origin of this drink is still a mystery, as there are different accounts of its creation. But many agree that the cocktail was first made in Cuba around 1900 when Coca-Cola was introduced to the island. The Cuban recipe is traditionally made with Havana Club rum, but you can use your favorite light rum.
According to the Bacardi Rum and Coca-Cola companies, the Cuba Libre’s origins can be traced to a U.S. Army captain who was stationed in Havana during the Spanish-American War. He added Coca-Cola and a little lime juice to his Bacardí rum and toasted his Cuban comrades by exclaiming, “Por Cuba Libre!” (“To a free Cuba!”). I would be willing to bet that story was invented by the aforementioned companies to market their products.
Another similar story tells that a Tampa Bay bartender came up with the recipe for the US Army troops that were waiting to be deployed to Cuba during the Spanish-American.
And still another story tells of American spies would order the very popular rum and coke and ask for a squeeze of fresh lime juice to signal their counterparts in Cuba to make contact. Hence Free Cuba or Cuba Libre.
Cuba Libre
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Ingredients
- 4 ounces cola
- 2 ounces white rum
- juice of 1/2 lime
Instructions
- Fill a highball glass with ice, then add rum and Coca-Cola.
- Garnish with a lime wedge. Squeeze the lime into your drink, if desired.
Video
Nutrition
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