(1 votes, 1.00 out of 5) 
Loading... There is a life lesson in the making of a Cuba Libre: the smallest things can make the biggest difference. This is true for the phrase itself, the “Free Cuba!” motto that led a small island nation to independence and an outsized cultural impact on the rest of the world. In the case of the Cube Libre cocktail, just the addition of a little bit of lime juice transformed the somewhat ho-hum Rum and Coke into a much more zesty affair.
Bar Tools
- Shaker (if doing batches, in glass otherwise)
- Stirring spoon
- paring knife
- lime squeeze (can also be done manually)
Ingredients
- 2 ounces rum
- 1/2 ounce lime juice
- 4 ounces Coca-Cola Classic (or Mexican Coca-Cola)
How to Make
Pour the rum and squeeze the lime juice into an ice-filled glass. Stir to chill. Top with chilled Coca-Cola. Stir again.
The history behind the phrase itself foretells the history of the Cubre Libra cocktail. From the time Cubans first began revolting against Spanish rule in the mid-1800s, “Cuba Libre” was the movement’s rallying cry. An early version of the drink appeared during the Ten Years War from 1868 to 1878 (the first of three uprisings that would lead to eventual independence from Spain) which consisted of honey or molasses with water and some kind of sugarcane spirit, usually rum. At the end of the century, when the United States entered the fray, a U.S. Army Camp in Florida was literally called Cuba Libre, and when the Rough Riders entered Cuba to aid the Cubans in ousting Spain, this was again the rallying cry. After the Spanish American War, part of the U.S. permanent settlement in Cuba included a Coca-Cola factory, and thus the Cuba Libre drink as we now know it was born.
Any suggested tweaks?
Nutritional Facts and ABV
- ABV (alcohol by volume): 14 %
- Calories: 250 calories
- Total carbohydrates: 13 grams
- Total added sugar: 12 grams
History
The history behind the phrase itself foretells the history of the Cubre Libra cocktail. From the time Cubans first began revolting against Spanish rule in the mid-1800s, “Cuba Libre” was the movement’s rallying cry. An early version of the drink appeared during the Ten Years War from 1868 to 1878 (the first of three uprisings that would lead to eventual independence from Spain) which consisted of honey or molasses with water and some kind of sugarcane spirit, usually rum. At the end of the century, when the United States entered the fray, a U.S. Army Camp in Florida was literally called Cuba Libre, and when the Rough Riders entered Cuba to aid the Cubans in ousting Spain, this was again the rallying cry. After the Spanish American War, part of the U.S. permanent settlement in Cuba included a Coca-Cola factory, and thus the Cuba Libre drink as we now know it was born.
FAQ
Isn’t this the same as a Rum and Coke?
A traditional rum and coke is garnished with a lime, but it doesn’t expressly call for lime juice as a main ingredient, which is a staple of the Cuba Libre.What kind of rum?
One of the great things about a Cubre Libre is it really is a “people’s drink,” that is, it’s not a cocktail dependent on top-shelf rum. The Coca-Cola and lime are strong contours, so it’s fun to see what complements this mix best to your own taste. Historically the drink called for white rum, but aged rum, with its greater complexity and velvety undertones of vanilla, coconut, and caramel, can take the Cuba Libre to the next level. But without geting fancy, good old Bacardi Superior works well, or you can double down on the spice and go with Captain Morgan’s. Even though it’s not Cuban, Nicaraguan Flor de Caña 4 Extra Seco is an interesting choice, adding a little spice and a lot more smokiness.Any suggested tweaks?
