Cuban
Easy
Cuba Libre
A simple, refreshing, and iconic highball cocktail, the Cuba Libre is a blend of light rum, cola, and fresh lime juice, offering a balance of sweet, tangy, and subtly spiced flavors.
Cuba Libre
Rum
Cola
Lime
Refreshing
Highball
Classic
Cuban
4.7 / 5
3 min
Prep Time
Servings
$6.00
Ingredients
0/5 ready
Other
Other
Other
Other
Other
Step-by-Step Instructions
1
Prepare glass with ice
Fill a highball glass or a large rocks glass generously with 1 serving of ice.
💡 Tips:
- •More ice helps keep the drink colder and prevents over-dilution.
Estimated time: less than 1 min
2
Add rum and lime juice
Pour 2 ounces (60 ml) light rum and 0.5 ounce (15 ml) fresh lime juice over the ice.
💡 Tips:
- •Fresh lime juice is crucial for the Cuba Libre; it elevates it beyond a simple rum and cola.
Estimated time: 1 min
3
Top with cola
Top the mixture with 4 ounces (120 ml) of chilled cola. Pour slowly down the side of the glass to preserve carbonation.
💡 Tips:
- •The type of cola can significantly impact the flavor; choose one you enjoy.
Estimated time: 1 min
4
Stir gently and garnish
Stir gently once or twice to combine the ingredients without losing too much fizz. Garnish with 1 lime wedge.
💡 Tips:
- •A gentle stir is sufficient; over-stirring will flatten the drink.
Estimated time: 1 min
Flavor Profile
Refreshing
Sweet
Citrusy
Spiced (from cola)
Rum-forward
Alcohol Content
10-15% ABV
Enjoy responsibly!
Fun Fact
The Cuba Libre (meaning 'Free Cuba') originated in Havana around the turn of the 20th century during the Spanish-American War. American soldiers brought Coca-Cola to Cuba, and a captain from the U.S. Army is said to have combined it with rum and lime to toast to a free Cuba.
Bartender's Tips
- 💡Always use fresh lime juice. A squeeze of fresh lime is what makes it a Cuba Libre, not just a Rum & Coke.
- 💡Adjust the ratio of rum to cola to your preference.
- 💡For a richer flavor, you can experiment with aged or dark rums, though light rum is traditional.
- 💡Ensure all ingredients, especially the cola, are well-chilled.
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