Cuba Libre
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Cuba Libre
Cocktail recipe

Rating

4.62 / 5
A classic from Cuba (the literal translation is “free Cuba”). Invented around the start of the 20th century.
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15 key ingredients
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Invented
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(1900)
Base ingredient
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White rum
Calories
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158 calories
Garnish
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Lime
Alcohol content
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11.11% | 2 units *
Details
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Classic
Stirred

Tags

White rum ingredient icon
White rum cocktails
Cola ingredient icon
Top ten Cola cocktails

Highball glass

Ingredients

oz
ml
cl
Lime juice cocktail ingredient icon for the Cuba Libre cocktail
Lime juice
Cola cocktail ingredient icon for the Cuba Libre cocktail
Cola
White rum cocktail ingredient icon for the Cuba Libre cocktail
White rum
Serves:
-
+
cocktail colin avatar

Cocktail Colin says:

5/5

The Cuba Libre, a timeless nod to freedom, ingeniously balances the crisp acidity of lime juice with the soothing sweetness of cola, and a spirited kick of white rum. The combination isn't just a thirst-quencher but a tasteful journey through the bold and refreshing notes that define this historical Cuban gem.

Method
How to make a Cuba Libre

Serves 1 · Takes 3 minutes
Add the rum and lime juice into a highball glass with ice
Stir and top up with coke
Garnish with a lime wedge and serve

Power tips
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Find out more
Use freshly squeezed lime juice to add brightness and a zesty kick to the drink.
For a more authentic taste, opt for a high-quality Caribbean white rum.
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History of the Cuba Libre Cocktail

A drink that celebrated the end of war and oppression in Cuba, the Cuba Libre is light, delicious, a...

Learn more about some of the mixology terms used in this cocktail

·  Highball  ·  Stir  ·  Garnish  · 

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Comments

Barkeeper avatar
Barkeeper

This is one of my favorite cocktails. Sadly lime is really hard to find where I live, mostly in my state, and having it sent it's expensive. So most of the time I use lemon instead, and it is still pretty good. I did try lime though, I bought like 2kg of it, and it was amazing. Still, even with lemon it's a really cool and simple cocktail.

Make me a cocktail avatar
Make me a cocktail

Lime is the way to go for sure. I have fond memories of drinking these on a warm night in Colombia when I was travelling there. Luckily where I am now (the UK) we can get limes easily, and this is still one of my go-to drinks when I just want a nice easy drink on a wam evening.

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FAQ's

Origins history icon

What is the origin of the Cuba Libre?

The Cuba Libre originated in Cuba in the early 20th century. The drink became popular around the time of the Spanish-American War. It's said to have been created when a group of off-duty American soldiers mixed rum and cola as a celebratory drink after the war, coining the toast 'Por Cuba Libre!' in hope for a free Cuba.

Faq icon

Why is it called Cuba Libre?

The name 'Cuba Libre' translates to 'Free Cuba' in English, reflecting the drink's origins in the Cuban fight for independence from Spain. The cocktail became a symbolic drink of freedom and liberation during and after the Spanish-American War.

Faq icon

Can I use any type of rum for a Cuba Libre?

While the traditional Cuba Libre is made with white rum, which provides a lighter and slightly sweet base for the cocktail, you can experiment with other types of rum according to your taste preferences. Dark rum will give a richer, more molasses-like flavor, while spiced rum can add an interesting twist with its additional flavors.

Faq icon

What is the ideal lime juice to cola ratio for a Cuba Libre?

The classic Cuba Libre recipe typically uses a ratio of 1 part lime juice to 12 parts cola, with the addition of 5 parts white rum. This balances the sharpness of the lime with the sweetness of the cola, but you can adjust the ratios to suit your taste.

Faq icon

Is the Cuba Libre the same as a Rum and Coke?

The Cuba Libre and Rum and Coke are similar but not identical. The key difference lies in the addition of fresh lime juice in the Cuba Libre, which adds a tangy flavor complexity that sets it apart from the simpler mix of rum and cola found in a Rum and Coke.

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* US units estimated based on the standard alcohol content of the ingredients used and the proportions in the recipe. Please drink responsibly.
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