Cuba Libre is a highball drink made with Light Rum, Coca Cola and Lime. It is also known as Rum and Coke, especially in the English speaking western countries including Unites States, UK and Canada. As with most highballs, it can be made with varying proportions to suit your taste.
Cuba Libre, meaning Free Cuba, has a lot of variations that are popular around the world by various names. Most local variations are made by substituting White Rum with either a locally made rum or another popular local liquor.
Ingredients
- 2 shots of Light Rum
- Fresh Lime Juice
- 1 Lime
- Coca Cola
Recipe/Preparation
- Fill a highball or Collins glass with ice cubes
- Slice the lime in half
- Squeeze half the lime into the glass (You optionally use some lime juice)
- Add White Rum into the glass
- Top off the drink with Coca Cola
- Stir lightly with a long spoon or stirrer
- Garnish with a lime wedge
Variations and Similar Drinks
Cuba Light: This drink uses Diet Cola instead of regular Coco Cola.
Tico Libre : This variation is made with Dark Rum and Diet Cola instead of the Light Rum and Coco Cola.
Cuba Pintada : This is another variation of the drink where Coco Cola is substituted with Club Soda. Optionally, a large splash of the Coco Cola can be added as well.
Cuba Libre y Despierta: Also add a shot of the Kahlua Coffee liqueur to the above recipe.
Cuban Missile Crisis: This is exact same recipe but with a higher proof Rum. Any high proof Rum will do such as Bacardi 151.
Tips
- You can vary the proportion of the Rum to Coke. I prefer a 1:1 ratio, but you can try 1:2 or 1:4 to suit your taste.
- Cuba Libre varies from Rum and Coke in that it usually does not contain any lemon or lime juice. The presence or addition of lime juice is what make it Cuba Libre.
