The word Cuba Libre is a Spanish name meaning "free Cuba" and they are most often rum and cola drinks. It is said that during the time of the US embargo on Cuba, they were initially created to celebrate Cuban independence from Spain. The first mention of a Cuba Libre drink was in 1885 and it became popular in the 1920s as a patriotic gesture.
The original recipe for this cocktail was made with clear rum, water, cola syrup and lime juice. However, there are several variations on the classic recipe that use different ingredients such as dark rum, lemon or lime juice or Coca-Cola instead of cola syrup.
Spirit Used
Rum
Ingredients
2 ounces coconut rum
¾ ounce freshly squeezed lime juice
Ice
4 ounces cola
Lime wheel for garnish
Recipe
1. In a cocktail shaker, combine the coconut rum and lime juice.
2. Add ice and shake to chill.
3. Strain into a Collins glass filled with ice.
4. Pour in the cola.
5. If desired, garnish with a lime wheel.
