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Cuba Libre
A historic highball elevating rum and cola with fresh lime juice.
Base spirit
Rum
Style
Highball
Glassware
Highball glass
Technique
Build
The Cuba Libre transforms the standard Rum and Coke into a cocktail through the addition of fresh lime juice and the use of the spent lime shell. The citrus acid cuts the cola's sugar, while the rum adds structural warmth. Originating around the time of the Spanish-American War, it symbolizes the meeting of American soda and Cuban spirit. Built tall over ice, it is caffeinated, crisp, and deceptively balanced.
Did you know?
“The Cuba Libre emerged in early-20th-century Cuba as American cola met Cuban rum; the fresh lime is the drink’s defining difference from a basic highball.”
Source:Havana cocktail history; Wondrich, Imbibe!
Bartender's Note
Muddle or squeeze the lime in the glass before adding ice to release oils. Fresh lime is what separates a Cuba Libre from a plain rum and cola.
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How to make the Cuba Libre
- 1Add fresh lime juice to a highball glass and drop in the spent lime shell or a lime wedge
- 2Fill the glass with ice
- 3Add white rum
- 4Top with cola
- 5Stir briefly to combine and serve
