How to Make a Cuba Libre Cocktail

The Cuba Libre Cocktail is also known to many as a rum and coke with lime juice. It is an easy to make rum drink, that is usually served in a tall, slender glass like a Collins or highball. The simple preparation and inexpensive ingredients have made it one of the world’s most popular alcoholic drinks. Although many cocktail snobs consider the drink mediocre, it’s historical significance helps to maintain it’s popularity.

Recipes vary somewhat in measurements and additional ingredients, but the main ingredients are always rum and cola.

Ingredients for a Cuba Libre Cocktail

• 1/2 ounce lime juice
• 2 ounces white rum, such as Bacardi
• 4 ounces cola, usually Coca-Cola
• ice cubes
• highball glass
• lime wedge to garnish

Directions to make this Cocktail

1. Pour lime juice into a Collins or highball glass.
2. Add six ice cubes and the rum to the glass.
3. Fill with cola and stir well.
4. Garnish with a lime wedge.
5. Serve with a cocktail straw, if desired.

Recipe Tips

• This recipe was converted from The International Bartender’s Association metric recipe.
• Mexican Coca-Cola made with sugar cane instead of the American version with high-fructose corn syrup is more authentic to the original drink, if you can find it.
• For a truly authentic drink use Cuban-style rum.
• Dark rum is also an acceptable variation.
• I used a ten ounce, skinny glass. You may need more ice depending on how large of a glass you use.

History of the Cuba Libre Cocktail

The literal translation is “free Cuba”, which is why most people associate this drink with the end of the Spanish-American War. “Cuba Libre” did become the slogan of the Cuban independence movement, but the original version was actually made with water and brown sugar.

The rum and coke version was created in Cuba in the early 1900s, but its exact origins are not known with certainty. The drink became popular shortly after Coca-Cola was imported into Cuba from the U.S. in the 1900s. A Bacardi advertising executive claimed to have been present when the first drink was created, but not everyone believes his story. Yet another story claims that the drink was created in 1902 at Havana’s Restaurant El Floridita to celebrate the anniversary of Cuban independence.

Wherever and whoever created this Caribbean cocktail, it remains the second most popular iced rum drink in the world. Enjoy!!

About Lisa Johnson I am a recipe developer and food photographer at Cooking with Curls, a place where I share all of my recipes and things that I have learned over the years. All recipes include step-by-step images within the post with complete instructions to guide you on your cooking journey. Some popular recipes include: Tropical Pina Colada Recipes, Instant Pot Recipes, and Dinner for Two.