Cuba Libre
Often mistaken for a simple Rum & Coke, the true Cuba Libre ("Free Cuba") is a classic highball with a history as rich as its flavor. The crucial addition of fresh lime juice elevates this drink from a basic mixer to a bona fide cocktail.
Ingredients
- 2 oz Light or Gold Rum
- 4 oz Coca-Cola, chilled
- ½ oz Fresh Lime Juice
- Garnish: Lime Wedge
Instructions
- Fill the Glass: Fill a highball glass to the top with fresh, clear ice.
- Add Rum and Lime: Pour the rum over the ice, then squeeze in the fresh lime juice.
- Top with Cola: Gently pour the chilled Coca-Cola to fill the glass.
- Stir Gently: Give the drink a quick, gentle stir with a bar spoon to combine the ingredients without losing too much carbonation.
- Garnish and Serve: Garnish with a fresh lime wedge and serve immediately.
Pro Tips for Perfection
It's All About the Lime: The single most important element that separates a Cuba Libre from a Rum & Coke is the fresh lime juice. Do not skip this ingredient. Squeezing a lime wedge directly into the glass before adding the other ingredients imparts a bright, tart acidity that cuts through the sweetness of the cola and complements the rum.
Choose Your Rum: While a light white rum is traditional, using a gold or aged Cuban-style rum can add more complexity and notes of vanilla and spice to the drink, creating a richer flavor profile.