#FridayCocktail – Cuba Libre

By / Wine + Drinks / August 22nd, 2014 / 3

Cuba Libre. Mmmm…exotic and tropical. A Caribbean delight, for sure.

The North American translation; rum & coke. Exotic, not so much. But, with its rich history and many variations, still a popular choice. In fact, Wikipedia (and, how can we not take that for fact!) claims it as the world’s second most popular cocktail.

There are many stories tracing back the origins of the Cuba Libre. What we do know is the drink was invented in Cuba sometime around 1900.

Why 1900? Cola was first available in Cuba around the turn of the century and Cuba Libre! was the battle cry of the Cuban Liberation Army during the war of independence that ended in 1898.

Regardless of its origin, today, the world’s second most popular cocktail has taken on many different personalities. Here are a few favourites.

 

Classic Cuba Libre

Ingredients

2 ounces of white or a light rum

Juice from 1/2 lime

Lime wedge (for garnish)

Cola

Ice

Preparation

Fill a highball glass halfway with ice.

Add rum, lime juice and top with cola.

Garnish with a lime wedge.

 

Cubata

Ingredients

2 ounces of dark or premium rum

Juice from 1/2 lime

Lime wedge (for garnish)

Cola

Ice

Preparation

Fill a highball glass halfway with ice.

Add rum, lime juice and top with cola.

Garnish with a lime wedge.

 

Cuba Campechana

Ingredients

2 ounces of white rum

Juice from 1/2 lime

Lime wedge (for garnish)

Cola

Club Soda

Ice

Preparation

Fill a highball glass halfway with ice.

Add rum, lime juice and top with equal parts of cola and club soda.

Garnish with a lime wedge.

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