Freestylin' with a Cuba Libre
Classic concoction mixing rum and Coke, originating in Cuba during the Spanish-American War.
Crack open a cold one, 'cause we're making a Cuba Libre! This iconic tipple was first whipped up during the Spanish-American War, back when 'Murica was feeling all patriotic and whatnot.
Here's a quick history lesson: American troops marching their ways through Cuba came across Coca-Cola, which conveniently followed them, just like a muse. So, being the soldiers they were, they boosted that Coke with a generous pour of rum, and don't forget the lime squeeze — that, kids, is the essence of a Cuba Libre.
Whatcha Need
- Ice cubes: 'Cause who wants a warm drink? Nobody!
- 151 Proof Cuban Style Rum from Lost Spirits Distillery: It's Cuban-style and packed with a punch.
- 4 oz Mexican Coke: Authenticity, baby! They say it's sweetened with cane sugar, which gives it a traditional taste.
- Lime wedge: Squeeze it, drop it. Easy as pie!
Let's Buzz
- Fill a highball glass with ice cubes.
- Pour in 2 oz of your Cuban-style rum.
- Top off with chilled Mexican Coke.
- Squeeze a lime wedge over the cocktail.
- Drop in that lime wedge.
- Salut! Here's to free Cuba and good vibes!
This classic cocktail takes under 5 minutes to whip up and is remarkably easy to make. So, grab your shaker, mix some history with your libations, and celebrate the spirit of Cuba Libre!
Fun Facts
- The Cuba Libre cocktail was first mixed during the Spanish-American War, at the turn of the 20th century, as a symbol of Cuban independence from Spain.
- Other variations of the Cuba Libre include the Brazilian Samba in Berlin, which uses cachaça instead of rum.
- The iconic Cuba Libre cocktail, first created during the Spanish-American War in 1898, is a blend of 151 Proof Cuban Style Rum from Lost Spirits Distillery, Mexican Coke, and a squeeze of lime, falling under the 'uncategorized' category of recipes.
- This recipe calls for 4 oz of Mexican Coke, the traditional choice due to its cane sugar sweetener, which gives it a unique taste compared to other cola brands.
- The Cuba Libre cocktail, with its Cuban-style rum, Mexician Coke, lime, and ice, follows a history traced back to American soldiers in Cuba who boosted Coca-Cola with rum to create a refreshing drink, symbolizing Cuban independence.
- Back in the day, the cocktail known as Cuba Libre was a popular choice among soldiers, and even today, it remains a fun and easy-to-make drink that pays tribute to the spirit of Cuban independence, as pioneered by none other than the legendary mixologist, Dale Degroff, with a connection to the e10e5c35cfe4ed95329380b8ff8aa73a recipe.