Cuba LibreCocktail recipe
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Cocktail Colin says:
The Cuba Libre, a timeless nod to freedom, ingeniously balances the crisp acidity of lime juice with the soothing sweetness of cola, and a spirited kick of white rum. The combination isn't just a thirst-quencher but a tasteful journey through the bold and refreshing notes that define this historical Cuban gem.
Method
How to make a Cuba Libre
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- Add the rum and lime juice into a highball glass with ice
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- Stir and top up with coke
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- Garnish with a lime wedge and serve
Your private tasting notes
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FAQ's
What is the origin of the Cuba Libre?
The Cuba Libre originated in Cuba in the early 20th century. The drink became popular around the time of the Spanish-American War. It's said to have been created when a group of off-duty American soldiers mixed rum and cola as a celebratory drink after the war, coining the toast 'Por Cuba Libre!' in hope for a free Cuba.
Why is it called Cuba Libre?
The name 'Cuba Libre' translates to 'Free Cuba' in English, reflecting the drink's origins in the Cuban fight for independence from Spain. The cocktail became a symbolic drink of freedom and liberation during and after the Spanish-American War.
Can I use any type of rum for a Cuba Libre?
While the traditional Cuba Libre is made with white rum, which provides a lighter and slightly sweet base for the cocktail, you can experiment with other types of rum according to your taste preferences. Dark rum will give a richer, more molasses-like flavor, while spiced rum can add an interesting twist with its additional flavors.
What is the ideal lime juice to cola ratio for a Cuba Libre?
The classic Cuba Libre recipe typically uses a ratio of 1 part lime juice to 12 parts cola, with the addition of 5 parts white rum. This balances the sharpness of the lime with the sweetness of the cola, but you can adjust the ratios to suit your taste.
Is the Cuba Libre the same as a Rum and Coke?
The Cuba Libre and Rum and Coke are similar but not identical. The key difference lies in the addition of fresh lime juice in the Cuba Libre, which adds a tangy flavor complexity that sets it apart from the simpler mix of rum and cola found in a Rum and Coke.
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Comments
This is one of my favorite cocktails. Sadly lime is really hard to find where I live, mostly in my state, and having it sent it's expensive. So most of the time I use lemon instead, and it is still pretty good. I did try lime though, I bought like 2kg of it, and it was amazing. Still, even with lemon it's a really cool and simple cocktail.
Lime is the way to go for sure. I have fond memories of drinking these on a warm night in Colombia when I was travelling there. Luckily where I am now (the UK) we can get limes easily, and this is still one of my go-to drinks when I just want a nice easy drink on a wam evening.
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