Cuba Libre: more than just rum and coke
After the mojito, the Cuba Libre is the most popular rum-based cocktail. Its ease of preparation and its association with Coca-Cola explain this global success. Much more than a simple rum and coke, Cuba Libre is a historic cocktail that links the United States to the island of Cuba.
A short history of Cuba Libre
Like the mojito, Cuba Libre is a cocktail with a mysterious origin, but the various legends agree that its appearance took place at the end of the island's war of independence which saw the victory of the Cubans and American soldiers over the Spanish.
Every major Cuban rum brand has its side of the story.
According to the Bacardi brand, Cuba Libre was born out of the confrontation between the Spanish and the Americans. Around 1900, during an afternoon, Captain Russell, out with his soldiers enjoying their day off in Havana, ordered an amber Bacardi , Coca-Cola and ice cubes, all garnished with a few drops of lime. He then invited his comrades and at the second round, the soldiers shouted "Por Cuba Libre!" to celebrate the liberation of the country.
Havana Club remains more mysterious about the exact origin of the cocktail. The only certainty is the year 1900 which marks its creation.
The first recipe was published in 1935 in a book called "The Old Waldorf Astoria Bar Book" published by one of the most prestigious hotels in New York.
The original recipe of Cuba Libre
For an authentic Cuba Libre, you will first need a Cuban white rum. You have rums like Caney Carta Blanca which has aged 3 years or Legendario Añejo Blanco which is a blend of about 7 years of average age filtered to become white again.
In a long drink glass filled with ice cubes, pour successively:
-
- 5 cl rum
- 12 cl of Coca-Cola (or equivalent)
- 1 cl of freshly squeezed lime juice
As for the decoration (always important for cocktails…), place a slice of lime on the rim of the glass and, if you have one, a small umbrella which will accentuate the exotic character.
When to taste Cuba Libre?
Cocktail to be enjoyed at any time, in moderation and with great pleasure, especially on hot summer days and evenings.
Olivier, from the Rhum Attitude team
