Savor the refreshing taste of the Caribbean with our easy-to-follow Cuba Libre cocktail recipe, a tasty blend of rum, lime, and Coca-Cola.
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There’s something so magical about a Cuba Libre. It’s your basic rum and coke but with an island twist that will totally sweep you off your feet. Every time I take a sip of one, I am immediately transplanted to a beach, swinging in a hammock, chilled out and stress-free—and did I mention the stunning azure-ocean views?
The ‘Cuba Libre’, in case you didn’t know, means ‘Free Cuba’, and has a fascinating history traced back to free and independent Cuba. It mixes light or dark rum, the tartness of fresh lime, and that familiar fizz of Coca-Cola. It reminds me of a Rum and Coke or the Dark ‘N’ Stormy. But it’s way more than that. The secret is the fresh lime squeezed into it. Go from “just another rum and coke” to “say hello to my little friend, the Cuba Libre.” It’s that different.
INGREDIENTS
Want to take your “rum & Coke” game up a notch? Here’s what you’ll need…
- 2 oz. light or dark rum
- Coca-Cola (to top)
- 1/2 of a fresh lime, juiced
- 1 lime wedge (for garnish)
Bar Checklist
- highball glass
- bar spoon
- jigger or measuring tool
- juicer (optional)
INSTRUCTIONS
Pour
Pour the rum into a highball glass filled with ice cubes.
Juice
Juice the lime with a manual or automatic juicer. (You can also squeeze the lime by hand.) Add the fresh lime juice to the glass.
Top
Top the mix off with Coca-Cola.
Garnish
Gently stir to combine and garnish with a lime wedge.
ENJOY!
How to Make a Healthy/Low-Calorie Cuba Libre
- Use a diet or sugar-free cola.
- Opt for dark rum, which contains antioxidants.
- I recommend organic rum, as those are free of any additives.
- Reduce the amount of cola and add sparkling water.
- To make a Cuba Libre mocktail, swap the rum for a non-alcoholic rum substitute or just add a bit more cola.
Tips & Tricks to Making a Perfect Cuba Libre Drink
- Choose a high-quality rum and use fresh lime juice for the best taste.
- Shake things up with a flavored cola.
- Temperature matters. When it comes to ice, more is better.
- Balance the tart lime juice with the sweet cola, and rum in between.
- Sub out the lime wedge garnish with mint leaves, cherry, or even a slice of pineapple for a change in presentation and flavor.
FAQs
A Cuba Libre will set you back 150–185 calories. That’s mostly because of the Coca-Cola and the type of rum you’re using.
In true Caribbean fashion, take your time with it! And whip up a batch ahead of your next laid-back hangout with the gang or a lazy afternoon chilling in the garden.
For an authentic Cuba Libre, it’s Coke. But it’s your drink—try other colas or even flavored sodas.
Light or dark rum works. Dark has a stronger taste while white rum is milder and slightly sweeter.
Sure. I sometimes substitute regular cola with cherry cola, or a dash of cherry syrup if I have some, for a fruity version. If I want to spice things up, I use spiced rum instead.
how to prep and store your cuba libre
Cuba Libre cocktails are much nicer when made fresh but that doesn’t mean you can’t make them ahead of time. Squeeze the lime juice and pour out the rum in advance, then just add the cola and ice right before serving.
Bear in mind Cuba Libres don’t really store well. The ice will have melted and the cola will lose its fizz. The cocktail base of rum and lime juice, without the cola and ice, can chill in the fridge for a day or two though.
Ingredients
- 2 oz. rum (light or dark works)
- Coca-Cola to top
- 1/2 fresh lime juiced
- 1 lime wedge for garnish
Instructions
- Pour the rum into a highball glass filled with ice cubes.
- Juice the lime with a manual or automatic juicer. (You can also simply squeeze the lime by hand.) Add the fresh lime juice to the glass. Top the mix off with Coca-Cola.
- Gently stir to combine and garnish with a lime wedge.
Tips & Notes:
- Temperature matters. When it comes to ice, more is better.
- Balance the tart lime juice with the sweet cola, and rum in between.
- Sub out the lime wedge with mint leaves, cherry, or even a slice of pineapple for a change in presentation and flavor.
Nutrition Info:
Recipes written and produced on Food Faith Fitness are for informational purposes only.
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