Everyone knows the Cuba Libre, but only a few know anything about its history. We'll shed some light and show you how to recreate the authentic taste of Cuban freedom with a perfectly mixed Cuba Libre at home.
The History of the Cuba Libre
The origin of the Cuba Libre ("free Cuba") lies far in the past – already recognizable by the fact that it is a Cuban-American co-production. The Cuba Libre originated – according to the most commonly handed-down story of its creation – after the Spanish-American War of 1898 in a bar in Havana, from where it began its triumphal march onto the long drink menus of the world. Cuba had been liberated from Spanish colonial rule, and this event naturally had to be celebrated extensively.
The bartender at "The American Bar" served American soldiers rum with cola, which they had brought to the island from the US. Since the drink didn't have a name yet, one of the soldiers came up with the idea of calling it Cuba Libre, as they were appropriately toasting with "Viva Cuba Libre" ("Long live free Cuba"). Whether freshly squeezed lime juice was already included or added later is uncertain, as different traditions provide contradictory information. Furthermore, there are no written sources about the appearance of the drink under the name Cuba Libre at the turn of the century.
In the USA, the term officially appeared only from the 1930s onwards. One theory suggests that the name dates back to the Prohibition era, when wealthy Americans traveled to "free Cuba" to enjoy themselves without restrictions. The company Bacardi eventually deliberately marketed the name Cuba Libre in the 1960s in an advertising campaign, significantly contributing to its popularity.
However, it must be noted that rum was already mixed with a locally produced, cola-like drink in Jamaica towards the end of the 19th century.
The origin story thus has at least one foot in the realm of legends between the Caribbean and the USA. This is not inappropriate, however – after all, the Cuba Libre simply tastes legendary. Let's take a look at what's really behind it in the following.
How to prepare a Cuba Libre?
Let's start with the basics: The International Bartenders Association (IBA), which organizes around 40,000 bartenders worldwide, provides the following recipe for the Cuba Libre:
• 5 cl white rum
• 12 cl cola
• 1 cl fresh lime juice
For preparation, add rum and lime juice to a long drink glass, add plenty of ice cubes, and then fill the glass with cola. The drink is often additionally decorated with one or more lime wedges – either in the glass or on the rim. After a quick stir, the Cuba Libre is ready to serve. A straw ensures optimal drinking pleasure.
Of course, there are also variations of this classic preparation. For example, you can combine the lime juice with lemon juice or replace it entirely. If you use brown instead of white rum – you can find more about the differences in our blog article "White Rum vs. Brown Rum" – you get a "Cubata". If you add a shot of gin and a dash of Angostura bitters, you get the "Cuba Libre Preparado", popular in Venezuela.
Traditionally, Coca-Cola is used as a filler, probably also due to the smash hit "Rum and Coca-Cola" by the Andrew Sisters from 1944.
Tip: If possible, try Mexican Coca-Cola for the Cuba Libre. It tastes a bit spicier and comes closer to the original flavor. Also, always make sure to use fresh, organic limes.
However, the most important thing is the choice of the right white rum.
Which rum for Cuba Libre?
It would be presumptuous to determine a "best" rum for the Cuba Libre – after all, tastes differ. We would therefore like to present three different options that cover the broadest possible range of tastes and yet all harmonize perfectly with cola and lime juice.
Legendario Añejo Blanco 40 %
The Legendario Añejo Blanco matures for seven to nine months, thus hitting the optimum between more intense, longer-aged rums and directly bottled, more neutral ones. Because precisely this flavor profile is perfect for a Cuba Libre. A very smooth taste with fruit aromas and vanilla notes pairs perfectly with the sweetness of the cola and the characteristically bitter acidity of the lime. This rum invigorates the taste buds and makes every Cuba Libre a refreshingly zesty long drink.
Ron Caney Blanco Rum 38 %
This white Caney Rum, straight from the beaches of Havana, is a true insider tip and, thanks to its mild, slightly sweet taste, perfectly suited for use in a Cuba Libre. The rum is bottled directly without aging, maintaining its clear color and natural taste. However, subtle fresh fruit aromas and light smoky notes are added, which come out fantastically, especially in combination with cola – an expressive rum that also scores with a strong price-performance ratio.
Havana Club Añejo 3 Años Rum 37.5 %
Probably no other Cuban rum has refined as many Cuba Libres as Havana Club rum, as the brand has existed since 1878, longer than the Cuba Libre itself. The most important reason for this, however, is its taste. The 3-year-aged blend of various rums matured in white oak barrels goes with cola and lime like the fist of the revolution to the eye of the oppressors. The spicy-fruity notes of pear, banana, and chocolate subtly shine through in the mix, and with the right mixing ratio, elevate every Cuba Libre to a global power.
More great cocktail recipes with white rum
If there's white rum left over after your Cuba Libre evening, or if one of your guests doesn't like cola, you can, of course, use it to prepare many other delicious cocktails. We present two more fantastic cocktail recipes with white rum.
Floridita Daiquiri
The Daiquiri is a classic sour from the legendary El Floridita bar in Havana, where Ernest Hemingway once drank it. He was diabetic, which is why sugar or sugar syrup was replaced for him with maraschino – a cherry liqueur made from Maraska cherries. The Floridita Daiquiri, also known as Hemingway Daiquiri or Hemingway Special, was born. A stroke of luck for us and all fans of refreshingly delicious sours.
Ingredients:
5 cl white rum
2 cl Maraschino
3 cl lime juice
Crushed ice
Preparation:
For the Floridita Daiquiri, you need a blender. Add plenty of crushed ice to it, then fill it with rum, maraschino, and lime juice. Once the blender has done its work, strain the mix into the glass and serve the drink with a straw.
Curtain Call
Who hasn't seen it – performers in the theater are applauded back onto the stage again and again after a performance to take another bow. In English, this procedure is called "Curtain Call." However, the Curtain Call is now also available as an exquisite cocktail, specially created for the Bacardi Legacy, and, thanks to champagne, Campari, and black olives, is a delight for the refined taste of true cocktail connoisseurs.
Now there are two ways to enjoy a Curtain Call: Either you applaud at the next cocktail party until it is served to you, or you simply mix it yourself at home.
Ingredients:
4 cl Bacardi Ron Carta Blanca Superior 37.5 %
1 cl Campari
2 cl fresh lemon juice
2 cl Le Sirop de Monin CANE SUGAR
1 dash Champagne
Fresh basil
Black olives
Ice cubes
Preparation:
Lightly press a handful of basil leaves and add them to the shaker. Now add all ingredients except the olives and champagne with plenty of ice, and shake vigorously. Briefly swirl the cocktail glass with the brine of the black olives and then remove it. Strain the mix from the shaker into the cocktail glass and top it off with champagne. Finally, garnish the drink with a black olive.
With this article about Cuba Libre, you should be better informed for your next bar conversation at the counter when it comes to impressing with background knowledge. In any case, you now know how to prepare a perfect Cuba Libre. We wish you much enjoyment. To freedom!
