Cuba Libre

Cuba Libre is, in short, a mix of rum, cola and lime juice; it doesn't get much simpler than that. But while some use pale rum, others use golden rum, and while some only add the juice of lime, others add whole, squeezed lime wedges. Some even add a little cocktail bitters. In this way, a seemingly simple drink becomes a source of many exciting variations.

The drink was created in the late 19th or early 20th century, and, as the name suggests, in connection with the liberation of Cuba at the same time. The Cubans were helped by the Americans to free themselves from Spain, and the drink, originally a mix of Cuban rum and lime and American cola, has become a symbol of cooperation.

Which version?

Rum

The Cuba Libre, given the drink's history, is actually supposed to be made with Cuban rum. But since the largest producer, whose rum was likely used in the original drink, left the country in connection with the 1959 revolution, it is ironically more correct to use a non-Cuban rum. In any case, Cubans were and are known for a light rum style, so any light and industrial rum will work, taste-wise. Fortunately, a lot of Latin American rum is made in this style.

Lime

Lime is used in a variety of ways in the Cuba Libre. Some bartenders simply squeeze the juice from the lime and garnish with slices or wedges of the same fruit. Others add the squeezed wedges or muddle them directly into the glass. Lime peel contains bitter oils, so the more you use the lime, the more bitterness the drink will have. Our recommendation is to adapt the use of lime to the type of rum you are using. The darker and fuller the rum, the more bitterness the drink can balance. In other words: if you are using a pale, light rum, just use lime juice; if you are using a golden, medium-bodied rum, add the squeezed wedges; if you are using a dark, full-bodied rum, you can muddle the lime.

Bitter

A cocktail bitter can give the drink structure and make it more interesting. But it is important to take into account the choice of rum and what you do with the lime. As mentioned, the darker and fuller the rum, the more bitterness the drink is able to balance. Bitter is an option primarily when using the darker and fuller types of rum. If you add a few drops of cocktail bitters, it can easily become too much bitterness if you also use a lot of lime.

Cola

Which cola is always a big question. Originally the drink was made with Coca-Cola, but other brands can work too.

Cuba Libre recipe

• 6 cl of light, Latin American rum
• Juice of two lime wedges
• Cola
• Lime slices/ wedges for garnish

Fill a Collins glass or tall kitchen glass with ice. Add rum and lime juice. Top with cola. Stir gently. Garnish with lime slices or wedges.