Cuba Libre
A Cuba Libre is a simple rum-and-cola cocktail with a bright squeeze of fresh lime. It is easy to build right in the glass, which makes it a relaxed drink for warm evenings, cookouts, or a casual happy hour.
- Total time
- 5 min
- Yield
- 1 cocktail
- Difficulty
- Easy
Prep 5mCook 0mCubanDrinks
The Cuba Libre looks like a rum and cola, but the fresh lime is what gives it its own character. That tart citrus edge cuts through the sweetness of the cola and makes the drink feel crisp instead of flat.
The drink is usually made with white or light rum, chilled cola, and plenty of ice. You do not need a shaker or any special bar tools. A tall glass and a spoon are enough.
Because this cocktail has only a few ingredients, use a cola and rum you enjoy on their own. Fresh lime juice matters here, so skip bottled lime juice if you can.
01What you'll need
Ingredients
5 items · 1 cocktail
- Ice cubes, enough to fill a tall glass
- 2 ounces white or light gold rum, 80-proof
- 1/2 ounce fresh lime juice, about 1 tablespoon
- 4 ounces chilled cola
- 1 lime wedge or wheel, for garnish
02How to make it
Step-by-step
1. Chill the glass
Place a tall highball glass in the freezer for a few minutes if you have time. A cold glass helps the ice melt more slowly and keeps the drink lively.
2. Fill with ice
Fill the glass nearly to the top with ice cubes. More ice keeps the drink colder and slows dilution, which means the flavor stays balanced longer.
3. Add the rum
Pour 2 ounces of rum over the ice. White rum gives a clean, light flavor, while light gold rum adds a little more vanilla and spice.
4. Squeeze in the lime
Add 1/2 ounce fresh lime juice. If you do not have a jigger, use 1 tablespoon. This is the part that keeps the drink from tasting too sweet.
5. Top with cola
Pour in 4 ounces of chilled cola. Pour slowly down the side of the glass to help preserve the bubbles.
6. Stir gently
Use a bar spoon or regular spoon to stir the drink 2 or 3 times. Stir just enough to combine. Too much stirring can knock out the fizz.
7. Garnish and serve
Add a lime wedge or wheel to the rim of the glass. Serve right away while the cola is cold and bubbly.
03From our kitchen
Cook's tips
- Make-ahead: Do not mix the drink ahead of time. Cola loses its bubbles quickly once opened and poured. You can chill the rum, cola, glasses, and lime in advance.
- Storage: A Cuba Libre is meant to be served fresh. If it sits, the ice will melt and the cola will go flat.
- Rum swap: White rum is classic and clean. Light gold rum works well if you want a slightly warmer flavor. Dark rum can be used, but it will make the drink richer and heavier.
- Cola swap: Use your favorite regular cola. Diet cola works if you want less sugar, but the flavor and nutrition will change.
- Lime tip: Roll the lime on the counter before cutting to help release more juice. Fresh lime tastes brighter than bottled lime juice.
- Strength adjustment: For a lighter drink, use 1 1/2 ounces rum and 5 ounces cola. For a stronger drink, keep the cola at 4 ounces and use up to 2 1/2 ounces rum, but sip slowly.
Cook's note
This recipe uses a balanced 2:1 cola-to-rum ratio with a full tablespoon of lime juice. If your cola is very sweet, add an extra small squeeze of lime to sharpen the drink.
04Frequently asked
Questions & answers
What is the difference between a Cuba Libre and a rum and Coke?
A Cuba Libre includes fresh lime juice, not just a lime garnish. That lime juice changes the balance of the drink and gives it a brighter, more refreshing taste.
Can I use dark rum in a Cuba Libre?
Yes. Dark rum will give the cocktail a deeper molasses and caramel flavor. It is less traditional for a light Cuba Libre, but it can be very good if you enjoy a richer drink.
Do I need to shake a Cuba Libre?
No. Build it directly in the glass. Shaking cola would make it foam and lose carbonation, so a gentle stir is all you need.
Can I make a nonalcoholic Cuba Libre?
You can make a zero-proof version by skipping the rum or using a nonalcoholic rum alternative. Add the lime and cola over ice, then stir gently.
How much lime should I use?
Use 1/2 ounce, or 1 tablespoon, fresh lime juice for one drink. If you like a sharper cocktail, add another small squeeze after tasting.
05Per serving
Nutrition facts
Nutrition Facts
1 cocktail
Amount per serving
% Daily Value*
- Total Fat0 g
- 0%
- Saturated Fat0 g
- 0%
- Cholesterol0 mg
- 0%
- Sodium15 mg
- 1%
- Total Carbohydrate14 g
- 5%
- Dietary Fiber0 g
- 0%
- Total Sugars13 g
- Protein0 g
- 0%
- Vitamin D0 mcg
- 0%
- Calcium2 mg
- 0%
- Iron0 mg
- 0%
- Potassium16 mg
- 0%
* Percent Daily Values are based on a 2,000-calorie diet.
05Keep cooking
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