Cuba Libre

How to Make Cuba Libre

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1. Fill a tall highball glass with ice.

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2. Pour in the rum and squeeze in the lime juice. Drop the spent lime shell into the glass.

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3. Top slowly with the cola, so the fizz is preserved.

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4. Stir once, gently, from the bottom of the glass.

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5. Garnish with the lime wedge and serve with a straw.

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Tips for Making Cuba Libre

• Use fresh, cold, fizzy cola from a can or small bottle. Flat cola makes a syrupy drink with no sparkle, and a warm bottle melts the ice too fast and waters down the rum.
• Drop the squeezed lime into the glass. The peel oils add a fragrant, slightly bitter note that balances the sweetness, and it is the sign of a properly made Cuba libre.
• Stir gently, once. Vigorous stirring knocks out the bubbles, and the drink turns flat and syrupy before you have finished it.

Common Substitutions & Variations

• Lemon is the everyday swap for lime in this kind of dish — the acidity plays the same role even though the flavour is not identical.

What to Serve with Cuba Libre

• Cuban sandwich
• Fried plantains
• Salted nuts

Storing & Reheating Cuba Libre

Best made to order. It does not keep, since the cola goes flat once it is poured. For a crowd, set out the rum, limes, ice and small bottles of cola and let guests build their own.

Cuba Libre FAQ: Common Questions

Cuba Libre Nutrition

Per serving, calculated from the ingredient list. Treat these as an estimate — brands and cuts vary.