The Original Cuba Libre Recipe

More Than Just a Rum and Coke

My favourite Cuba Libre Recipe starts with a good shot of real Cuban rum, followed by the juice of half a lemon, plenty of ice, and not too much cola.

The first time I had this particular mix was in Santiago de Cuba, on a very hot afternoon in May 2003. And every time I smell and taste this original long drink it brings back memories of Cuban Son and Rueda Casino!

Amigos, this was a real good Cuba Libre mixed by Ricardo on the basis of Havana Club Single Barrel rum.

Cuba Libre Ingredients

For this Cuba Libre recipe - as made in Santiago de Cuba - you will need the following ingredients:

*) For clarity, by "lime" we mean that round green type of lemon. (if you can't get limes, use lemons instead. The taste is not exactly the same, but it's better than nothing!)

Cuba Libre Preparation

To make a really good Cuba Libre is easy:

• Pour rum into long drink glass;
• Wash lime, cut in half, cut one half into 3 wedges;
• Add 2 lime wedges to rum in glass, squeeze (using small rolling pin, or alternatively squeeze between fingers and throw the peels into the rum as well);
• Add ice cubes, fill with cola, stir lightly;
• Use 3rd lime wedge to decorate rim of glass.

Salud, Dinero y Amor!

A Note about Havana Club Rum:

I like Havana Club rum for its dry taste and unique spicy aroma.

For my American friends: don't worry too much about Havana Club, just use a dark Bacardi. While Havana Club is the prime Cuban rum, some of the other Cuban brands taste just like Bacardi.

Bar at the Havana Club Museum, La Havana, Cuba