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Cuba Libre
Basically, a rum and coke with a squeeze of lime, but Cuba Libre has much more of a ring about it. Zesty lime and dashes of bitters add layers of complexity...
Charlie Forbes
7th October 2024 at 22:19
Don't sleep on the bitters. Or the "Cubata" (dark rum variant).
8th August 2024 at 10:35
SelvaRey White seemed to work well for this. (Since Havana Club isn't available in the US, and some claim SelvaRey White is a close facsimile.)
28th February 2024 at 13:24
From all the research I have done, I have never, ever, seen a Cuba Libre recipe which calls for Angostura, and generally, the proportions for rum to coke are more towards 1:3 (according to the International Bartender's Association, it's 5cl rum and 12cl coke) but of course, this is a matter of preference. Also, there is no muddling in a cuba libre, you just add 1cl of lime juice.
Now, I don't know who adds these recipes, but why is Angostura listed?
Now, I don't know who adds these recipes, but why is Angostura listed?
7th October 2024 at 22:20
I'd venture to say it's to further cut the sweetness of the cocktail in general, and to hew towards the standard that says it's only a mixed drink w/o the bitters, i.e. not a cocktail, strictly speaking.
15th May 2024 at 17:48
Yes, the classic recipe calls for just "Rum, Cola and Lime". But a single dash of Angostura bitters adds a much welcome layer of complexity to it if using light rum. Though I don't find it particularly necessary if using Havana Club Especial or Bacardi 4 años for example.
18th February 2024 at 18:11
I'm not a big fan (correction: I'm no fan at all) of coca cola, but having bought a bottle of Fever-Tree Cola it seemed only right to try some sort of Cuba Libre. I've also got a bottle of Wray & Nephew rum which, at 63%vol would mean I'd not be in any fit state to complain if the drink disappointed. As it happened, I'm feeling very warm and fuzzy and almost (almost!) tempted to try this again with a gen-you-wine bottle of Coke. I do think the Wray & Nephew is a killer spirit - try it!
19th November 2023 at 15:32
Love the freshness and warm rum feeling of the Cubra libra here.
8th October 2023 at 16:44
Tried this with Rhum Barbancourt 3 star (4 year); I'm calling it an Ayiti Libere! Funky and grassy twist on a classic.
6th March 2022 at 21:15
Tried this again, but using Coke from Mexico. There is a difference in the taste. Also used 1/24 oz (thank to Simon's wonderful jigger) of Pimento Dram instead of the bitters. Was wonderful.
4th March 2022 at 20:55
I have been drinking Cuba Libres for nearly 50 years, this is the best cocktail recipe I have found. In Mexico, there is just a hint of lime, but the Coke in Mexico is different what is sold here in the US (I do use the sugar only Coke). In Mexico the Coke is also made with sugar only, but there is a hint of vanilla. This is great with either brand of Coke.
20th January 2022 at 06:17
A simple yet quite delicious thing. Suitable for when you don't want to bother and want to mix something quickly.
25th December 2021 at 15:34
Trust me and muddle 2-3 lime wedges in the glass before putting ice and other ingredients drink will be much better
12th January 2022 at 23:50
Agreed. I like to do this in a small shaker tin with the rum (and a dash of bitters depending on how much lime I'm using), then strain over ice and add the coke, for a cleaner drink.
10th April 2021 at 19:40
Should we use 5ml or 15ml of lime juice?
17th March 2022 at 21:11
I'm confused, the recipe just says muddle two wedges, no mention of adding juice....
11th April 2021 at 09:42
That depends on your tastes. I prefer with just 5ml.
4th August 2020 at 14:18
The Angostura bitters make it possible to make a Coke Zero version of this!