Cuba Libre… It has been stated that this cocktail was created during the Spanish American war, it is also said that there was a drink called the Cuba Libre prior to Coca Cola arriving in Cuba in 1900. It was made with brown sugar and water. Sugar was Cuba’s leading export and the world’s largest sugar producer until 1960.

The Bacardí family, originally from Spain, established their rum distilleries in Cuba in 1862. The Havana Club brand, also family-owned, was established in 1939.

This is a simple and historic drink consisting of rum, Coca Cola, and a lime wedge in a highball glass filled with ice will take you straight to the Caribbean. Rum and coke, traditional and inexpensive, it has become one of the world’s most popular drink to date. Cuba Libre means “Free Cuba” in Spanish.

Here is the recipe:

Prep Time: 5 minutes

Servings: 1 highball glass

Ingredients:

• Ice cubes
• 1 oz. of Havana Club, Bacardí or your favorite light rum
• 4 oz. of Coca Cola soft drink
• 1 lime wedge

Directions:

1. In a highball glass filled with ice, add the rum, a splash of Coca Cola and a squeeze of a lime wedge. Stir gently.
2. You may garnish with an additional lime wedge, or a sprig of mint just for decoration (as shown). ¡Salud!