For a Free Cuba

The effervescent history of Rum and Coca Cola

Sometimes some words reflect a fervor. For a free Cuba, it is a desire for freedom.  An expression that became a famous drink. This mixture of rum and Coca-Cola was created during the Cuban War of Independence in 1898.

With the American troops came the Coca-Cola in Cuba. In August 1900, Captain Russell of the United States Army Signal Corps ordered his BACARDI rum, and Coca-Cola served with a piece of fresh lime in a whisky glass at the American Bar in Havana, Cuba.

During the celebration, this captain proposed a toast. To Cuba libre! in honor of the battle cry of the Cuban troops. 

The popularity of this drink spread to the United States. It is said that at the beginning of the 20th century, Cuba Libre and Coca-Cola were well known in the southern part of the United States. During the Prohibition era, from 1922 to 1933, Coca-Cola became the favorite drink to disguise the taste of low-quality rum and other liquors. 

Ingredients of Cuba Libre:
– 50 ml Golden rum (white deviates from the original recipe)
– 120 ml of glue
– Ice
– 10 ml lemon juice

It has no decoration, some put a slice of lemon.

More than just a mixture of rum and coke 

Cuba Libre is much more than a combination of rum and Coca-Cola with lime. For example, in these three ingredients, there is a richness of taste that has pleased the palates for over a century. A splash of lime adds a citrus touch that complements both ingredients and at the same time dominates the sweetness a little. Also, the effervescent and spicy taste of the cola.

Pic provided by Rums of Puerto Rico

In the original recipe, a light Spanish style rum like Bacardi is used to prepare this drink. Since Cuban rums had a great boom after the war of independence, they attracted a large number of tourists and foreign investors, as well as new opportunities for the export of alcohol. Light rums such as Bacardi became a favorite for cocktails, as they were considered to blend better than the stronger dark rums. 

In the bars, you can use a richer and more flavored rum from Jamaica, Central or South America, or elsewhere.  But it’s an excellent drink to liven up parties and rumbas. We invite you to try this delicious mixture and say between your lips, for a Free Cuba.

For more articles visit  www.therumlab.com 

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About The Rum Lab 

The Rum Lab is a creative and production agency focused on the rum industry. The company organizes Puerto Rico’s national rum festival – Taste of Rum – in addition to the California Rum Festival, Chicago Rum Festival,  New York Rum Festival, and Miami Rum Congress. Events produced by The Rum Lab attract hundreds of guests, including beverage trade professionals, rum aficionados, tourists, and local consumers. Learn more at www.therumlab.com.