A variant spelling of the Cuba Libre, the Cuba Libra follows the same fundamentals as the iconic rum-and-cola: dark rum over ice with fresh lime and Coca-Cola in a tall glass. The cut edge of the lime is rubbed around the rim before its juice is squeezed in, adding a citrus brightness that separates the drink from a plain rum and cola. The dark rum's molasses depth complements the cola's caramel sweetness, and the lime supplies the essential tartness. At roughly 10 percent ABV and about 80 calories, it is a medium-strength, easy-drinking highball garnished with a lime slice.
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Cuba Libra
Cuba Libre (variant spelling)
المكونات
التعليمات
Fill tall glass with ice cubes. Add rum. Rub cut edge of lime on rim of glass then squeeze juice into glass. Fill with Coca-Cola. Garnish with lime slice. Enjoy!
Cuba Libra is a variant spelling of the classic Cuba Libre — dark rum with fresh lime and Coca-Cola served over ice — that maintains the same fundamentals of the iconic rum-and-cola cocktail. At 9.85% ABV, it is a medium-strength, easy-drinking highball where the dark rum's molasses depth complements the Coca-Cola's caramel sweetness and the lime juice's fresh tartness. The lime juice and peel add an essential citrus brightness that distinguishes it from a simple rum and cola.
History & Origins
Cuba Libre (or Libre) has its origins in Cuba around 1900, following the Spanish-American War and Cuba's independence, with the name meaning 'Free Cuba.' The drink's emergence coincides with the introduction of Coca-Cola to Cuba during the American occupation. Its origin is disputed among several accounts, though the combination of rum, cola, and lime became synonymous with both Cuban culture and American commercial expansion in the early 20th century.
Tasting Notes
Aroma: Dark rum's molasses and fruit, the sweet caramel-vanilla of Coca-Cola, and a bright fresh lime note. Palate: Sweet and refreshing; the dark rum's richness blends with the Coca-Cola's complex sweetness and carbonation, while the lime juice adds a clean citrus tartness. Finish: Sweet and medium-length with a citrus and rum fade.
Pro Tip
Rub the cut edge of the lime around the rim of the glass before squeezing the juice in, to deposit the citrus oils on the rim for aromatic effect with each sip.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Cuba Libra the same as Cuba Libre?
Cuba Libra and Cuba Libre are variant spellings of the same cocktail — a simple highball of rum, cola, and fresh lime juice served over ice. 'Cuba Libre' is the standard Spanish spelling meaning 'Free Cuba,' a rallying cry from the Cuban War of Independence (1895–98). 'Cuba Libra' appears as an alternative transliteration in some markets and menus, but both names refer to the identical recipe.
What ingredients are in a Cuba Libra (Cuba Libre)?
The IBA Cuba Libre recipe calls for 5 cl white rum, 12 cl cola, and 1 cl fresh lime juice, served over ice in a highball glass and garnished with a lime wedge. Bacardí rum and Coca-Cola are specifically used in the trademarked 'Bacardí and Cola' variant, though any white rum and cola produces the classic drink. Lime juice is essential — without it, the drink is merely a rum and cola.
When and where was the Cuba Libre created?
The Cuba Libre is said to have been created around 1900 in Havana, Cuba, shortly after the introduction of Coca-Cola to the island following the Spanish-American War. American soldiers mixed their rum with the new cola beverage and toasted 'Por Cuba Libre' — 'To Free Cuba' — in celebration of the island's independence from Spain. The Bacardí company and the Cuba Libre Commission cite 1900 as the year of origin, supported by historian Hemsley Moxon's research.
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