Cuba Libre, or Free Cuba, is steeped in history. A 2012 study by cocktail historians Anistatia Miller and Jared Brown tells a fascinating story. In addition to her research, Miller wants to remind us that there's a fine "green" line between a Cuba Libre and a rum and coke. That line is lime. While it's not traditionally part of a rum and coke, it's an essential ingredient in a Cuba Libre—both as a garnish and squeezed into the drink.
The name Cuba Libre originated in the late 1800s as Cuba sought independence from Spain. At that time, Cuban freedom fighters sipped a drink called Cuba Libre, which back then was more likely a mixture of honey, molasses, and water along with alcohol in general.
Cuba Libre, as we know it today, is one of the world's most famous drinks and is served from Havana to Helsinki and from Hannover to Honolulu. Cuba Libre!
Recipe:
4 cl dark rum
Cola
1 cl fresh lime juice
Lime wedges for garnish
Ice
Pour the rum over ice in your preferred glass and squeeze a few lime wedges into it. Then add cola to taste and drop the squeezed limes into the drink to add extra flavor.
