The spirit of free Cuba, embodied in the drink - the famous Cuba Libre cocktail

The spirit of free Cuba, embodied in the drink - the famous Cuba Libre cocktail

One of the most common in composition, but at the same time one of the more iconic mixes in the bar industry is Cuba Libre. It is included in the list of the International Bartenders Association as a modern classic.

It is not for nothing that this long drink has the reputation of being the most popular: according to statistics, an average of 6 million servings of the Cuba Libre cocktail are sold every day in the world. Its title translates as “free Cuba” or, more precisely, “freedom of Cuba” - almost the same sounds as the most widespread toast of the communist Island of Freedom, which arose due to resonant historical events.

Cuba libre cocktail

History of the Cuba Libre cocktail

There is a version widely circulated by the Bacardi company, according to which the drink was first mixed in 1900 in a drinking establishment in the Cuban capital, Havana. Its emergence marked the acquisition of Cuba's dignity in the War of Independence with Spain. The Americans fought on the side of Liberty Island, and it was they who brought here their beloved gas and water - cola.

Alcoholic cocktail Cuba Libre

It has not been established for certain who was the first to think of mixing the classic drinks of two countries - cola and rum. It is believed that it was a certain Captain Russell from the American army, who ordered the bartender to combine gas, water and an alcoholic drink in a glass, and later treated everyone present in the establishment to the mix. According to legend, as a toast, he shouted the national phrase of the Cuban rebels “Por Cuba libre” - “For a free Cuba.” This is how the name of this cocktail arose, which over time, for convenience, was reduced to “Cube Libra”.

Curious! The new mix became widespread almost 45 years after its inception. The world learned about him thanks to the song Rum&Coca Cola (“Rum and Coca-Cola”), performed by the Andrews sisters.

Is it possible to create a Cuba Libre cocktail at home?

As noted above, the composition of this mix is ​​very ordinary. In addition to rum and cola, it also contains lime or lemon juice. Not snow-white rum is used, as is customary for other cocktails, but gold, which has the highest class due to aging in oak barrels. This drink has a harmonious and smooth taste with caramel and woody aspects. This type of alcohol was chosen as a sign of Cuba, because it is its official calling card, like cigars.

Cuba Libre cocktail ingredients

It’s catchy that Bacardi rum is most often included in the Cuba libre cocktail, although it is made not from Cuban, but from Caribbean sweet cane. However, its least known and highest properties make it a suitable ingredient for this mix. Bacardi Gold is aged for at least two years in oak barrels and filtered a couple of times through charcoal. It is distinguished by a transparent amber color (without being tinted with caramel), has a narrow aroma with notes of toffee, vanilla, smoked oak wood and a soft taste with sweet flowers of prunes, dried apricots and dessert spices.

Rum for a homemade cocktail can be freely purchased in the store, as well as the second ingredient - Coca-Cola. It doesn’t matter whether it’s specifically a Coca Cola Company product, Pepsi, or something similar. The main thing is that the gas-water has a suitable taste and is not exhausted, effervescent.

Coca Cola

The mix is ​​prepared in large glasses. A spoon for stirring is also useful - preferably a special bar and cocktail straw, through which it is customary to taste this drink.

Tall Cuba Libre cocktail glasses

Curious! Deviations from the canonical composition are allowed. It is important that there is certainly rum in stock, you can take cherry or vanilla or light cola. It is permissible to add coconut syrup or liqueur to the “ladies’” versions, and a little hot reddish pepper to the “men’s” ones.

Traditional Cuba Libre cocktail recipe

According to the researchers, from the moment the mix was prepared for the first time, neither its composition nor its development has changed significantly. The exception was the proportions, but they were not known from the very beginning, because in 1900 the bartender connected the components approximately. The size for all components was determined later, by testing and sampling.

Ingredients of the Cuba Libre cocktail:

• golden rum - 60 ml;
• Coca Cola - 100 ml;
• lime juice - from one quarter;
• ice - 200 g.

Traditional Cuba Libre Recipe

How to make a Cuba Libre cocktail

1. The glass or glass is filled to the top with ice cubes.
2. Citrus juice is squeezed into a container.
3. Rum and cola are poured.
4. The contents of the vessel are mixed with a bar spoon.
5. The glass is decorated with slices of lime or lemon, and a sprig of mint.

Curious! If Bacardi rum is the main ingredient, then the drink is called the Bacardi Cuba Libre cocktail.

Cocktail recipe “Cuba libre for the poor”

This drink has another name - “Kalimocho”, but it is still better known as Cuba libre del porbe. It has several manufacturing options. At first it was made without rum, on the basis of cheap reddish wine (hence the name). Nowadays it often includes two alcoholic drinks:

• snow white rum - 30 ml;
• reddish dry wine (preferably Spanish) - 30 ml;
• cola - 100 ml;
• lime or lemon juice - 20 ml.

Cocktail Calimocho

From time to time, another 20-25 ml of ouzo or anise tincture is added to the composition. All ingredients are combined as usual and served in a tall glass with plenty of ice.

Cocktail “Lemon Cuba Libre”

This recipe involves the use of a shaker for mixing ingredients. In addition, lime juice is replaced with lemon juice and the proportions of ingredients are slightly changed.

• rum - 50 ml;
• cola - 150 ml;
• lemon juice - 30 ml;
• ice - 150 g.

Lemon Cuba libre

First, shake the rum and lemon juice in a shaker, pour them into a glass with ice, add gas and water and stir.

How else can you vary the cocktail?

To create an unusual taste of the mix, you can use other types of rum: dark or spicy. Cola can be mixed with lemon gas and water in a 50/50 ratio.

Q&A

What to eat with a Cuba Libre cocktail?

It is customary to taste the mix without a rich snack, but it is not forbidden to serve it with the freshest fruits, especially citrus fruits.

Serving Cuba Libre cocktail to the table

How many degrees are there in the Cuba Libre cocktail?

Approximately 15-16 degrees. Strong 38-4% rum is diluted almost twice with a huge amount of cola. If you take black varieties, the strength increases to 20 degrees.

What is the cost of a cocktail?

In bars you can order this drink for an average of 200-300 rubles. The cost depends on the type of rum used in the recipe.

Cuba Libre cocktail at home

What is Cuba Libre? This is the most famous cocktail with a hundred-year history, which has absorbed the most ancient traditions, inspired by the hot, angry battles of the Spanish-American War for Cuban Independence.

Nowadays, every self-respecting drinking establishment has an alcohol menu, in which a significant part is occupied by drinks made on the basis of rum. Among them you can find both ordinary and complex versions of cocktails.

The Cuban state cocktail, Cuba Libre, is considered easier to make and no less delicious to drink. It is amazingly refreshing on a hot day, instantly puts you in the mood for fun and, in addition to what is said, significantly increases immunity.

In addition, this mix is ​​a frequent and welcome guest both at youth parties and at family or friendly gatherings. Therefore, I propose to jointly analyze several recipes for the Cuba Libre cocktail, intended for execution at home.

Traditional Cuba Libre cocktail recipe

First, let's look at an old recipe for a Cuban drink, which was incidentally invented by South American fighters who wanted to reduce the strength of Cuban rum with the help of their native Coca-Cola.

The result turned out to be so good that the mix quickly gained popularity among ordinary people, and then spread throughout the world.

List of components

Manufacturing process

1. Fill a tall highball glass to the top with ice cubes.
2. Squeeze the juice from a quarter of a lime into a separate container and strain it through a strainer.
3. Pour the filtered juice over the ice cubes.
4. Pour strong alcohol in there and lightly stir the mixture with a long spoon.
5. Pour in cola in a narrow stream, and use a slice of fresh lime as decoration.
6. Since the mix is ​​a long-drink, we sip it through a straw slowly and for a long time, and evenly melting ice cubes will allow you to enjoy this with pleasure, enjoying every sip of the freshest, cool drink.

Varieties of the Cuba Libre cocktail

Lemon Cuba

Unlike the traditional recipe, this version contains Coca-Cola light and lemon instead of lime.

The drink has a pronounced citrus taste, is drunk very simply and is unusually slowly intoxicating.

List of components

Manufacturing process

1. Fill a tall glass to the top with ice cubes.
2. Gently pour cola on top of them.
3. Fill the shaker with rum and previously filtered lemon juice.
4. Shake the mixture, then pour it over the cola.
5. Without stirring the contents of the glass, decorate the rim of the container with an umbrella or a slice of fresh lemon.
6. We enjoy the drink through a long straw.

Holy Cuba

The drink is slightly stronger than the traditional version, and has excellent effects that allow you to relax and get a charge of positive feelings.

The finished alcoholic drink is very popular among lovers of tropical, citrus flavors.

List of components

Manufacturing process

1. Place frozen ice cubes at the bottom of the glass and pour black rum on top. The more ice cubes you use, the less strong the mix will be.
2. Cut the lime in half and squeeze the juice directly into a glass with strong alcohol and ice. We also put the squeezed fruit in there - its smell will have a very positive effect on the appetizing qualities of the finished mix.
3. Pour Coca-Cola or Pepsi-Cola at the end and enjoy the drink.

Cuban Missile Crisis

The recipe for this mix involves the use of fortified rum of the Bacardi 151 brand, the degree of which reaches 75.5%.

The tasting properties of this mix are distinguished by oak and vanilla notes, clearly distinguishable in taste and smell, as well as the highest degree of strength.

List of components

Manufacturing process

1. Fill the glass with ice cubes, on top of which squeeze the juice from half a lime.
2. Pour strong alcohol into it and lightly stir the mixture.
3. Lastly, add cola, cooled to ice in advance.
4. Without stirring the alcoholic mixture, drink it in medium sips.
5. If desired, you can use lime wedges, carefully placed on the edge of the glass, as a garnish.

Cuba Pentada

Translated from Spanish, “pentad” means “five”. The fact is that in this mix, in addition to the main 3 components and ice, a 5th ingredient is used - soda.

The drink has a fascinating taste, is less strong than usual, and is famous for its invigorating, cheerful effects.

List of components

Manufacturing process

1. Fill a tall glass with ice cubes and squeeze lime juice on top.
2. Pour in strong alcohol, and then cola and soda in equal quantities.
3. Mix the alcohol and enjoy its taste through a straw.

Subtleties of manufacturing

1. For the cocktail we are discussing now, it is worth using a tall glass, the capacity of which reaches 500 ml. The ideal container types are switch, collins, and highball.
2. To make a Cuban cocktail, it is best to take the freshest and juiciest lime and not replace it with other types of citrus, since it gives the drink a special sourness along with a subtle citrus smell.
3. You need to squeeze the juice specifically before creating the mix. A citrus press is suitable as a standard.
4. Coca-Cola must be very fresh, just opened. If the bottle has stood for some time with the cap unscrewed, then this drink is no longer suitable for the Cuban mix.
5. The unique recipe of the Cuba Libre mix involves the introduction of Bacardi snow-white rum. Gold or Oro options of a similar brand are good options. If you do not have the ability to purchase this brand, then Captain Morgan Rum is suitable in terms of price and availability.
6. The ideal ratio of rum and cola is 1:2, but everything really depends on your desire and preference.

Cuba Libre cocktail recipe video

In order to see in more detail the production technology of the popular Cuban cocktail Cuba Libre, I recommend watching the presented video, in which a professional bartender will teach you how to prepare such a tasty and simple mix in no time.

Cuba Libre cocktail

Hi all.
We present to your attention Cuba Libre (Spanish: Cuba Libre, “Free Cuba”) - a cocktail that has captured the hearts of millions. A real drink of freedom. One of the most popular mixed drinks in the world, rivaling those of the majestic giants of traditional mixology such as Martini, Mojito or Bloody Mary. According to Bacardi estimates, 6 million servings of this cocktail are drunk around the world once a day. (Hello Vicky))

To make it we will need:

50 ml light rum (I use Capitan Morgan spiced gold, more about it below)

120 ml Coca-Cola

10 ml fresh lime juice

Fill a tall glass with crushed ice

Add our rum. Spicy Capitan Morgan spiced gold gives a stunning note of flavor and richness.

Dilute with cola. The rum-cola ratio can also be changed, but preferably in favor of rum)))

Squeeze a quarter of a lime.

And our cocktail is ready! For decoration, use a circle/half/quarter of a lime (to taste)

I hope the recipe was useful.
Thank you all for your attention. As always - link to video: https://youtu.be/LGsVSmu5Xhk
Have a nice evening)

Possible duplicates found

You got carried away with the pony :/

and on the topic there is a question, how do you make ice? from what water? with ice in “homemade drinks” the biggest problem is ://

Yes, there will be a separate point about ponies now.
I installed a water filter at home.
The ice in the cubes became clearer, but not 100%. Later I will make a separate post about ice) To answer your question - in a blender) Everything that does not come out transparent is crumbled in the blender bowl with a knife like this

50 ml light rum (I use Capitan Morgan spiced gold, more about it below)

Am I the only one who thinks that Capitan Morgan spiced gold is absolutely not “light rum”?

Dear, I explained below why I use Capitan Morgan spiced gold. The original uses light Bacardi, but almost everyone doesn’t like it. The best option is Bacardi Oro, and it’s just golden)

Maybe in this case it’s not worth writing specifically about “light rum”? Or am I wrong?

Light rum is a unique recipe. Golden is my candidacy.

I prefer the “asshole” cocktail to him.

For example: -50ml Henessy Private Reserve 1897; -150ml Coca-Cola

Essentially, we take any whiskey or cognac about which someone in the company will say that such a delicious thing should be drunk only in its pure form and drink this alcohol with cola.

@LentzGothfried, it’s up to you what you look at, but still have a conscience.

I don’t like ponies at all, so please add the my little pony tag if you absolutely can’t do without them.

Thanks for the advice. I'll take it into account)

14. Sea Breeze

Not so long ago, true summer finally came to us and during the day it begins to fry so much that you want to drink. Something cool and refreshing naturally. Since the time for all sorts of Mohits and Daiquiris has already passed, I remembered one delicious cocktail that would be perfect for this time. Although, in general, it’s about any other)) We’ll talk about perhaps my most favorite long drink – the Sea Breeze cocktail.

This is absolutely just one of the varieties of one win-win composition of vodka and cranberry juice. In addition to the basic version (Greyhound cocktail), there are versions with the addition of orange juice or, like ours, with grapefruit juice. And what is typical, of all this abundance (including the basic version), only this cocktail was included by the International Bartenders Association in its own list! The rights of “achievement” are quite incomprehensible, because for example there is Long Island, but there is no Martinez, but still the least.

A cocktail with this name was known at the beginning of that century, in other words, just about 100 years ago, but then it was a completely different cocktail of gin, grenadine and apricot liqueur and lemon. The composition, by the way, is quite fascinating, but not the same. The Sea Breeze cocktail in its modern understanding arose even later - in the 60-70s of the last century, just on the wave of growing popularity in America of such an unusual drink as “vodka”.

To prepare it, we need only three ingredients: excellent vodka, good cranberry juice (not fruit drink !) and, of course, one grapefruit. But there are ideas .

This cocktail is quite popular, so the entire web is full of recipes for it. And in fact, that’s why there are dozens of options, both with a similar ratio of components and with the dominance of one or another of them. So “how many grams should I weigh??” Here I think it’s worth sticking to the IBA version, which contains more grapefruit juice than the others. On the other hand, there is as much as 120 ml of it, and only 40 grams of vodka.. This is not serious! What makes the most sense here is its focus on the “mass user” of this light cocktail. And who is it? That's right - it is assumed that these are young South American girls who, as is clear, really adore vodka (as I myself have been convinced of many times)) Specifically with this in mind, in his official recipe there is so much juice and not enough vodka. In a word - this is not for me! Through countless trials and errors, I ( myself ) came to the following option: you need to take equal amounts of vodka and cranberry juice, and accordingly, slightly more grapefruit. So the bitterness is perfectly felt, and the sweetness does not stick out, and the strength is normal. To be more specific, write down:

Cranberry juice – 45 ml

Grapefruit juice (fresh) – 60 ml.

Mix all ingredients in a serving glass filled with crushed ice. Garnish with a grapefruit slice.

By the way, about the glass. Here you need to use (as it should be in such options) a traditional Collins or highball. In other words, a straight glass of at least 300 ml (or better – 350), simply because you won’t be able to fit it all into the smallest one! So while everyone is sober, choose the right glasses)))

As for the components, you probably already understand that you need to take excellent ones. And first it concerns vodka. Since we’re not making just any Bloody Mary here, we need excellent vodka. And excellent vodka is vodka that doesn’t reek of vodka! Otherwise, not only your woman, but also the most reliable comrades here will not want to drink this liquid)) The second very important component here is cranberry! I repeat once again - fruit drinks, which our stores are mostly filled with, are not suitable here at all. Try to find a specific juice that contains at least a quarter of cranberries. In a pinch, you can take both fruit juice and cranberries, squeeze the juice out of it, and use it to dilute this fruit drink)) But this is an activity for yourself, and the result will be floating every time)) In general, it’s better to look for juice like in my photo - the option is impeccable , both in cost and taste. Well, the third, also important component, is grapefruit juice. Despite the fact that such “juice” is sold virtually everywhere, and even from “respectable companies,” taking another juice from a pack is also not recommended. Here, even with good vodka, nothing will work. Plus, creating it yourself is easier than usual! I took any grapefruit (half is usually enough) and squeezed all the juice out of it. Those who are especially lazy can simply buy fresh juice and at the same time compare the results with the juice from the pack. After this I’m sure this kind of laziness is usually lost))

So try it, choose the taste for yourself, but don’t overdo it

Refreshing cocktail Cuba Libre

The Cuba Libre cocktail is a good way to refresh yourself on a hot summer day or relax in the evening after exhausting work. Common and affordable ingredients are easily mixed together and leave a pleasant aftertaste in the mouth.

Historical reference

The Cuba Libre cocktail was first prepared back in 1900 in one of the small Havana bars. At that time, Cuba won its independence from Spain with the help of American fighters. Among the military personnel from the United States (the United States of America is a state in North America) was Captain Russell, who became famous for his love of drinking and loud company.

His signature drink was rum mixed with cola and lime juice. While drinking, the captain often shouted a toast “To free Cuba!”, which practically translates to “Por Cuba libre!” Since then, the name has been assigned to the cocktail, which is now known throughout the world.

Traditional Cuba Libre cocktail recipe

At first, the Cuba Libre cocktail is a combination of Cuban rum, American cola and a slice of lime. Ice removes excess astringency from the drink and gives a fresh effect after consumption. Over time, recipes changed and were supplemented with an abundance of ingredients and complex movements.

At the moment, bartenders make thousands of varieties of unusual cocktails:

• Cuban Crisis with 75% ABV Rum;
• Holy Cuba with Coca-Cola light instead of regular;
• Cuba Pentada with cola and soda in equal proportions;
• Kubata with spiced rum;
• and even a fiery Cuba Libre with spicy Cuban sauce for those who love the heat.

Cocktail ingredients Cuba Libre

The main components of the cocktail are very ordinary:

• 50 ml golden rum (Bacardi Gold or Captain Jack are excellent)
• 100 ml “Coca-Cola” (it is better not to replace this unique drink with any other analogues, as the taste will change significantly)
• A quarter or a third of a lime + a couple of wedges for decorating the glass
• 200 grams ice cubes

If desired, the ingredients can be changed depending on your own abilities and taste preferences. Instead of the unique Coca-Cola, some people prefer to use cherry-flavored cola or Pepsi. Instead of lime, you can use ordinary lemon, but the taste will not be so unusual.

Manufacturing

The Cuba Libre cocktail recipe is very simple. Making it at home will only take a couple of minutes. And you can enjoy the beautiful taste of the drink for much longer.

1. You need to fill a tall glass with ice cubes.
2. Cut half a lime or small lemon and squeeze the juice into a glass.
3. Measure out the required amount of rum and Coca-Cola and pour them over ice with juice.
4. It is better to mix all the ingredients carefully so that the flavors are fully revealed.
5. Garnish with a couple of lime wedges and a long straw.

The strength of the cocktail is about 15-20 degrees, and the taste is immediately gentle and invigorating.

For lovers of cocktails with rum, we also suggest that you familiarize yourself with other recipes: rum with juice, rum with cola. You can even try out different combinations in one evening and choose the best one for yourself.