The Cuba Libre is almost identical to its more popular sibling, the Rum and Coke. What makes the Cuba Libre stand apart is the addition of fresh lime juice, which counteracts the sweet flavor of the cola.

Cuba Libre Cocktail Recipe: How to Make a Cuba Libre

The phrase "*Cuba Libre!*" ("Free Cuba!") was a rallying cry during the Spanish-American War in 1898. Not long after Spain lost the war and withdrew from Cuba, Coca-Cola began exporting its cola syrup to Cuba. In 1900, a 14-year-old named Fausto Rodriguez was at a bar in Havana and witnessed his employer order a Bacardi rum mixed with Coca-Cola—or so he claimed. Rodriguez later became a Bacardi advertising executive and, in 1965, produced a signed affidavit verifying his story, though some question the validity of his tale. 

Today, most Cubans use the Cuban cola brand tuKola in the cocktail instead of Coke.

The Cuba Libre is almost identical to its more popular sibling, the Rum and Coke. What makes the Cuba Libre stand apart is the addition of fresh lime juice, which counteracts the sweet flavor of the cola.

The phrase &quot;Cuba Libre!&quot; (&quot;Free Cuba!&quot;) was a rallying cry during the Spanish-American War in 1898. Not long after Spain lost the war and withdrew from Cuba, Coca-Cola began exporting its cola syrup to Cuba. In 1900, a 14-year-old named Fausto Rodriguez was at a bar in Havana and witnessed his employer order a Bacardi rum mixed with Coca-Cola—or so he claimed. Rodriguez later became a Bacardi advertising executive and, in 1965, produced a signed affidavit verifying his story, though some question the validity of his tale. Today, most Cubans use the Cuban cola brand tuKola in the cocktail instead of Coke.

The Origins of the Cuba Libre