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Cuba Libre

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description Cuba Libre Overview

Cuba Libre is a refreshing cocktail combining white rum, cola syrup, and freshly squeezed lime juice, traditionally served over ice in a tall glass – its name originating from the Cuban capital during U.S. occupation.

help Cuba Libre FAQ

What is the IBA recipe for a Cuba Libre?

The International Bartenders Association specifies 50 ml white rum, 120 ml cola, and 10 ml fresh lime juice, built in a highball glass filled with ice. It is garnished with a lime wedge, so rum and cola without lime is a simpler mixed drink. [IBA Cuba Libre recipe](https://iba-world.com/iba-cocktail/cuba-libre/)

Why is the cocktail called Cuba Libre?

The name means Free Cuba and is traditionally linked to a toast in Havana around 1900 after the Spanish-American War. Bacardi's historical account credits Captain Russell with combining rum, Coca-Cola, and lime, although origin stories vary slightly. [Bacardi history](https://www.bacardilimited.com/our-company/our-history/)

Is a Cuba Libre the same as rum and Coke?

They overlap, but the classic Cuba Libre includes fresh lime while a rum and Coke may omit it. The IBA specification's 10 ml of lime juice is the concrete difference in its recipe.

Which rum and cola should I use for a Cuba Libre?

The standard IBA build uses white rum, but other rum styles can create a darker or richer flavor. Its 50 ml rum and 120 ml cola ratio is a starting point, while final strength depends on the rum's alcohol percentage and dilution from ice.

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