Ready to meet your new favorite cocktail? The Cuba Libre is a classic with a twist—rum, fresh lime juice, and a hearty pour of cola that fills your glass to the brim. This isn’t just another rum and coke situation (like our spooky Halloween Kraken Cola); the Cuba Libre’s real charm comes from that burst of fresh lime juice that elevates it to legendary status.

Twisted glass filled with a delicious Cuba Libre cocktail, placed on green felt mat.

If you’re a fan of highball cocktails like the Gin and Tonic or Dark and Stormy, this one fits right in. It’s a built drink, which means no fancy shakers are needed—just pour everything right into the glass, and you’re good to go. Think of it like a cousin to the Moscow Mule or even the Sloe Screw but with a tropical edge.

So, let’s get mixing! All you need is a highball glass, some rum, cola, and a juicy lime to bring this classic cocktail to life. Cheers!

🥘 Ingredients

Cubed ice for your highball glass
Freshly squeezed lime juice (need a hand? Check out our guide here)
Rum, light, or dark—your choice
Coke—classic, vanilla, or even diet, whatever you're feeling
Lime wedge for a garnish to give it that perfect finishing touch

See the recipe card for quantities.

🔪 Instructions

Step 1: Squeeze a fresh lime and set the juice aside. You'll need it in just a sec.
Step 2: Fill your highball glass with cubed ice—don’t be shy, fill it up!
Step 3: Add that freshly squeezed lime juice, pour in your rum, and then top the glass off with Coke.

Add the lime juice to the glass. — Lime Juice

Top the lime juice rum mix with coke. — Coke

Step 4: Give it a good stir to mix everything together.
Step 5: Finish it off with a lime wedge garnish, and you're ready to sip!

Garnish the Cuba Libre with a lime wedge.

🧐 What’s a built cocktail?

A built cocktail is as simple as it gets! You’re making the drink right in the glass you’ll be sipping from—no shakers, strainers, or fuss. Just start with ice, add your ingredients one by one, and let the flavors naturally blend. It’s perfect for cocktails like the Moscow Mule, Prosecco Cosmo, or a classic Gin and Tonic, where everything comes together smoothly without any extra tools. Quick, easy, and totally hassle-free!

🍽 Equipment

Lemon squeezer
Cutting board & sharp knife
Measuring tools / Jigger
Highball glass

💭 Top tips

Choosing the right Coke for your Cuba Libre depends on your mood

Classic Coke is the traditional choice, balancing the rum and lime perfectly.
Diet Coke or Coke Zero offer a lighter option, keeping it refreshing without the sugar.
Vanilla Coke adds a sweet, creamy twist that pairs beautifully with the rum.

Each brings its own flair, so just pick the one that suits your vibe and enjoy!

Best rum for Cuba Libre. Dark or light rum?

When it comes to the best rum for a Cuba Libre, both dark and light rum have their merits, and it really depends on the flavor you’re after:

Light rum delivers a clean, crisp flavor that highlights the lime and cola, making it the traditional choice for a refreshing sip.
Dark rum brings deeper flavors of caramel and spice, perfect for a bolder, more complex drink.

Cuba Libre’s Origin

The Cuba Libre was born in the late 1890s during Cuba’s fight for independence. American soldiers in Havana mixed Coca-Cola, Cuban rum, and lime, toasting "¡Por Cuba Libre!" (For a Free Cuba), which gave the drink its name.

Bacardi’s Role

Bacardi rum was one of the first rums used in this iconic cocktail. Founded in Cuba in 1862, Bacardi is still a popular choice for a classic Cuba Libre, though you can experiment with your favorite rum!

Other Recipes with Rum for You to Try

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📖 Recipe

Classic Cuba Libre Cocktail Recipe

Nora

The Cuba Libre is a refreshing blend of rum, fresh lime juice, and cola, perfect for any occasion. No need for shakers—just build the drink right in your glass and enjoy this classic cocktail in minutes.

5 from 5 votes

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Prep Time 5

Total Time 5

Course Alcoholic beverage, Cocktails

Cuisine Cuban

Servings Serving

Calories 131 kcal

Equipment

Ingredients

Cubed ice for the highball glass
1 ½ oz Lime juice freshly squeezed
½ oz Rum Bacardi, light or dark
Coke diet, vanilla, or classic
Lime wedge as a garnish

Instructions

Squeeze a lime and set the juice aside.
Fill your highball glass with Cubed ice.
Cubed ice
Add 1 ½ oz Lime juice and ½ oz Rum, then top it off with Coke.
1 ½ oz Lime juice, ½ oz Rum, Coke
Give it a good stir.
Garnish with a Lime wedge, and enjoy!
Lime wedge

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Keyword Bacardi and coke, Bacardi Cuba Libre, cuba libre cocktail, rum and coke, rum coke

Like this recipe?Mention @combinegoodflavors or tag #combinegoodflavors!

Nutrition values are estimates only, using online calculators. Please verify using your own data.

Enjoy creating delicious food all year round! Truffles, eggnog, chocolates, Christmas cookies, cakes, boozy drinks, and divine Austrian delicacies!

⛑️ Food Safety

Cook to a minimum temperature of 165 °F (74 °C)
Do not use the same utensils on cooked food, that previously touched raw meat
Wash hands after touching raw meat
Don't leave food sitting out at room temperature for extended periods
Never leave cooking food unattended
Use oils with high smoking point to avoid harmful compounds
Always have good ventilation when using a gas stove

For further information, check Safe Food Handling - FDA.

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