Cuba Libre

History

The Cuba Libre cocktail has a rich and symbolic history tied closely to Cuban independence and American influence. "Cuba Libre" translates to "Free Cuba" in Spanish, and the name reflects the Cuban War of Independence and the subsequent liberation of Cuba from Spanish rule (1898), influenced by the Spanish-American War. Create around 1900, in Havana, Cuba, after the Spanish-American War, American soldiers remained in Cuba. Coca-Cola, a relatively new American soft drink (created in 1886), was introduced to Cuba around this time. Popular legend has it that in a Havana bar, an American soldier mixed Bacardi rum, Coca-Cola, and a squeeze of lime, raised his glass, and toasted "¡Por Cuba Libre!" The drink caught on quickly with both locals and Americans, and the name stuck. While they are often confused, a true Cuba Libre includes fresh lime juice, whereas a Rum & Coke is just rum and Coca-Cola without the lime.