Cuba Libre: history, revolution, and flavor

The story of the Cuba Libre is fascinating and deeply connected to the history of Cuba and its struggle for independence. This iconic Cuban cocktail, made with rum, Coca-Cola, and a squeeze of lime, has its origins in the early 20th century, just after the Spanish-American War.

According to the most popular legend, Cuba Libre was created in Havana, at the counter of the American Bar, around 1900. At that time, Cuba had just gained its independence from Spain with the help of the United States. A young messenger who was present recalled that one afternoon, a group of off-duty American soldiers gathered at that bar in Old Havana where Captain Russell of the Army Signal Corps ordered Bacardí rum (gold) with Coca-Cola and ice. The mixture was so satisfying that the bartender prepared it for everyone. In one of the rounds, one of the soldiers in the group proposed a toast, shouting "¡Por Cuba Libre!" in reference to the recent end of Spanish colonial rule. The name became associated with the drink from then on.

This cocktail became a symbol of Cuban independence and the influence of the United States on the island during that time. The Cuba Libre remains one of the most popular drinks worldwide, combining Cuban culture with the global expansion of brands like Cuban rum and Coca-Cola.

In Mexico, it is called "cuba," while in Spain, the term "cubata" is used more often. In Chile, this drink is known as "roncola."

The traditional recipe consists of placing ice in a wide glass, adding 10 ml of gold or aged rum (white rum does not follow the classic Bacardi Oro recipe and adds less flavor), and then filling the glass with cola. Finally, a few drops of lime are added, preferably, although if not available, lemon can be used, and it is garnished with a slice of the citrus used.

In the 1990s, due to the Special Period and the massive waves of Cubans emigrating to the United States on rafts, a clandestine way of referring to Cuba Libre became popular through two gestures. With one hand on the chin, a hypothetical beard was mimicked downward, making a clear allusion to Fidel Castro, and then with the same hand, the neck was quickly stroked with the thumb from one end to the other, a gesture used in Cuban culture to refer to death. Taking advantage of the ambiguity of the name of the famous drink, the message was conveyed that Cuba's freedom would only be possible with the death of Fidel Castro.

The words CUBA LIBRE have always held a very special political meaning for all Cubans.