Little Known Facts You Probably Didn’t Know About Cuba

The Cuba Libre is a classic highball cocktail made with cola, rum, and a splash of lime juice, typically served over ice. Traditionally, it’s crafted with Coca-Cola and a light rum like Bacardi, though variations using different rum types and cola brands are common, and some versions omit lime altogether.

The drink was born in Cuba in the early 20th century, shortly after the island gained independence following the Spanish-American War. Its name—“Free Cuba”—symbolized a toast to liberation. It has a straightforward recipe and uses inexpensive, easily accessible ingredients.