Cuba Libre
Cocktail avec alcool
Catégorie : Alcoolisé
Origine : Caraibes
Ingrédients
- 5 cl de rhum blanc (cubain (havana club, bacardi))
- 1 demi de citrons vert
- glaçons
- Soda au cola
Préparation
Directly in the glassFill a tumbler glass two-thirds full with ice cubesPour in the rum and the half lime, cut into wedges or slicesTop up with cola sodaStirGarnish with lime pieces
Histoire
This recipe, also known as Rum and Coke, was created in 1900 in a bar in Havana, two years after the Second War of Independence (1895–1898).The Cuba Libre is an iconic cocktail whose origins are often linked to the period following the Spanish-American War of 1898, although its roots are more nuanced. This mix, generally made with white rum, lime juice, ice cubes, and cola, is associated with Cuba, where it became a symbol of freedom and independence. Contrary to what a supposed origin in Eastern Europe might suggest, the Cuba Libre draws its roots mainly from the Caribbean, especially Havana, in the early decades of the 20th century.
The cocktail appears to have been a spontaneous creation that accompanied the American presence in Cuba after the war. Legend has it that American soldiers mixed local rum with cola and a splash of lime, toasting to the island’s newfound freedom with the cry, “¡Por Cuba libre!”. This symbolic gesture helped popularize this simple yet refreshing drink, which combines sweet and tangy flavors.
Nevertheless, the rise of this cocktail dates back to Prohibition, benefiting from the rum trade in Cuba.
The Cuba Libre then spread throughout the world, inspiring many variations while retaining its original essence. Today, the cocktail is a bar classic, appreciated for its balance between the sweetness of cola, the sharpness of lime, and the warmth of white rum. Its name thus reflects not only a blend of flavors but also a rich historical context, echoing the cultural ties between Cuba and the United States.
Today, the Cuba Libre is one of the most popular and classic cocktails.