**History of Rum and Coke:**
– Originated in Cuba in the early 1900s
– Popularized with bottled Coca-Cola in Cuba post-1900
– Associated with the U.S. presence after the Spanish–American War
– Various origin stories, including creation at El Floridita in 1902
– Spread to the U.S. during the Prohibition era
**Ingredients, Recipe, and Variations:**
– Main ingredients always rum and cola
– International Bartenders Association recipe: 5cl rum, 12cl cola, 1cl lime juice on ice
– Any rum and cola proportion can be used
– Dark rums and other varieties common
– Coca-Cola is the traditional cola of choice
– Variants like TuKola, Mexican Coke, Moxie, Diet Coke, and Dr. Pepper
**Preparation and Garnishes:**
– Highball cocktail with cola, rum, and lime juice on ice
– Traditionally made with Coca-Cola and light rum like Bacardi
– Lime juice optional in some recipes
– Simple preparation in a highball glass with ice
– Garnish with a lime wedge
– Lime traditionally included in some recipes
**Cultural Impact and Legacy:**
– Became a staple in Cuba due to ingredient availability
– Gained popularity during World War II
– Calypso song ‘Rum and Coca-Cola’ boosted drink’s popularity
– Changes in availability due to the Cuban Revolution and U.S. embargo
– Symbol of the changing world order
**Modern Variations and Related Cocktails:**
– Elaborate variants like the cinema highball and Mandeville cocktail
– Modern versions may have additional ingredients beyond the classic recipe
– Related cocktails like Bourbon and Coke, Piscola, and other mixed drinks with cola
– References to further reading on the history, recipes, and cultural significance of Rum and Coke
Rum and Coke, or the Cuba libre (/ˌkjuːbə ˈliːbreɪ/ KEW-bə LEE-bray, Spanish: [ˈkuβa ˈliβɾe]; literally "Free Cuba"), is a highball cocktail consisting of cola, rum, and in many recipes lime juice on ice. Traditionally, the cola ingredient is Coca-Cola ("Coke") and the alcohol is a light rum such as Bacardi; however, the drink may be made with various types of rums and cola brands, and lime juice may or may not be included.
| IBA official cocktail | |
|---|---|
 | |
| Type | Cocktail |
| Base spirit | |
| Served | On the rocks: poured over ice |
| Standard garnish | Lime wedge |
| Standard drinkware | .svg) |
| IBA specified ingredients† | |
| Preparation | Build all ingredients in a highball glass filled with ice. Garnish with lime wedge. |
| † Cuba libre recipe at International Bartenders Association | |
The cocktail originated in the early 20th century in Cuba, after the country won independence in the Spanish–American War. It subsequently became popular across Cuba, the United States, and other countries. Its simple recipe and inexpensive, ubiquitous ingredients have made it one of the world's most-popular alcoholic drinks. Drink critics often consider the drink mediocre, but it has been noted for its historical significance.