With everything that is going on right now in Cuba, I felt like it was only appropriate to share with you all this drink recipe and the history behind a Cuba Libre Cocktail (free Cuba) . The drink got its name during the Spanish-American War in 1898. At this point in time, Coca-Cola was not imported into Cuba yet, so soldiers would add rum to water and brown sugar/molasses. It was not until after 1900 when Coca-Cola started importing Coke into Cuba, and the traditional drink that we know and love was made.

A Cuba Libre cocktail quickly became a staple in Cuba, booming the sales of rum and coke. It wasn’t long after that it spread to the United States. Because of this drink, coke became a favored mixer to disguise alcohol during the prohibition era.

What kind of rum do you use in a Cuba Libre Drink?

History has it that Bacardi has claims to the drink. “Fausto Rodriguez, a Bacardi advertising executive, claimed to have been present when the drink was first poured, and produced a notarized affidavit to that effect in 1965.” So traditionally we make this drink with Bacardi Gold. But feel free to use whichever rum you prefer. I just recommend you use a dark rum, to give it some extra spice.

What ratio of rum to coke do you use?

The best thing about making your own drinks, is that you decide how sweet or strong you want to make it. I like to use 4 oz of dark rum per half to one cup of coke. Top it off with a squeeze of fresh lime juice and bam you have yourself a Cuba Libre.

Now when Cuba becomes free, and I hope it does during my lifetime, I will be drinking Cuba Libre’s non-stop. But until then I can only pray that mi gente stay strong and persist through all the hardships they have gone and are going through.

There is one constant thing that I have been raised with, and that is my Cuban heritage and my parents, and their parents and their parents’ love for Cuba. Cubans are the most proud, the most passionate, the most enduring type of people I have ever met. There is not one Cuban family that does not welcome you with open arms, no matter where you come from, and at the foundation of that family is the love they have for Cuba, its people, and the hope that one day their land will be free. And I hope one day I get to see a Cuba Libre and experience the beauty of it. But until then, I will raise a glass to those who have fought and are fighting for a free and liberated Cuba! Salud, segimos pa arriba y pa lante!