Reviewed by WhatDrink Editorial Team, Drinks EditorHow we calculate nutrition
Cocktailalcoholic15.8% ABV3 ingredientsexcellent recipe
Difficulty
Easy
Why: 3 ingredients
Best for: Seafood, Spicy Food, Seafood Dinner
Ingredients
BaseCitrusMixer
- 2 ozLight RumBase
- Juice of 1/2LimeCitrus
- to tasteCoca-ColaMixer
How to Make It
GarnishBuild
- Build all ingredients in a Collins glass filled with ice.BuildBuild steps combine ingredients directly without heavy aeration.
- Garnish with lime wedge.GarnishGarnish changes aroma, presentation or final flavour impression.
Best For
Food Pairings
Diet & Lifestyle
Gluten-FreeVeganVegetarian
Make it your way
Adjust this drink
Try alcohol-freeBrowse mocktails and zero-ABV alternatives.Make it lighterTry a longer serve style, more ice, soda, tonic or a lower-ABV alternative.Lower the sugarCompare with drinks that use less estimated sugar per serve.Lower the caloriesCompare with drinks that sit lower on estimated calories per serve.
Swap notes
Base spiritWhite rum is light and clean; gold rum adds vanilla warmth; dark rum is rich and molasses-heavy. Swapping between them changes the body and sweetness — reduce syrup if going darker.CitrusLemon juice can replace lime but it is sharper and less floral — the drink will taste brighter and slightly more tart. Grapefruit juice works if you want something more bitter. Whichever you use, add a little at a time and taste as you go.
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Frequently asked questions
- What is a Cuba Libre?
- The Cuba Libre is a cocktail made with 3 ingredients, traditionally served in a Highball Glass. It has an ABV of approximately 15.8%. A standard serving contains approximately 178 calories.
- What does a Cuba Libre taste like?
- Cuba Libre has a flavour profile featuring Cola, Sparkling, Lime, Citrus. The exact taste varies depending on the brands and measures used.
- What food goes well with a Cuba Libre?
- Cuba Libre pairs well with Seafood, Spicy Food, Tropical Food. The pairing is based on complementary flavour profiles from the recipe's ingredients.
- How strong is a Cuba Libre?
- The Cuba Libre has an ABV of approximately 15.8%. That's approximately 1.46 US standard drinks. A standard serving contains 178 calories, 9.8g sugar, 11.1g carbs. Strength varies depending on the exact measures and spirits used.
- When is a Cuba Libre typically served?
- Cuba Libre is a popular choice for Seafood Dinner, Summer. It also works well as an aperitif or casual evening drink.
- What drinks are similar to a Cuba Libre?
- If you enjoy Cuba Libre, look for cocktails with a similar spirit base and flavour profile using the filters on the cocktails page. Drinks with matching body and acidity scores on the sensory bar will feel closest in character.
- Can I make a Cuba Libre at home?
- Yes. The Cuba Libre uses 3 ingredients, making it easy to prepare at home. You will need a Highball Glass. Use quality spirits and fresh ingredients for the best result.
- What do the sensory profile dimensions mean?
- Sensory profile dimensions describe key flavour characteristics: Body (light to full), Dryness (sweet to bone dry), Acidity (flat to crisp), Fruitiness (subtle to prominent) and Boldness (delicate to bold). Each scale helps you compare cocktails at a glance and find ones with similar character.
- How do I use sensory profiles to find cocktails I like?
- Compare the Body, Acidity and Fruitiness of Cuba Libre with other cocktails. If you enjoy this drink, look for others with a similar profile. Adjust one dimension at a time to discover new favourites while staying in your flavour comfort zone.