Skip to main content

Cocktails

Cuba Libre

Cuba Libre is a simple, refreshing rum cocktail built around cola, lime and an easygoing chilled serve. It works best for casual occasions where the drink should feel familiar and uncomplicated.

Cocktailalcoholic15.8% ABV3 ingredients

At a Glance

178 kcalCalories
15.8%ABV
9.8gSugar
11.1gCarbs
1.46Std Drinks

Estimated from parsed ingredients and typical ingredient nutrition. Some ingredient data may be approximate.

These nutrition figures are approximate estimates for this recipe — actual values vary with your exact measures, brands and serving size.

On this page

How hard is it to make?

Easybuilt drink

Why: 3 ingredients

Estimated from the ingredient count and technique.

Ingredients

  • 2 ozLight rumBase Spirit
  • Juice of 1/2LimeFruit
  • to tasteCoca-ColaMixer

How to Make It

  1. Build all ingredients in a Collins glass filled with ice.Built
  2. Garnish with lime wedge.Garnish

How to Serve

Glass
Highball Glass
Temperature
Chilled
Ice
Ice
Method
Built
Served Chilled

Taste

What does Cuba Libre taste like?

Cuba Libre is a longer, more refreshing style of drink. Bubbles, citrus, mixer or dilution help make it easier to sip than a short spirit-forward cocktail.

Primary flavours

Supporting notes

Flavor tags are derived from ingredient-level flavor mappings.

Estimated sensory profile

StrengthLight – Strong
BodyLight – Full
SweetnessDry – Sweet
AcidityFlat – Crisp
FruitinessEarthy – Fruity
  • Bright and citrusy

What do these dimensions mean?

Practical notes

Variations

Easy ways to adjust Cuba Libre

For a lighter version, use more soda, mixer or ice. For a stronger version, keep the same flavor balance but reduce the length so the drink stays structured.

When to choose it

How to decide if Cuba Libre is right for you

Cuba Libre is a good fit when you want a longer, colder and easier-drinking cocktail. Choose it for refreshment rather than intensity. The listed serve is about 15.8% ABV, so strength is part of the decision.

Skip if

Skip Cuba Libre if...

Skip Cuba Libre if you want a short, intense or spirit-forward cocktail. Longer refreshing drinks are built for cold drinkability rather than concentrated strength.

When to serve

  • SummerSuggested from its citrus and sparkling notes.

Occasion tags are inferred from drink style, serving format, flavour profile, food-pairing theme, recipe metadata, and strict multi-signal supplemental rule matches.

Diet & lifestyle

Compatible, based on the listed ingredients

Not compatible

KetoLow-CarbLow-Sugar

Diet tags are ingredient-level and nutrition-estimate based. Product brands, preparation methods, quantities, and substitutions may change compatibility.

Alternatives to try

Choose an ingredient to see reviewed substitutions, or filter for a different preference.

Reviewed ingredient substitutions

Light Rum2 oz

Aged RumKnown variation
How much to use
Use the same amount; reduce rich sweeteners only if the drink becomes too heavy.
What changes
Aged rum can replace light rum when a fuller, oakier variation is acceptable.
Dark RumWorks, but changes the drink
How much to use
Use the same amount; reduce rich sweeteners if the result becomes too heavy.
What changes
Dark rum can replace light rum when a deeper, heavier rum profile is welcome.
Vegan-compatibleVegetarian-compatibleGluten-free-compatible

Coca-Colato taste

ColaGood swap
How much to use
Use the same amount.
What changes
Cola is usually a close substitute for Coca-Cola in mixed drinks.
Vegan-compatibleVegetarian-compatibleGluten-free-compatible

Reviewed component substitutions are not guarantees that the replacement was tested in this exact recipe. Follow the reviewed adjustment note and taste before serving.

Preference filters use current ingredient, nutrition and diet evidence. They are not medical advice, and this database contract does not store user selections.

Rate this recipe

Last updated

Ingredients, measures and method are taken from the source recipe; roles and serving details are mapped from reviewed evidence.

Frequently asked questions

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.