Old Fashioned Cuba Libre | Umami (2024)

The Old Fashioned Cuba Libre is the result of a tawdry little affair between a classic Cuba Libre and a much younger mid-century Old Fashioned. Like all good affairs, this one has some nice muddling, a little rum, and a touch of Mexican co*ke thrown in for good times.

If you don’t have any Mexican co*ke handy, regular co*ke will work just fine.

Old Fashioned Cuba Libre | Umami (1)
Old Fashioned Cuba Libre | Umami (2)
Old Fashioned Cuba Libre | Umami (3)

Curious about the history of the Cuba Libre? Read Why the Cuba Libre Hates Being Called a Rum and co*ke.

Old Fashioned Cuba Libre | Umami (4)

Ingredients

  • 2 oz aged rum
  • 1/2 oz Cointreau
  • 4 oz Mexican Coca-Cola
  • 1 lime wedge, muddled
  • 1 dash Cherry Bark Bitters
  • Garnish with a lime slice and cherry

US CustomaryMetric

Instructions

  • In a co*cktail shaker squeeze the juice of one lime wedge, tossing the lime in after juicing. Pour in the rum, Cointreau, and a dash of Cherry Bark Bitters.

    2 oz aged rum, 1/2 oz Cointreau, 1 dash Cherry Bark Bitters, 1 lime wedge

  • Muddle everything together, add some ice, and stir until everything is chilled.

  • Strain the co*cktail into a large old fashioned glass with a big ice cube and top everything off with some Mexican co*ke, about 4 ounces.

    4 oz Mexican Coca-Cola

  • Give it a good stir and garnish with a slice of lime and a nice cherry on top.

    See Also
    History

    Garnish with a lime slice and cherry

Recommended Equipment

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The nutrition information shown is an estimate based on available ingredients and preparation.

Certainly! I'm an enthusiast in mixology and co*cktail crafting with a strong background in the history and artistry of various drinks. I've delved into the nuanced details of co*cktail recipes, their origins, and the evolution of mixological techniques. My expertise includes understanding the cultural and historical contexts behind co*cktails, their ingredients, and the significance of different variations.

The article you provided mentions a fusion between a classic Cuba Libre and a mid-century Old Fashioned. Let's break down the concepts and ingredients involved:

  1. Cuba Libre: This co*cktail has its roots intertwined with Cuba's history and is composed of rum, Coca-Cola, and lime juice. Originally, it emerged as a symbol of Cuba's liberation and independence, combining the local rum with Coca-Cola after the Spanish-American War. The term "Cuba Libre" means "Free Cuba" in Spanish.

  2. Old Fashioned: A timeless classic co*cktail that dates back to the late 19th century, typically crafted with whiskey (traditionally bourbon or rye), sugar, bitters, and an orange twist or cherry. The Old Fashioned is renowned for its simplicity and elegance, often served over a large ice cube.

  3. Aged Rum: This refers to rum that has been aged in barrels, allowing it to develop complex flavors and characteristics over time. Aged rum can range from light to dark, with varying degrees of richness and depth.

  4. Cointreau: A premium brand of triple sec, Cointreau is an orange-flavored liqueur that adds sweetness and depth to co*cktails. It's a common ingredient in various classic and modern co*cktail recipes.

  5. Mexican Coca-Cola: Unlike standard Coca-Cola, Mexican co*ke is made with cane sugar instead of high-fructose corn syrup, offering a slightly different taste profile that some consider superior in co*cktails.

  6. Cherry Bark Bitters: Bitters are concentrated infusions made from botanicals, adding depth, complexity, and a hint of bitterness to co*cktails. Cherry Bark Bitters, specifically, infuse a subtle cherry flavor into the drink.

The recipe mentioned in the article is a creative blend, combining elements from both the Cuba Libre and the Old Fashioned. It incorporates aged rum, Cointreau, Mexican Coca-Cola, lime wedge for muddling, and Cherry Bark Bitters to create a unique co*cktail experience. The preparation involves muddling the lime wedge with the spirits, adding ice, stirring, straining into a glass, topping it off with Mexican co*ke, and garnishing with lime and cherry.

This fusion co*cktail takes inspiration from two iconic drinks, marrying their distinct flavors to create something innovative and intriguing, showcasing the versatility and creativity within mixology.

Old Fashioned Cuba Libre | Umami (2024)

FAQs

Is a Cuba Libre just Rum and co*ke? ›

Is the Cuba Libre the Same as a Rum and co*ke? While a Rum and co*ke and a Cuba Libre are very similar, the squeeze of fresh lime juice added directly to the drink is what sets the Cuba Libre apart.

What is the original rum for Cuba Libre? ›

Bacardí has long claimed to be not just the correct rum for the concoction but the whole reason the drink was even dubbed a Cuba Libre to begin with. According to company lore, Bacardí rum quenched the celebratory thirst of Cuban independence during the Spanish-American War.

What's the difference between a Cuba Libre and a Cubata? ›

The cuba Libre goes back to the time around 1900 when it was invented in celebration of the liberation of Cuba from the Spanish colonial reign. The second variant, the Cubata, relies on the same principle but is based on dark, matured rum. You can easily see the darker color of the right drink in the picture.

What rum is best for Cuba Libre drink? ›

What type of rum goes in a Cuba Libre co*cktail? The Cuba Libre uses gold rum, such as BACARDÍ Gold – an instant classic.

What is the difference between Cuba Libre and Dark and Stormy? ›

The Rum and co*ke is a simple mix of rum and cola, while the Dark and Stormy is a combination of ginger ale, lime juice and dark rum.

What are Malibu and co*ke called? ›

Your favorite Malibu with a bit of sparkle. By mixing Malibu Original and Cola over ice, you'll get a round and sweet drink with a bubbly fizz.

What is a rum and co*ke drink called? ›

Rum and co*ke, or the Cuba libre (/ˌkjuːbə ˈliːbreɪ/ KEW-bə LEE-bray, Spanish: [ˈkuβa ˈliβɾe]; literally "Free Cuba"), is a highball co*cktail consisting of cola, rum, and in many recipes lime juice on ice.

What is a tequila and co*ke called? ›

Tequila co*ke (aka Batanga)

If you're wondering what's good to mix with tequila and have co*ke in the fridge, you've got a co*cktail. Tequila and co*ke is also called the batanga.

What is a dark rum and co*ke called? ›

According to Alberto, our bartender, and others we encountered after that, a Cuba Libre are made up of white rum and co*ke, and a Cubata is made up of aged/dark rum and co*ke.

Which rum goes best with co*ke? ›

Well most bartenders guides would tell you to use Bacardi Silver Rum, but some people like Bacardi dark Rum . But I also like Captain Morgan Rum. One school of thought is to use Captain Morgan Rum or Mount Gay Rum for the best rum and co*ke recipe. Both Rums, dark and light, make a very good Rum and Ooke.

What brand of rum is in the Cuba Libre? ›

“The fact that the Cuba Libre co*cktail, distinctively but simply made with BACARDI rum, cola and fresh lime juice, is the world's favorite co*cktail and continues to gain popularity after 112 years speaks to the exceptional quality and great taste BACARDÍ rum adds to this iconic drink,” said Facundo L.

How is Cuba Libre different from rum and co*ke? ›

At first glance, they might seem identical, but there is one key ingredient that makes all the difference: A splash of fresh lime juice. The lime juice adds a refreshing zest that balances the sweetness of the cola and the richness of the rum and creates a distinct difference between the 2 drinks.

What is the other name for Cuba Libre? ›

This highball is often referred to as a Rum and co*ke in the United States and Canada, where the lime juice is optional. Mentirita is what Los Cubanos use. I just made a Cuba Libre the other night! Just a Rum & co*ke served with a lime wedge.

Does Cuba Libre have alcohol? ›

Cuba Libre is a delicious alcoholic co*cktail, which is known to be created in Old Havana during the 1900s. The original recipe of Cuba Libre includes white rum, co*ke, lime juice and ice. In this mixed drink we find mostly between 13 – 18 % alcohol, but as always it depends on the ratio ingredients.

What is the difference between a mojito and a Cuba Libre? ›

The mojito differs in that it contains fizzy water, a sprig of mint and ice cubes. The Cuba Libre simply mixes rum, cola and lemon. Cuban music and dance will also be featured at numerous festival booths.

Is Cuba Libre co*cktail made from rum co*ke and squeeze of fresh lime juice? ›

Squeeze a lime into a Collins or highball glass. Drop half the spent lime shell into the glass and muddle the oils into the lime juice. Add ice and rum. Top with cola and stir briefly.

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