Castro’s Cuba Libre

This is not the same drink you consumed by the pool over spring break, that was a cheap rum and coke with a wedge of lime. This is a drinking man’s version of an old classic, fit for even the most discerning communist politician. The exact origin, as well as the exact timing of this cocktail is disputed, but suffice it to say, it was created in Cuba in the early years of the 20th century.

My version goes way beyond white or spiced rum mixed haphazardly with cola and served in a plastic cup with the tiniest sliver of lime. As with any great drink, a little effort goes a long way. Start with the lime, your average grocery store lime just will not do the trick this time. Take the time to find somewhere with Mexican or Key limes (if you are forced to use Persian limes, look for small ones and only use half the lime in each drink). Slice the lime in half and squeeze the juice into an empty Collins glass. Drop one squeezed out lime half into the glass and muddle gently to release some of the oils. Fill the glass with ice and add 2 1/2 ounces of premium riserva rum, Pyrat XO is what currently resides in my bar. Lastly, fill the remainder of the glass with coca-cola, but not your average store bought can. Look in the Hispanic food section of your grocery store or seek out a specialty store that carries bottles imported from Mexico. The Mexican version is sweetened with sugar cane instead of corn syrup and has a slightly sweeter and much cleaner flavor.

Grow a beard, light a cigar and invite your friends over for a Cuban themed cocktail party. Serve these along with daiquiris, mojitos, and el presidentes and you will have corrected the wrongs of bartenders all over the world.

Cuba Libre

1 key lime

2 ½ oz riserva rum

imported coca-cola

Squeeze the lime juice into empty Collins glass, drop in one of the squeezed out lime halves, muddle gently.  Fill the glass with ice and add the rum.  Fill the remainder of the glass with coca-cola.