CocktailSteps

Build over cubed ice, top with cola, and stir briefly

Cuba Libre

A simple highball where measured lime keeps the cola bright and the rum clearly present.

Time
4 minutes
Level
Easy
Glass
Highball
Approx. ABV
11% · Medium-low
Start guided make Quick check
Cuba Libre served in a highball

Measured for the room

Ingredients

Number of servings
  • Bottle with a generic White Rum label
    White rum

    Recommended brandBACARDÍ Carta Blanca

    1.67 oz
  • Dark sparkling cola in an unbranded glass bottle
    Cola

    Recommended brandCoca-Cola Original Taste

    4 oz
  • Fresh lime juice in a small carafe beside a cut lime
    Fresh lime juice

    Recommended brandSunkist Persian Lime

    0.33 oz
  • Fresh lime wedge
    Lime wedgeOptional

    Recommended brandSunkist Persian Lime

    1 piece

Amounts scale from the verified one-glass recipe. Technique and timing stay unchanged.

Choose your bottle

Bottle buying guide

Best fit is our default. Spend less with Smart buy, or choose Upgrade when you want more character.

  • Base spirit

    White rum

    Choose a dry white rum with enough cane character to survive lime without masking mint.

    • Best fit · RecommendedBACARDÍ Carta BlancaApprox. $13–20 · 750 ml

      Light, dry, and fresh, so lime and mint stay clear in the glass.

    • Smart buyDon Q CristalApprox. $12–18 · 750 ml

      A clean, dry foundation for an easy Mojito or Daiquiri.

    • UpgradeProbitas White Blended RumApprox. $30–38 · 750 ml

      A fuller blend that adds tropical fruit and extra depth.

Approximate U.S. shelf prices reviewed July 2026. Local price and availability vary.

Measured method

How to make Cuba Libre

  1. 01

    Build the rum and lime

    Cubed ice · 1⅔ oz rum · ⅓ oz lime

    Fill a highball with cubed ice, then add 1⅔ oz white rum and ⅓ oz fresh lime juice.

  2. 02

    Top with cola

    4 oz cola

    Slowly pour in 4 oz cola, keeping the carbonation lively and the ice in place.

  3. 03

    Stir briefly

    Stir · 5 sec

    Stir gently for 5 seconds to combine without flattening the cola.

  4. 04

    Add the lime

    1 lime wedge

    Set 1 fresh lime wedge on the highball rim, if using.

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Set the station

Tools

  • Aged-brass Japanese-style jigger
    Jigger

    Recommended brandCocktail Kingdom Japanese Style Jigger

  • Long aged-brass bar spoon
    Bar spoon

    Recommended brandCocktail Kingdom Teardrop Barspoon

  • Empty clear highball glass
    Highball glass

    Recommended brandRIEDEL Drink Specific Highball

Know the pour

Medium-low

A long white-rum highball lengthened with cola, lime, and cubed ice.

Contains alcohol. Serve only to adults of legal drinking age and enjoy responsibly.