CubanEasy · Iced
Cuba Libre del Sol
A ceremonial Cuba Libre honoring Havana tradition — aged white rum, fine cola, and hand-squeezed sour lime built over crystal ice and crowned with a whisper of cane sweetness.
Prep
5 min
Total
5 min
Method
1
Cut a lime wheel 1cm thick from the center of the fruit and set aside. Halve the remaining lime and squeeze the juice from both halves through a fine mesh strainer — you need 15ml of fresh juice. Reserve the spent hulls.
2
Run the rim of a highball glass with the cut side of one lime hull to moisten. Gently press the moistened rim into brown sugar on a flat plate, rotating to coat evenly. Set the glass upright.
3
Pour 60ml white rum into the prepared highball glass over a single large ice cube — the rum should be cold but not diluted yet.
5
Grade pending
Nutri-Score
Estimated nutrition
Grade pending · 100% ingredient coverage
Calories
168
per serving
Protein
1g
Carbs
13g
Fat
0g
Sat. fat
0g
Fiber
2g
Sugar
6g
Sodium
13mg
Dairy FreeGluten FreeVeganNot Heart HealthyNot Low SodiumNot Suitable For DiabeticsNot Low CalorieNot Weight Loss
Nutri-Score is a general nutritional-balance guide, not medical or dietary advice.
Grade pending
Environmental impact
Estimated footprint
Grade pending · 100% ingredient coverage
kg CO2e
0.2
per serving
White rum drives 48% of this recipe’s estimated footprint.
Carbon from Poore & Nemecek 2018; water, land & runoff from Agribalyse — modelled averages for comparing recipes, not a measurement of your groceries.
Flavor Profile
2
Umami
6
Sweet
1
Salty
5
Sour
3
Bitter
1
Spicy
Textures
CarbonatedCrispLiquidSmooth
Aromas
CaramelCitrusHerbalSpirit ForwardSweet
Kitchen Equipment
Primary Tool
Highball GlassCitrus JuicerCutting BoardFine Mesh StrainerFlat PlateJiggerLong Bar SpoonSharp KnifeCocktail NapkinLarge Ice Cube
Safety & Storage
Drug Interaction
Alcohol can interact dangerously with medications including antibiotics, pain relievers, antidepressants, and sedatives. Advise guests to consult their physician if taking any prescription medications.
High Risk Population
This beverage contains alcohol and should not be served to pregnant or breastfeeding individuals, minors, or persons with liver conditions, certain medical conditions, or recovering from alcohol dependency.
Consume responsibly. The combination of alcohol and caffeine (from cola) may mask intoxicating effects. Do not drink and drive.
Allergen Warning
While no major allergens are present in this recipe, some individuals may have sensitivities to sulfites that can occur in wine or spirits, or citrus-related reactions. Inform guests to disclose any food sensitivities before consumption.
Handling
Use clean, sanitized bar tools. The fine mesh strainer and highball glass should be properly cleaned between uses to prevent cross-contamination with other beverages or ingredients.
Storage
White rum should be stored upright in a cool, dark place. Once opened, consume within 1-2 years for optimal quality. Lime juice should be used immediately after squeezing; do not store pre-squeezed juice beyond 24 hours refrigerated.
Pro Tips
Technique
Never shake a Cuba Libre — the carbonation is sacred and must be preserved. Pour the cola slowly down the glass wall, never directly into the rum, or you murder the fizz and with it, the drink's soul. One gentle rotation with your bar spoon, no more.
Substitution
If you cannot find proper white rum, use a light-bodied aged rum rather than a spiced variety — the caramel in spiced rum will fight the cola and the lime instead of dancing with them.
From the chef
The Cuba Libre del Sol is built over a single large cube of crystal ice — not a glass full of chipped pieces, but one deliberate cube that chills slowly and dilutes with respect. Aged white rum goes in first, then fresh lime juice, then cola poured carefully down the side of the glass to preserve every bubble. A brown sugar rim adds a quiet sweetness at the first sip, framing the tartness of lime and the caramel depth of cola without announcing itself. One gentle stir. A lime wheel, a mint sprig laid flat. Serve immediately. This drink does not wait, and it should not be made to.
TagsClassicTraditionalRum BasedCitrusPremiumCeremonialEasyQuick PrepHand CraftedFresh CitrusCane Sweetener
Source: generated · June 13, 2026