The Intoxicologist Is In

The rum and cola or Cuba Libre is one of the most frequently ordered combination highballs at corner bars across the nation.  This is possibly due to the simplicity of the drink or owing to the popularity of cola products. 

As with many popular cocktail recipe favorites handed down through time, the Cuba Libre has a muddled history.  Bacardi and Havana Club both claim ownership to the recipe, yet neither can prove without a doubt the creation originated with them.  Add into the mix the political ties between the United States and Cuba plus Bacardi’s own history with Cuba and the mystery deepens.  However, no matter where the political boundary falls with this particular drink, what remains clear is the Cuba Libre remains a refreshing quencher to many. 

Personally, I am not a cola drinker.  So, when I came across a recipe for a Champagne Libre in the Sexy City Cocktails book, I was curious.  Since Cuba Libre translated means “Free Cuba” a Champagne Libre should mean “Champagne Free” but this is obviously not the case.  The Champagne Libre is not lacking in champagne.  After reading the recipe and tasting the libation, the cocktail hardly resembles a Cuba Libre at all.  What it really tastes like is a watered down version of a Daiquiri. 

Lesson learned:  Some classics are better left exactly as intended with tweaking only on the particular base alcohol of your choice (i.e. rum, vodka, tequila…etc.)  But you decide for yourself.  The recipe follows later.

As for the traditional Cuba Libre take a walk down the gang plank with a splash of Sailor Jerry rather than the usual Bacardi.  Sailor Jerry is 92-proof Caribbean-style dark rum with hints of vanilla, lime and of course secretive spices.  I have it on excellent authority that after a long day of scuba diving there is absolutely nothing better than sitting back on the boat relaxing with Sailor Jerry and Coca Cola otherwise known as a Cuba Libre if you care to add the squeeze of lime.

Cuba Libre

1-1/2 oz Sailor Jerry Rum

3 oz Coca Cola

Half of a Fresh Lime

Fill a highball glass with ice.  Measure rum into glass.  Fill with Coca Cola.  Top off with a squeeze of a half a lime and drop into glass.  Stir and sip. 

Champagne Libre

1-1/2 oz Rum

1/2 oz Fresh Lime Juice

1/4 oz Bar Syrup

Top with Champagne

1 Slice of Lime for Garnish

Add rum, lime juice and bar syrup to a cocktail shaker filled one-third full of ice.  Shake for ten to fifteen seconds.  Strain into a champagne flute.  Top off with champagne.  Garnish with a lime or twist of lime. 

Side note:  To bring this drink up a notch use high quality rum such as 10 Cane.  Alter the fresh lime juice to 3/4 oz and the bar syrup to 1/2 oz.  Top off with no more than 1-1/2 ounces of dry champagne so that the drink does not become too watered down. 

To try something fun, compare the Champagne Libre to a traditional Daiquiri.  The recipe follows:

Daiquiri

2 oz 10 Cane Rum

1 oz Fresh Lime Juice

1/2 oz Bar Syrup

Combine ingredients into a cocktail shaker filled one-third full of ice.  Shake for ten to fifteen seconds.  Strain into a well chilled cocktail glass.  No garnish. 

Side note:  For a really amazing Daiquiri try the Hemingway Daiquiri or Papa Doble.  You can find that recipe by going to the search area in the right hand column and typing in Daiquiri or Hemingway Daiquiri. 

Cheers!