Are you looking for Cuban co*cktails in Atlanta? If you’re, you’ve surely heard of the popular Cuba Libre, one of the most widespread co*cktails of this beloved island.
Among its many co*cktails, Cuba Libre stands out for its classic flavors and historical significance within Cuban culture. After all, it’s been around for over a century! That’s got to count for something, right?
As a perfect blend of rum, cola, and lime juice, this Cuban co*cktail is bound to delight anyone who gets their hands on it. Those tropical flavors will make you feel like you’ve been transported to the sunny beaches of Havana.
From its legendary history to its easy recipe and possible variations, we’ll explore all about Cuba Libre, the ultimate Cuban co*cktail. We’ll also take a look at the best place to get it in Atlanta—Cubanos ATL!
A Legendary Tale: Origins of Cuba Libre
Let’s take a trip down history. We’ll travel to Cuba in the late 19th Century—allegedly in 1898—after the Spanish-American war came to an end. The result of the war left Cuba with a new-gained independence, and both the soldiers and the people were celebrating their victory.
Not surprisingly, there was an effervescent air of change and revolution, and that’s when the ultimate Cuban co*cktail was born. Moreover, the recent introduction of Coca-Cola trading on the island encouraged natives to mix the drink with all kinds of ingredients.
Another key ingredient—Bacardí rum—was introduced on the island in 1862, when the Bacardí family opened their first distillery in Santiago de Cuba. The alcoholic beverage—particularly the bat logo—became a staple of Cuban independence and eventually spread worldwide.
It is said that the co*cktail was first created by American soldiers stationed in Cuba during the war. According to legend, Captain Russel, a soldier often associated with the creation of Cuba Libre, ordered a classic mix of rum, co*ke, and lemon juice and toasted “¡Por Cuba Libre!” to refer to the newly freed nation.
Soldiers sang and danced, and chants of “Cuba Libre,” which translates to “free Cuba,” filled the air—that’s how the name of the classic Cuban co*cktail stuck around for years to come.
Rising Popularity Around the World
After being drunk in Cuba for the first time in the 1900s, Cuba Libre gained popularity and was brought to the United States by American soldiers, helping spread its new and rising fame.
In the 1920s, during Prohibition, Americans would travel to Cuba to drink without constraint, making Cuba Libre even more popular than before. Plus, the co*cktail’s simplicity made it easy to make, increasing its appeal to drinkers.
Another key factor for the rapid spread of Cuba Libre was the ever-growing expansion of Coca-Cola worldwide during the 20th Century, which helped raise its famous status.
Ultimately, the co*cktail’s close ties to Cuban independence helped raise its popularity and become a symbol of Cuba’s freedom.
These days, the drink is still immensely popular in Cuba, the United States, and other parts of the Caribbean, but most bar menus worldwide offer this co*cktail for being a unique taste of Cuban culture.
Classic Cuba Libre Recipe and Possible Variations
Now, we’ll dive into the classic recipe to make Cuba Libre and some possible variations if you’d like to play a little with it.
Ingredients:
- 2 ounces light or dark rum (Havana Club and Bacardí are the most common choices)
- 4 ounces Coca-Cola
- 1 lime wedge
- Ice (optional)
Instructions:
- Fill a highball glass with ice.
- Add the rum.
- Top with Coca-Cola.
- Squeeze the lime wedge into the drink and drop it in as a garnish.
As you can see, preparing this co*cktail is beyond easy, so don’t miss the chance to try it at home!
Suggested variations:
- Rum and co*ke: the lime juice is omitted.
- Highball: it is made with whiskey instead of rum.
- 7 and 7: it is prepared with Seagram’s 7 Crown whiskey and 7 Up instead of co*ke.
Although these are great options for changing the base of co*cktails and making similar drinks, you can also add other ingredients to the classic recipe.
- Use a different soda like Fanta Orange.
- Add a dash of bitters.
- Garnish with a mint sprig or orange slice instead of lime.
Cuban co*cktails in Atlanta: Find Them at Cubanos ATL
When it comes to finding Cuban co*cktails in Atlanta, there’s no denying that Cubanos ATL is at the top of the list! From affordable prices to high-quality ingredients, they offer the best possible option for those looking to embrace Cuban culture.
To make their Cuba Libre, they use Havana Club Añejo Blanco rum, giving it a distinct flavor profile. Although some places choose to add other ingredients, such as bitters of mint, Cubanos ATL sticks to the original recipe. Plus, their price is more competitive compared to other restaurants in the area.
If you’d like to explore other Cuban co*cktails, head over to their menu to check them out!
Enjoy a Taste of Cuba at Cubanos ATL
This century-old co*cktail has been with us since the independence days, and we cannot get over how good it is! Its rich history and enduring popularity make it a timeless and unique drink.
By simply mixing the three key ingredients—rum, lime, and cola—you can get a taste of Cuba without having to get on a plane. But wait, it gets even better…
At Cubanos ATL, you’ll find the best Cuban co*cktails in Atlanta, so you’ll have the chance to enjoy both drinks and food from this exotic island. Their Cuba Libre is definitely on the list of favorites!
If you’re looking for affordable prices, high-quality ingredients, and a laid-back atmosphere coming straight from the carefree Cuban lifestyle, head over to Cubanos ATL.
