Drink History: The
Cuba Libre
I have
enjoyed Rum and Coke since my Uncle introduced it to me as his favorite drink.
His recipe doesn’t encompass what most people consider standard portions, since
it is just a full glass of Rum with a touch of soda for coloring. From the
moment the drink was introduced to me it has become my go-to for any bar or
relaxing occasions (although bottom shelf Vodka shots have been a known
alternate). It’s simple, easy to make, and easy to drink. But I did not
understand the importance of the drink’s beginnings until I discovered its
alternate name. I first heard the other name for Rum and Coke, the Cuba Libre,
while studying abroad in Ecuador. I became infatuated with the name since the
English translation is ‘Cuba Freedom’ and of course looked up the history to
discover its glorious Cuban-American Heritage.
The
true beginnings reach back to the 1860s when Facundo Bacardi, the founder of Bacardi
Rum (shocking I know), began mass production of low cost White Rum. The spread
of White Rum was influential to the world of alcohol, as White Rum’s taste
could be better manipulated, covered, and enriched when mixing a drink than
using traditional dark rum. The next invention which would eventually comprise
the famed concoction was that of Coca-Cola by John Pemberton, a pharmacist from
Georgia, who created the world’s most popular soda in 1886. With the two main
ingredients created, their paths were destined to cross in what the United
States refers to as the Spanish-American War.
When Cuba began its struggle
against its colonial oppressors, their overlords attempted to put down the
fervor for freedom as many imperial powers have before, mass executions and
population concentration. The United States could not just stand by and watch
their colonial brethren be abused, so with the help of yellow journalism, the
US intervened on behalf of the Cubans with the late, great Teddy Roosevelt
participating in the fight. After a short struggle the Spanish capitulated and
the Cubans were free.
In what might be divine intervention the popular American soft drink and
the native Bacardi Rum were united under the same roof. Rum, Coke, and Lime
Juice were combined in a monumental moment in a bar full of Soldiers and
civilians celebrating victory. One Soldier proposed a toast “To Cuban Freedom”.
Thus the Cuba Libre was born.
