The Cuba Libre was the result of the collision of two cultures . . . Cuba and the United States . . . Cuban Rum and Coca-Cola . . . and of course a hint of lime . . . this is one of the most asked for and served cocktails in the world . . . here is the recipe . . .

Place broken ice in a glass (preferably not ice cubes from the freezer)

Rinse the ice in water as it makes the Coca-Cola fizz

Pour 1 oz of authentic Cuban Rum over the ice

Add 2-3 oz of Coca-Cola (Coke from Mexico is preferred as it is still made with raw sugar where as Coke now made in the US is made with corn syrup)

Add a slice of lime for garnish (you can squeeze some lime into the drink as well)

And there you have the classic "Cuba Libre" or "Free Cuba" cocktail . . .

Ex-partiates from Cuba living in Florida often have this cocktail and raise their glass facing south and toast, "Cuba Libre" . . . it is a Key West favorite . . .