The Cuba Libre Cocktail — Originated with BACARDI RUM — Celebrates 112th Anniversary

Hamilton, Bermuda, August 14, 2012—In its 150th anniversary year, Bacardi celebrates another historic milestone with consumers around the world. The legendary original Cuba Libre, more commonly called a “BACARDÍ and Coke®,” turns 112 years old this month. Since its inspiration and creation in Havana, Cuba, in 1900, this classic cocktail has become the most ordered cocktail in the world with seventy BACARDÍ Cuba Libre drinks enjoyed every second, every day around the world.

And yet, the drink that caused such a cocktail revolution was, appropriately enough, borne of revolutionary origins itself. The year was 1900, marking the end of Cuba’s War for Independence. It was this war, known as the Spanish-American War, which brought many Americans to Cuba, including future United States President Theodore Roosevelt, then a Colonel in his regiment popularly known as the Rough Riders. These Americans had also brought Coca-Cola® with them to Cuba, and soon it had become a popular beverage among Cubans and Americans alike. While celebrating Cuba’s victory at The American Bar in Havana, a U.S. Army Signal Corps captain decided to combine his Cuban BACARDI Rum with Coca-Cola® and the squeeze of a fresh lime, sparking interest among others bar patrons. Soon the entire bar was drinking this enticing, new combination. The captain proposed a toast of “¡Por Cuba libre!” (For a Free Cuba)─a phrase of particular political significance used frequently as the battle cry by Cuban revolutionaries and Americans soldiers alike. The name caught on, and stuck. Today, the Cuba Libre cocktail is globally recognized as containing BACARDI rum, cola and lime juice.

The original BACARDI Cuba Libre is a consumer favorite because it’s easy to make and just tastes great. To make a perfect Cuba Libre, the method is important as the squeeze of lime over ice makes all the difference.

Original Cuba Libre
1 part BACARDI Gold® rum
3 parts Coca-Cola® (bottled)
2 lime wedges
Ice cubes

Fill a highball glass with cubed ice. Squeeze juice of fresh lime wedge into the glass. Drop the squeezed lime wedge rind into the glass. Pour in BACARDI Gold rum and top with chilled Coca-Cola®, ideally bottled. Stir gently. Garnish with a lime wedge.

For further information please see the full press release below.

After 150 years, Bacardi continues to make history with its great-tasting cocktails. To learn more about its pioneering heritage, revolutionary spirit, and classic cocktail recipes, visit www.BacardiLimited.com/150.