What is a Rum and Coke?

A Rum and Coke is a classic highball cocktail made from just three simple ingredients: rum, cola (traditionally Coca-Cola), and often a squeeze of fresh lime juice. The drink is served over a substantial amount of ice in a tall glass.

What’s the Difference between Rum and Coke and a Cuba Libre?

A Cuba Libre is the original name for Rum and Coke. A Cuba Libre always includes the squeeze of fresh lime, and is (almost) always made from Cuban white rum. A Rum and Coke can forgo the lime, and adjusts the rum based on preference.

What’s the Best Rum for a Rum and Coke?

Entirely preference. For an authentic Cube Libre, use a white rum such as Rhum Barbancourt White (my personal go-to). White rum provides a clean, crisp foundation that lets the cola and lime shine through. For a richer, deeper flavor profile, choose dark rum. My go-to here is Barbancourt Reserve Du Domaine. That said, for a rum and coke, the best rum is your favorite rum.

How Much Rum should I put in a Rum and Coke?

The standard is 2 ounces of rum per 4 ounces of cola, creating a 2:1 cola-to-rum ratio. That said, you can adjust this to match your preference.

Do You Use Lime in a Rum and Coke?

For a casual rum and coke, the answer is whatever you prefer. If you’re making a traditional Cuba Libre, the answer is to use lime and white rum. A Cuba Libre without lime is a rum and coke. A rum and coke that uses lime and white rum, is a Cuba Libre.

Can I make Rum and Coke with Dark Rum?

Absolutely. Dark rum makes for a delicious rum and coke, and many drinkers prefer it to the traditional white rum version. Dark rum brings notes of caramel and molasses, along with subtle vanilla essences, which actually pairs beautifully with the cola and lime.

How Many Calories are in a Rum and Coke?

About 180-200 calories for a standard rum and Coke, depending on the ratio used. The usual breakdown is roughly this: 2 ounces of rum contains about 130 calories, while 4-6 ounces of regular Coca-Cola has about 50-75 calories.

Classic Rum and Coke Cocktail Recipe with Expert Tips

Name: Classic Rum and Coke Cocktail
Prep time: 2 min
Total time: 2 min
Cuisine: Cuban
Ingredients: 2 ounces Rhum Barbancourt Haitian Proof White Rum; 4 ounces Coke; 4 Luxardo Maraschino cherries and 1 teaspoon syrup; ½ lime; 1 cup ice

Description

Make the perfect rum and Coke with this classic Cuba Libre recipe with a gourmet twist- ready in 2 minutes!

Ingredients

Units Scale

2 ounces Rhum Barbancourt Haitian Proof White Rum
4 ounces Coke
4 Luxardo Maraschino cherries and 1 teaspoon syrup
1/2 lime
1 cup ice

Instructions

Fill your desired cocktail class with ice.
Add about 4 maraschino cherries and syrup to the glass.
Pour rum, followed by coke.
Add a squeeze of lime.
Garnish the glass with a lime wedge, stir, and serve!

Prep Time: 2 minutes
Category: Drinks
Cuisine: Cuban