Cuba is famed not just for its lip-smacking cuisine, but also for an array of refreshing drinks, most of which have rum as their primary ingredient. You can also get different non-alcoholic shakes, punches, and smoothies usually prepared from tropical fruits. Let’s check out a list of famous alcoholic and non-alcoholic drinks of Cuba right here.
What is it: With its name meaning ‘Free Cuba’ in English, this traditional drink was popularized in the first half of the 20th century to commemorate the country’s independence. It is also known simply as ‘Rum and Coke’, since it is made with rum and cola, alongside a dash of lemon, and ice cubes. The Spanish variant Cubata is a little different as it uses dark rum. The readily-available ingredients, simple steps to prepare, and low cost make it a favorite not just in its country of origin but also in other parts of the world.
What does it taste like: Light rum would give a sweet and subtle taste, while drinks made with a darker rum are a little stronger. The freshness of lime, along with the zing of cola, makes it a perfect beverage in hot summers.
What is it: A traditional cocktail prepared with rum, lime juice, and sugar, almost similar to Brazil’s national drink Caipirinha. It probably got its name from the Daiquiri beach where it is said to have originated. American engineer Jennings Cox is believed to have invented it during the Spanish American war. A traditional Daiquiri was served in tall glasses filled with cracked ice, but later the ice was shaved, and coupe glasses replaced the tall ones. Variations of this drink include banana daiquiri, avocado daiquiri, and Hemingway (grapefruit) daiquiri.
What does it taste like: Inclusion of sugar with rum and lime makes it refreshingly sweet.
What is it: A famous appetizer like Bloody Mary, made with white rum, tomato, lemon juices, and spicy sauces including Worcestershire.
What does it taste like: Sweetness of rum, combined with the freshness of lime and coolness of mint transcends it to a different level altogether.
What is it: Evolved in Cuba’s Havana, this lip-smacking cocktail comprises of the five major components of white rum, lime juice, sugar, mint and soda water. Said to be Ernest Hemingway’s pet drink, the present Mojito has a host of variations.
What does it taste like: Sweetness of rum, combined with the freshness of lime and the cool taste of mint transcends it to a different level altogether.
What is it: Another famed cocktail made with white rum, black vermouth, grenadine, and ice chips, topped with cherries and orange rind. Named after Gerardo Machado, the Cuban president between 1925 and 1933, it was said to be the staple drink for the upper society for many years.
What does it taste like: Presence of ingredients like vermouth, grenadine, and cherries make it a sweet sensation.
What is it: A delightful beverage, where coconut water has a prominent role to play, alongside fresh lime juice, light rum, sugar, and ice cubes. Its origin can be dated back to the days when there were slaves in Cuba, as it was said to be their drink.
What does it taste like: The addition of coconut water gives it a sweet, refreshing and nutty taste altogether.
What is it: A fusion of rum, lime, and honey, it is believed to be the oldest cocktail of Cuba, invented by the guerrilla fighters during the Cuban War of Independence. They usually drank it at night to save themselves from the chilling cold.
What does it taste like: A refreshing drink, having a sweet, lemony taste.
What is it: A Holiday drink made from condensed milk, egg yolk, syrup, rum, and vanilla. It is commonly prepared on auspicious occasions like birthdays, Christmas and New Year.
What does it taste like: Similar to eggnog, it has a thick consistency teamed with the flavor of rum and freshness of vanilla.
What is it: A cocktail made using rum, lime juice, and powdered sugar, garnished with cherry and lime. Gin may sometimes substitute the rum.
What does it taste like: Sweet and fresh, though the addition of gin may make it a bit distinct and tart.
What is it: A carbonated beverage similar to beer, having hops, barley, and corn as its main component. The caramel color makes Malta look brown.
What does it taste like: This nutritious soft drink has a sweet, aromatic flavor, often mixed with evaporated and condensed milk when made by Americans and Africans.
What is it: A traditional Cuban cocktail, comprising of rum, champagne, mint, and lime. Being a short drink, it is stronger than Mojito. It uses brown ripened rums instead of the white ones.
What does it taste like: Sweet and smooth, while the addition of lime and mint gives it a fresh menthol flavor.
What is it: Prepared with the fresh sugarcane juice and lots of chipped ice. It cannot be conserved for long and is best when consumed right after preparing. In Mexico, Columbia, Venezuela, and Peru, Guarapo is prepared from oranges and pineapples.
What does it taste like: This is indeed a refreshingly sweet drink to beat the hot summers.
What is it: A scintillating cocktail of gold rum, Amaretto (Italian liqueur with a sweet taste), and lime juice, often garnished with cinnamon sticks and lemon peels.
What does it taste like: Spiced and flavored with cinnamon and lime to balance its sweetness.
What is it: White rum, crème da cacao liqueur, lime juice, and coconut water goes into the making of this cocktail.
What does it taste like: Rum and coconut water makes it sweet and nutty, while cacao liquer gives it a creamy texture.
What is it: A fruity cocktail made with white rum, freshly sliced peaches, peach schnapps, and lime juice, along with mint sprig and lemon wheel as a garnish.
What does it taste like: Simple and refreshing, with the addition of peaches intensifying its flavor and taste.
What is it: A high energy cocktail prepared by putting lots of ice cubes in a highball glass, pouring rum and lime juice over it, and finally finishing up with adding some cola.
What does it taste like:Sweet and sugary, with the cola giving it a soft-drink-like flavor.
What is it: A spicy version of mojito where rum and ginger beer is mixed with spearmint leaves, lime wedges, and cane sugar.
What does it taste like: Sweet and tangy, with a fresh minty flavor rendered by the spearmint leaves.
The list of delicious Cuban drinks is by no means limited to just 17. The Cuban espresso, as well as fruit-based beverages like papaya milkshake, pineapple, and orange smoothies, are a few more that the country has in store for you.
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