Cubata

By Steve Kilcullen Jump to Recipe

Rum mixed with dark cola and a little lime juice might sound familiar, but a Cubata is slightly different to what you’re used to.

First, let’s clear up any confusion that tonight’s cocktail, the Cubata, might cause. Allow me to explain:

A few years ago, my girlfriend and I were invited to spend an intimate evening in Burbank with a number of famous Bond Girls. The cocktail of choice that night for everyone was the Paloma, which also happens to be the name of another Bond Girl from the most recent film, No Time To Die. Of course, my significant other can’t ingest grapefruit, so she sent me to the bar to get her a Cuba Libre. Once I did, the bartender informed me that I wanted a Rum and Coke, and I should’ve just said that because they’re the same.

But they’re not. Close, but no. A Rum and Coke is just that, rum and Coca-Cola mixed over ice. A Cuba Libre, which was invented in the early 1900s to celebrate Cuba’s independence from Spain, is also rum and coke, but adds the juice of a freshly squeezed lime to the mix, giving each sip some extra citrus tang. You can see how some folks, including that barkeep, can get a little puzzled.

Which brings me to the Cubata. Some might mistake this for just a Rum and Coke with a different name, and I can understand why. In some ways, it totally is a Rum and Coke, with a little added lime juice. But the difference in this concoction compared to the other two is the rum that is used. While the other two mixtures use a silver spirit, which is clear and aged less than the other varieties, the Cubata calls for a dark, spiced and aged rum. This gives your cocktail a little extra fullness, making the finish of each sip a robust and flavorful experience.

The next time you have a hankering for a little rum and coke over ice, mix it with a spiced, dark spirit and relish the joys of a vigorous Cubata.

What Is The Best Rum To Use In A Cubata?

The whole point of the Cubata cocktail is the use of dark rum instead of a white or silver one. That’s where the real difference in this drink resides. A classic Rum and Coke or a Cuba Libre is known for using a clear, lighter-tasting spirit in the mix, really allowing for the citrus and soda to shine, finishing with a nice boozy bite. With a dark rum, you’ll have a cocktail that’s more robust and full-bodied, with a muscular spiciness and kick on each sip. A bottle of Kraken is both good and cost-effective, and for a little more, you can treat yourself to some amazing Hawaiian rums from Kōloa, which include dark, spiced and single batch-aged spirits.

WHAT GLASSWARE AND GARNISH ARE USED?

Fill a highball glass with ice, and once you’ve stirred your cocktail in, garnish the top with a juicy and plump lime wedge for some extra citrus zing.

WHAT IS THE BEST COLA TO USE IN A CUBATA?

I’m a big fan of Fever-Tree’s Distillers Cola, which is specially designed and crafted to be mixed with liquors such as bourbon, whiskey and rum. If you can’t find any, a classic Coca-Cola made with cane sugar makes a delicious cocktail.

Similar Cocktails To The Cubata

The simple combo of a spirit and soda, with maybe a squirt of some citrus or sugar, is a time-tested and refreshing treat. If, after having a Cubata or two, you’re curious to try more of the same, but also something different, Twist & Toast has a great number of easy-to-make dual-ingredient mixtures that’ll quench your thirst and please your houseguests.

• Scotch & Soda – Like its name suggests, this perfect no-frills sipper is just scotch topped with club soda.
• Vodka Soda – Sparkling water, a crisp, clear vodka and a squeeze of lemon make for a sharp and cool tipple.
• Whiskey and Coke – A rock ‘n’ roller’s favorite, this cocktail will keep the show going all night.
• Tequila and Ginger Ale – Sweet, bubbly and spiced, this drink is a great way to wind down after a long day.