Rum and Coke: The Classic Two-Ingredient Cocktail

A Short History of a Global Go-To

The Rum and Coke may be the most casually enjoyed highball in the world, but its roots are more storied than you might think. The drink traces back to early 1900s Cuba, when American soldiers introduced Coca-Cola® to the island after the Spanish-American War. Mixing it with the island’s native rum became a symbol of camaraderie and celebration. The phrase “Cuba Libre!”—meaning “Free Cuba!”—became associated with the drink, although technically that version includes a squeeze of lime.

Still, the bare-bones combo of light rum and Coca-Cola stood the test of time. It’s easy, reliable, and universally recognizable. You’ll find variations across the globe, but the essential character remains: sweet cola meets the smooth edge of rum.

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What You’ll Need

• Light Rum – This clean, mildly sweet spirit brings a gentle kick without overpowering the cola. It’s what gives the drink its soft warmth.
• Coca-Cola® – The quintessential cola, its balance of sweetness, acidity, and caramel flavor makes it more than just a mixer—it’s the other half of the drink.

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Cola and Kick: Why It Works

There’s beauty in balance, and the Rum and Coke nails it. The effervescence and sugary sharpness of cola mingle with rum’s soft, molasses-kissed edge. It’s low-maintenance, but still satisfying—making it just as welcome at house parties as it is on dive bar menus.

This drink isn’t about complexity. It’s about refreshment and familiarity. And it’s endlessly adaptable.

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Variations & Substitutions

• Upgrade the Rum – Use a dark or aged rum to bring oak, vanilla, or spice into the mix.
• Try Other Colas – Mexican Coke (made with cane sugar) or craft colas can tweak the sweetness and mouthfeel.
• Add Lime – A squeeze of fresh lime makes it a true Cuba Libre.
• Spiced Twist – Swap in spiced rum for a richer, warmer profile.
• Zero Proof – Try a rum alternative with a cola for a non-alcoholic highball that still satisfies.

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Tips from the Bar

• Glassware – A highball glass is tradition, but any tall glass will do.
• Ice Matters – Fill the glass to the brim with ice to keep it crisp, not diluted.
• Stir Gently – No shaking here—just a light stir to blend.
• Garnish – A lemon or lime wedge adds brightness and balances the sweetness.
• Pairings – Great with salty snacks like popcorn, chips, or fried food.
• Batch It – Hosting? Mix a pitcher ahead of time using a 1:2 rum-to-cola ratio.

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Simple, satisfying, and sociable, the Rum and Coke isn’t just a drink—it’s a rite of passage into the world of cocktails. Whether you're just starting out or keeping it classic, it's a reliable staple worth revisiting.