Clark Gable

The Clark Gable is an effortlessly cool and straightforward highball, much like the actor it's named after. It's a slight variation on the classic Cuba Libre, typically distinguished by its use of dark or aged rum instead of light rum. The combination of rich, molasses-forward rum, crisp Coca-Cola, and a zesty squeeze of fresh lime creates a perfectly balanced and immensely drinkable cocktail. It's a testament to the idea that great drinks don't need to be complicated.
Clark Gable

Preparation

Preparation time: 2 minutes

Preparation time
Difficulty

Drink Classification

The Clark Gable is classified as a highball cocktail. This category refers to drinks served in a tall glass, consisting of a base spirit mixed with a larger proportion of a non-alcoholic mixer, like soda or cola.

Serving

Serve this cold drink in a tall Highball glass filled with ice. Its alcohol content is moderate, making it a refreshing and easy-sipping highball.
Serving size
Approximately 200-250 ml / 7-8.5 oz (excluding ice)
Alcohol content
Approximately 13-16% ABV
Alcohol strength
Serving temperature
Cold
Glass type
Highball
Glass treatment
None

Backstory

The drink is named after the legendary Hollywood actor Clark Gable, who was reportedly a fan of this simple combination. While the exact origin story is anecdotal, it's widely believed to have been his preferred way to enjoy rum. It's a close cousin to the Cuba Libre, but Gable's preference for dark rum gave this specific mix its own identity.
Origin
United States, believed to be popularized in the mid-20th century. The drink's origin is tied to the personal preference of the actor rather than a specific bar or bartender.

Clark Gable

The drink is primarily known as the Clark Gable. However, it can be described as a "Dark Rum and Coke" or more specifically as a "Cuba Libre with Dark Rum" to differentiate it from the standard version made with light rum.
Original name
Clark Gable
Alternative names
  • Dark Rum and Coke
  • Cuba Libre with Dark Rum

Characteristics overview

This cocktail has a sweet flavor profile dominated by cola and rich rum, balanced by a zesty lime aroma and taste. Its appearance is dark and bubbly, with a light, refreshing texture perfect for any season.
Flavor
Sweet, cola, caramel, lime, molasses, zesty
Aroma
Cola, lime zest, sweet rum
Taste balance
Sweet, sour
Aftertaste
Clean, sweet, lingering cola
Fizziness
Bubbly, carbonated
Color appearance
Dark brown, translucent, mahogany
Texture
Light, effervescent, crisp
Seasonality
Refreshing, all-season, summery

Flavor intensity & Experience

The flavor is prominently sweet and carbonated from the cola, with a moderate alcohol presence and a balancing sourness from the fresh lime.
Sweetness
Saltiness
Sourness
Bitterness
Spiciness
Fruitiness
Creaminess
Carbonation

Ingredients

You only need three simple ingredients for a Clark Gable: dark rum as the base, Coca-Cola as the mixer, and a fresh lime wedge for juice and garnish.
  • Dark Rum60 ml / 2 oz
    An aged or blackstrap rum adds depth and molasses notes.
  • Coca-Cola120 ml / 4 oz, or to top
    Use chilled Coca-Cola for best results.
  • Lime Wedge1 piece
    Used for both juice and garnish. Fresh lime is essential.

Ice type

  • Cubed

Mixing equipments

No special equipment is needed; the drink is built directly in the glass. A bar spoon can be used for a light stir, but a straw or the garnish itself works too.
  • Bar spoon for gentle stirring

Instructions

The process is straightforward: build the drink directly in an ice-filled highball glass. Simply add the rum, a squeeze of lime, top with cola, and give it a gentle stir before garnishing.
1. Fill a highball glass to the top with cubed ice.
2. Pour 2 ounces (60 ml) of dark rum over the ice.
3. Squeeze the juice from a fresh lime wedge directly into the glass.
4. Top up the glass with chilled Coca-Cola.
5. Give the drink a very gentle stir to combine the ingredients without losing carbonation.
6. Garnish by dropping the squeezed lime wedge into the drink.

Garnishing

The garnish is functional and simple: a single lime wedge. Squeeze it into the drink first, then drop it in for extra aroma and visual appeal.
  • Lime wedge, dropped into the drink after squeezing.

Dietary Information

This drink is generally free from common allergens like dairy, eggs, nuts, and gluten. However, it contains alcohol and caffeine from the cola.
✓ Contains alcohol
✕ Caffeine-free
✓ Dairy-free
✓ Egg-free
✓ Soy-free
✓ Nut-free
✓ Gluten-free
✓ Vegan-friendly
✓ Vegetarian-friendly

Nutrition information

This cocktail has a moderate calorie and sugar content, primarily from the Coca-Cola and the rum. Using a diet or zero-sugar cola can significantly reduce these values.
Calories
Averagely 195 kcal / 816 kJ
Calories level
Carbohydrates
Averagely 16 grams
Carbohydrate level
Sugar
Averagely 16 grams
Sugar level

Occasions

This is an ideal drink for casual and relaxed settings. It's perfect for a backyard barbecue, a simple happy hour at home, or while enjoying a classic movie.
  • Casual gathering
  • Happy hour
  • Summer party
  • Movie night

Pairing suggestions

The Clark Gable pairs well with casual, savory, and salty foods. Its sweetness and acidity cut through the richness of grilled meats, burgers, and fried snacks, making it a great companion for a laid-back meal.
  • Salty snacks like popcorn or pretzels
  • Grilled meats and barbecue
  • Burgers and fries

The Clark Gable: Hollywood Cool in a Glass

The Clark Gable is the epitome of a simple yet satisfying cocktail, showcasing how three basic ingredients can create a perfectly balanced drink. Named for the Hollywood star, its use of dark rum provides a richer, more characterful profile than a standard Rum and Coke. It's an accessible, refreshing, and timeless highball that requires no special skills or equipment to prepare, making it a reliable choice for any casual occasion.

Similar cocktails

Cuba Libre

The most direct relative, traditionally made with light rum instead of dark rum.

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