Clark Gable

Name: Clark Gable
Prep time: 2 min
Total time: 2 min
Yield: 1 serving
Ingredients: 60 ml / 2 oz Dark Rum; 120 ml / 4 oz, or to top Coca-Cola; 1 piece Lime Wedge

Ingredients Instructions

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.

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.