Rum and Coke

The Rum and Coke is one of the world's most popular mixed drinks, cherished for its simplicity and satisfying flavor. Its two-ingredient formula combines the sweet, complex notes of rum with the familiar caramel and spice of cola. This combination creates a perfectly balanced and refreshing drink suitable for any occasion. Often served with a lime wedge, which adds a bright, citrusy acidity, it's a timeless classic that is effortlessly easy to prepare.
Rum and Coke

Preparation

Preparation time: 2 minutes

Preparation time
Difficulty

Drink Classification

The Rum and Coke is classified as a highball cocktail. Highballs are simple mixed drinks composed of a base spirit and a larger proportion of a non-alcoholic mixer, served over ice in a tall glass. It is one of the most fundamental and popular examples of this category.

Serving

This drink is served cold over plenty of ice in a tall Highball or Collins glass. It has a relatively moderate alcohol content depending on the ratio of rum to cola.
Serving size
Approximately 240-300 ml / 8-10 oz
Alcohol content
Approximately 10-14% ABV
Alcohol strength
Serving temperature
Cold
Glass type
Highball
Glass treatment
None

Backstory

The drink's most famous iteration, the Cuba Libre, was born in Havana around 1900 during the Spanish-American War. American soldiers, who brought Coca-Cola to Cuba, mixed it with local rum and toasted to a "Free Cuba" – "¡Por Cuba Libre!". Over time, the simpler name "Rum and Coke" became globally widespread for the basic combination of the two ingredients. The drink's popularity soared due to its easy preparation and the wide availability of its components.
Origin
The Cuba Libre version originated in Cuba around 1900. The generic Rum and Coke became a global staple throughout the 20th century.

Rum and Coke

While the generic name is Rum and Coke, its most famous version is the "Cuba Libre," which specifically includes a squeeze of fresh lime juice. The name "Captain and Coke" refers to the drink when made specifically with Captain Morgan spiced rum. The simple "Rum and Coke" is the most common name for this straightforward mix.
Original name
Rum and Coke
Alternative names
  • Cuba Libre
  • Captain and Coke

Characteristics overview

A sweet and bubbly highball with a prominent cola flavor balanced by the warmth of rum. Its appearance is a deep, translucent brown, and its texture is light and refreshing.
Flavor
Sweet, caramel, vanilla, spice, molasses, citrus (with lime)
Aroma
Cola, sweet rum, hint of lime zest
Taste balance
Primarily sweet, with a touch of acidity if lime is added
Aftertaste
Sweet, clean, short
Fizziness
Bubbly, carbonated, effervescent
Color appearance
Dark brown, translucent, amber hues
Texture
Light, crisp, watery
Seasonality
Refreshing, thirst-quenching, all-season

Flavor intensity & Experience

The flavor profile is dominated by sweetness from the cola, with a moderate alcohol presence and high carbonation. It's a straightforward and uncomplicated drink.
Sweetness
Saltiness
Sourness
Bitterness
Spiciness
Fruitiness
Creaminess
Carbonation

Ingredients

You only need two primary ingredients for this drink: your choice of rum and your favorite cola. A fresh lime wedge is a highly recommended but optional addition for a touch of citrus.
  • Rum60 ml / 2 oz
    Light or gold rum is standard, but dark or spiced rum can also be used.
  • Cola120 ml / 4 oz, or to top
    Use a good quality cola, chilled.
  • Lime Wedge1 wedge(optional)
    Technically makes the drink a Cuba Libre, but is a very common addition.

Ice type

  • Cubed

Mixing equipments

No special equipment is needed beyond a glass and something to measure the rum. A bar spoon is helpful for a gentle stir to mix the ingredients without losing carbonation.
  • Highball glass
  • Jigger or measuring tool
  • Bar spoon

Instructions

Making a Rum and Coke is as simple as building it directly in the glass. Just add ice, pour in the rum, top with cola, give it a quick stir, and add a lime wedge.
1. Fill a highball glass to the top with ice cubes.
2. Pour the rum over the ice.
3. Top up the glass with chilled cola.
4. Gently stir with a bar spoon to combine the ingredients.
5. Garnish with a fresh lime wedge. Squeeze it into the drink if desired.

Garnishing

A single lime wedge serves as the perfect garnish. Squeezing the juice into the drink before dropping it in adds a refreshing tartness that complements the sweetness of the cola.
  • Lime wedge dropped into the drink or placed on the rim.

Dietary Information

This drink contains caffeine from the cola but is otherwise free from common allergens like dairy, eggs, nuts, and gluten. It is suitable for both vegan and vegetarian diets.
✓ Contains alcohol
✕ Caffeine-free
✓ Dairy-free
✓ Egg-free
✓ Soy-free
✓ Nut-free
✓ Gluten-free
✓ Vegan-friendly
✓ Vegetarian-friendly

Nutrition information

The drink has a moderate calorie and sugar content, almost entirely derived from the cola. Using a diet or zero-sugar cola can significantly reduce these values.
Calories
Approximately 185 kcal / 774 kJ
Calories level
Carbohydrates
Approximately 15 grams
Carbohydrate level
Sugar
Approximately 15 grams
Sugar level

Occasions

This is an incredibly versatile drink, perfect for lively parties, casual get-togethers with friends, or simply as a relaxing drink to enjoy at home after a long day.
  • Party
  • Casual Gathering
  • Happy Hour
  • Relaxing at Home

Pairing suggestions

The sweet and robust flavor of a Rum and Coke pairs excellently with savory and salty foods. It's a great companion for casual fare like burgers, pizza, and barbecue, as the drink's sweetness cuts through the richness of the food. It also naturally complements the flavors of Cuban cuisine.
  • Salty snacks (chips, pretzels, nuts)
  • Burgers and fries
  • Pizza
  • Grilled meats and barbecue
  • Cuban food

Rum and Coke: The Quintessential Highball

The Rum and Coke is a globally beloved highball, celebrated for its simplicity and refreshing taste. It combines the spicy sweetness of rum with the familiar flavor of cola, often brightened with a squeeze of lime. Its origins are tied to the Cuba Libre, a symbol of celebration, making it more than just a drink but a piece of cultural history. Effortless to make and easy to enjoy, it remains a staple in bars and homes everywhere.

Variations

Cuba Libre

The official version, which explicitly requires squeezing the juice of half a lime into the drink before topping with cola.

Similar Cocktails

Whiskey and Coke

Swaps the base spirit from rum to whiskey (often Bourbon or Tennessee whiskey).

You May Also Like

1934 Zombie Punch

A complex and notoriously potent tiki classic blending three types of rum with fruit juices and exotic spices.

Godmother

A simple and elegant after-dinner cocktail made with vodka and amaretto, served over ice.

Gin and Ginger

A simple and refreshingly spicy highball that pairs the botanical notes of gin with the warm sweetness of ginger ale.

Bacardi Cocktail

A classic and refreshing rum sour that balances sweet and tart with a distinctive pink hue from grenadine.

Have You Tried These Yet?

Hot Gin Twist

A warming, simple classic cocktail made with gin, hot water, lemon, and sugar, famed for its mention in Charles Dickens' literature.

Glögg

A warm, spiced, and sweetened red wine beverage, popular in Nordic countries during winter.

Kona Gold

A classic tiki cocktail blending two types of rum with the tropical sweetness of pineapple, the tartness of lime, and a unique depth from maple syrup.

Fall of the Aztec Empire

A smoky, bittersweet, and tropical sour that masterfully balances mezcal's earthiness with passion fruit's tang and Aperol's bitterness.