cuba libre
/kuba libɾe/from spelling rules
The English phrase rum and coke is cuba libre in Spanish.
cuba libre is the standard name used in most Spanish-speaking countries for the cocktail consisting of rum and cola. While you might describe the drink literally as ron con cola, the specific name of the cocktail is cuba libre.
What does it mean word for word?
The phrase cuba libre literally translates to free Cuba.
Which one should you use?
While cuba libre is the standard name, you may encounter the term cubata in informal settings to refer to this mixed drink.
Is it said differently in some regions?
In Cuba, you can use cuba libre to order a rum and coke.
Did you know?
- The word cuba is a linguistic relative of the Spanish word copa, meaning 'glass', as both share a common ancestor in the Latin word for 'a hollow'.
- The phrase cuba libre functions as both a menu item and a historical political slogan for the independence of Cuba.
- In Spain, the term cubata is used so frequently that it has become a general term for any spirit mixed with cola, not just rum.
Examples in context
- Me gustaría un ron con cola, por favor.I would like a rum with cola, please.
- Un cuba libre, por favor.A rum and coke, please.
- Ella pidió un cuba libre.She ordered a rum and coke.
- ¿Quieres un cuba libre o un refresco?Do you want a rum and coke or a soda?
Example conversation
At a bar during happy hour.
- Alejandro¿Qué vas a tomar, Lucía?What are you going to drink, Lucía?
- LucíaYo quiero un cuba libre.I want a rum and coke.
- AlejandroPerfecto, yo pediré un cuba libre también.Perfect, I will order a rum and coke too.
- Lucía¡Qué buena idea, Alejandro!What a great idea, Alejandro!
Sources
- IPA marked “from spelling rules” is derived from standard Spanish spelling, where Wiktionary gives none.
- Word origins: Wiktionary entries cuba, libre, CC BY-SA 4.0.
