Licor 43 Cuba Libre

The Cuba Libre's origin is uncertain and many claim to have been present when the cocktail was first poured. What's undeniable is that its flavorful simplicity makes it, still today, an all-time favorite. This highball drink is most likely the offspring of the afflux of American business and military personnel that came to Cuba once the Spanish left in the early 1900s. What sets the Cuba Libre apart from a simple rum and Coke drink is that the Cuba Libre needs a squeeze of, and must be garnished with, a lime.

Our take on the famous drink replaces the traditional rum with Licor 43, a highly aromatic and sweet spiced liquor, giving it a new fruity flair. Once mixed, the vanilla flavor of the liquor might come first to your palate, but then the tangy fruit and sweet spices give the cocktail a rum-like taste reminiscent of a rum and Coke with a tropical touch.

If finding Licor 43 is difficult, use a splash of vanilla syrup with rum or use golden rum with vanilla notes. Alternatively, even if more complex in flavor, try the heavily spiced Captain Morgan rum, or the less known Italian Tuaca, also flavored with citrus and spices.