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A taste of history and culture in a glass
Cuban drinks are far more than just refreshing delicacies - they are a reflection of the island's rich history and diverse culture. Cuba's beverage culture is characterized by a mixture of African, Spanish and Caribbean influences that has developed over centuries.
From rum, which has been closely associated with the island since colonial times, to Cuban coffee and beer, which are firmly anchored in the culture, to cocktails such as the mojito, which reflects the Cuban zest for life, drinks play a central role in everyday life and at celebrations.
Typical Cuban cocktails
A refreshing cocktail made from rum, fresh mint, lime juice, sugar and soda water. The Mojito embodies Cuban summer nights and was made famous worldwide by the writer Ernest Hemingway.
A creamy mixture of rum, coconut cream and pineapple juice. Originally from Puerto Rico, the piña colada has also found its place in Cuba and enjoys great popularity.
A simple but delicious mix of rum, lime juice and sugar. The Daiquiri, originally created in Santiago de Cuba, was also a favorite of Hemingway and is often associated with him.
A traditional Cuban cocktail made from rum, honey, lime juice and water. The Canchánchara comes from the Trinidad region and is considered one of the oldest cocktails in Cuba, originally drunk by freedom fighters to fortify themselves.
A legendary drink that combines rum, cola and lime. The Cuba Libre was created after the Spanish-American War and is a symbol of Cuba's freedom that became famous far beyond the island.
A non-alcoholic drink made from freshly squeezed sugar cane juice. Guarapo is particularly refreshing on hot days and is a popular refreshing drink throughout the island.
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Recipes and preparation tips for Cuban cocktails
Mojito recipe
1. for the perfect mojito, crush 10 fresh mint leaves and 2 teaspoons of sugar in a glass.
2. add the juice of half a lime, fill the glass with ice cubes and pour 50 ml of white rum over it.
3. finally, top up with soda water and stir gently.
- Rum (50 ml, white rum)
- Fresh mint (10-12 leaves)
- Limes (1-2, for juice and slices)
- Sugar (2 teaspoons)
- Soda water (100-150 ml)
- Ice cubes (as required)
Daiquiri recipe
1. mix 50 ml white rum, 25 ml fresh lime juice and 1 teaspoon sugar in a cocktail shaker.
2. shake well and strain into a chilled cocktail glass.
- Rum (50 ml, white rum)
- Limes (1, for juice)
- Sugar (1 teaspoon)
- Ice cubes (as required)
Cuba Libre recipe
1. put ice cubes in a glass, add 50 ml rum and fill the glass with cola.
2. add a splash of lime juice and a slice of lime to round off the drink.
- Rum (50 ml, white rum)
- Cola (150-200 ml)
- Limes (1-2, for juice and slices)
- Ice cubes (as required)
Tip: Make sure you use fresh ingredients for Cuban cocktail recipes, especially limes and mint. The right rum can make all the difference - we recommend white rum for authentic Cuban cocktails.
Related magazine articles to read more
Want to try out your cocktail skills at home and need more inspiration for delicious Cuban recipes? Then take a look at our article for helpful tips and creative ideas!
Cuba's cocktails - recipes & drinks - by Afia G.
If you want to find out even more about Cuban culture, take a look at our...
History and origin of the ingredients
The ingredients for Cuban drinks are deeply rooted in Cuba's history.
Rum production began in the 16th century when Spanish colonists introduced sugar cane, and Cuba quickly became a leading rum producer. Cuban rum is known for its smoothness and quality, which has been achieved through centuries of tradition.
Sugar cane, central to Cuba's economy since colonial times, is used not only for sugar but also for rum and the refreshing drink guarapo.
Cuba's tropical climate allows the cultivation of delicious fruits such as lime, pineapple and guava, which give Cuban cocktails their unique flavor and freshness.
Havana
The capital is known for its lively bar scene and as the birthplace of many world-famous cocktails. Visit La Bodeguita del Medio to try an authentic mojito or Floridita, which is famous for its daiquiri.
Santiago de Cuba
As the second largest city in Cuba, Santiago is the heart of rum production. Here you can enjoy some of the best rums on the island and discover traditional cocktails such as the Canchánchara.
Central regions
In smaller towns and villages, local variations of drinks are often prepared based on the specific fruits and ingredients of the region.
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The art of brewing beer in Cuba
These beers are brewed in Cuba and reflect the country's long brewing tradition. The best-known brands, such as Cristal and Bucanero, are produced by Cervecería Bucanero S.A. in Holguín, one of Cuba's largest breweries. This brewery uses local water, imported malt and other ingredients to brew beers that are perfectly suited to the island's tropical climate. The production methods and recipes have been refined over decades, giving the beers their characteristic flavor profiles.
The variety of Cuban beers ranges from light and refreshing, ideal for the hot temperatures, to strong and full-bodied, perfect for those who prefer a more intense flavor. Each beer is brewed with the intention of capturing the unique character of Cuba and making the enjoyment of a cold beer amidst the Caribbean backdrop unforgettable. Whether you're sitting in a beach bar, dining in a Havana restaurant or enjoying a relaxed evening with friends, a Cuban beer is an essential part of the experience and a true piece of Cuban culture.
Cuba's best beers at a glance
- Type: Lager beer
- Description: Light, refreshing lager, very popular in Cuba
- Alcohol content: About 4.9%
- Type: Lager beer (including stronger variants)
- Description: Stronger beer with a full-bodied taste
- Alcohol content: 5.4% (Especial), up to 7.0% (Fuerte)
- Type: Lager beer
- Description: Mild beer with slightly malty notes, a popular alternative to Cristal and Bucanero
- Alcohol content: Around 5.0%
- Type: Lager beer
- Description: Fresh, light lager, lesser known but appreciated
- Alcohol content: About 5.0%
Cuban coffee
Coffee has a long and proud tradition in Cuba, dating back to the 18th century when French settlers introduced coffee cultivation to the island.
Cuban coffee is strong, full-bodied and slightly sweet, often with earthy notes. It is traditionally roasted strong and dark.
The "Cafecito" is a strong espresso that is brewed with sugar and forms a sweet crema. It is served in small cups and is firmly anchored in everyday life.
A large proportion of the best Cuban coffee is exported, mainly to Europe and the USA, while the rest is enjoyed on the island.
Cuba is increasingly focusing on sustainable cultivation, with many plantations working organically and avoiding the use of chemical fertilizers.
Popular coffee regions
The Cuban coffee plantations, particularly in the mountains of the Sierra Maestra in the east, where the famous "Turquino" coffee is grown, and the Sierra del Escambray in central Cuba, are known for producing high-quality Arabica beans.
Thanks to the ideal climate and fertile soils, these beans develop a particularly aromatic taste.
Coffee is an integral part of Cuban culture and is often drunk in convivial gatherings - whether in a café in Havana or in a small mountain village. Enjoying a good cup of coffee is a ritual in Cuba and a symbol of hospitality and social interaction.
Cultural and social aspects
In Cuba, bars and cafés are not just places to have a Cuban drink, but also social meeting places. In Havana's famous bars, such as La Bodeguita del Medio or El Floridita, locals and tourists mingle to enjoy the Cuban way of life and taste traditional dishes such as ropa vieja or tostones.
Sharing drinks is deeply rooted in Cuban culture. Whether it's a mojito in a bar, good Cuban rum on the veranda or sharing a toast at lively festivals such as the carnival in Santiago de Cuba or the celebrations in Havana - drinks bring people together and are often an expression of warm hospitality.
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Visit our travel information page and discover everything you need to know for your upcoming trip to Cuba. Here you will find details on the best time to travel, information on the time change and recommendations for important health precautions you should take before you leave.
We have compiled all the necessary information for you to ensure that your stay in Cuba is pleasant and smooth. You can also find out more about local customs, safety advice and tips for an authentic and unforgettable stay.