What do you know about Rum and Coke?

What is Rum and Coke Called?

I was sitting at a bar a long time ago and overheard a customer ask the bartender “What is a Rum and Coke called?” She also asked him how to make Rum and Coke. 

The bartender explained her choices and how she could order it. He also showed her how to make it as he made hers. 

Then, recently I was on a zoom call and we were discussing how some people aren’t really savvy about cocktails or their names. When Rum and Coke was brought up one of them said she didn’t know if it had other names or anything else about it. 

I thought about this for a few minutes and looked at one of the most commonly ordered cocktails from her angle. 

What Questions Might One Ask About Rum and Coke

Is There Another Name for Rum and Coke?

The answer is yes! 

People call this drink Rum and Coke or Rum and Diet Coke. You may have even heard the name Cuba Libre which we can discuss more below. 

Depending on the type of rum you use it has other names such as Captain and Coke and Bacardi and Coke or even Spiced and Coke. The list goes on.

What are Rum and Coke Ratios?

When making a Rum and Coke it is common to use a 1:3 ratio. A basic highball glass is 10 ounces so with ice a 2-ounce pour of rum works very well. However, some use a 1:2 ratio.

Do You Use the Same Garnish With All Rum and Coke Cocktails?

Basically, No

Your regular white rum and Coke will be best served with a lime. For Captain Morgan and Coke, you would use lime as well. Bacardi Limon would have a lemon garnish. While your Malibu and Coke require no garnish at all. 

What does Rum and Coke Taste Like?

This is a loaded question as it all depends on what type of rum you are using. 

If you are using a basic white rum with your Coke you will get a sweet, bubbly drink with a slight acidity to it. 

When using spiced rum you will get a mixture of cinnamon, vanilla and other spices. This will make your rum and Coke sweeter than the basic drink with white rum.

While using flavored rum you will catch that particular flavor along with the sweetness of the Coke. For instance, Malibu Rum will have a coconut flavor that blends very well with the Coke.  

Can You Substitute Pepsi for Coke?

This is a personal preference for each of you to decide. I personally would like to go on record and say absolutely not! For me, there is no substitute for Coke! 

When was Rum and Coke Invented?

The history of Rum and Coke goes back to the early 1900s. Following the Spanish-American War, Americans had a significant presence in Cuba. 

Rum was a popular spirit and Coke was very popular among the American Soldiers. It was said to have been ordered by one of them and when it was found to be so delicious they used it to toast the end of the war. They were said to have toasted “Cuba Libre” or “ Free Cuba”

The recipe for Cuba Libre is as follows:

• 2 oz white rum
• ¼ oz fresh lime juice
• 6 oz Coke
• Ice
• Lime slice garnish

You notice that fresh lime juice is in this recipe and that is what makes the Cuba Libre different from your basic Rum and Coke.

Are You a Rum and Coke Expert Yet?

For what I thought was a very simple topic. It became very complex.

I plan on trying more variations soon and hope to share more recipes with you. If you have a great one please share it with me!

If you are curious about other Rums check out one of my blogs The Rums of St. Maarten.