The Cuban War of Independence began in 1895 and ended with Spain turning the reins over to the United States in 1898. Soon after, a flood of soldiers—and a flood of Coca-Cola to keep them satiated—landed on the island with the ingredients for one of the 20th century’s most ordered (and derided) drinks: the rum and coke. Named somewhat ironically for the rebel cry, “Vive Cuba libre!” the Cuba Libre is a perfect marriage of Cuba and America’s liquid sensibilities: good rum mingled with the unmistakable smack of Coke, lightened with a squeeze of fresh lime. The true Cuba Libre can now legally be consumed in the US, so go find yourself some Havana Club and a sixer of Mexican Coke and rejoice.