This is the appropriate cocktail to serve with Cuban meals such as picadillo (also called Cuban Dinner), black beans and rice, or arroz con pollo. For a non-alcoholic choice, try a Virgin Cuba Libre: Coke with lime juice, garnished with a lime wedge.
1-2 oz good rum
Big handful fresh spearmint leaves
1/2 lime, cut into 4 wedges
2 T simple syrup
Club soda
Splash of Triple Sec
In a tall glass, muddle the mint leaves with the lime. Cover with simple syrup and fill with ice. Stir in the rum. Top with club soda and add a splash of Triple Sec. You can stir it up, or just serve it with a straw.
Simple syrup: Combine 2 parts sugar with 3 parts hot water. Stir until the sugar is dissolved.