The rum-making process is no small feat and includes many stages such as distillation techniques, the fermentation process, the yeast quality, additives and aging. All these factors have a say in what the end result will be.

Paying the Rum Museum a visit will certainly provide you with a thorough understanding of how this Cuban specialty is produced. Distilleries use things such as spices, dried fruit and other substances to give their rum a particular aroma, and these little formulas are usually kept a secret.

1. White or light rum. Once distilled, the rum is aged in a stainless steel tank and thus no color is added. This rum is most commonly used in mixed drinks and cocktails.
2. Medium rum. This rum is tinted with a golden or light brown color. This is due to the aging process which is carried out in oak barrels. The wood exudes coloring agents and adds a particular aroma to the liquid. While this rum is great for using in mixed drinks, it is also ideal to use in cooking or baking.
3. Dark brown or heavy rum. The rum has a rich gold or dark brown color. Described as having a full body, this rum has sweet and spicy aromas and has undergone a lengthy aging process in oak barrels. This rum is excellent to drink straight accompanied by none other than a classic Cuban cigar.
   
   

Some of Cuba’s Most Typical Drinks

Cuba Libre

This drink was created to toast the Cuban Independence in 1902.

1 1/4 oz. pure cane rum
Coke
Dash of Lime juice

Serve over ice in Highball glass and garnish with a lime wedge.

Daiquiri

Created in Oriente in the early 20th century, this was later a great favorite of American writer Ernest Hemingway. While the traditional daiquiri is made with lime juice, it can also be made with strawberries, oranges, pineapples, peaches and a host of other fruits.

1 lime wedge
dash of lime juice
2 oz. light rum
2 oz. sour mix

shake with crushed ice, strain into Highball glass.

Mojito

This refreshing drink is said to have been another Hemingway favorite.

1 bunch fresh mint leaves
6 to 8 tablespoons sugar
1/2 cup fresh lime juice
1 cup white rum
6 cups club soda
6 cups crushed ice

Wash and stem the mint leaves, reserving 6 whole sprigs for garnish. Place the mint leaves in the bottom of a sturdy pitcher and add the sugar. Mash mint leaves and sugar together, using the tip of a wooden spoon to extract mint oils. Add the lime juice and rum and stir until the sugar is dissolved.

Just before serving, add the club soda and gently stir to mix. Partially fill 6 highball glasses with ice. Add the mojito mixture and garnish each glass with a sprig of fresh mint.