A Blend Born from the Heart

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At the time of the financial crisis, I was living between South Florida and Costa Rica where I'd split time between business meetings and barefoot walks on the beaches of the Pacific coast. It was there, with my Costa Rican (‘Tico’) attorney and friend, that we started mixing rum & colas - what the locals call Cuba Libres. They quickly became our go-to cocktail for winding down and welcoming guests.

Back then, I only drank the usual: cheap white rum and corn syrup cola. But my Tico friend introduced me to something much better - he turned it up a notch with an award-winning 4-year aged rum with rich, oaky depth, a twist of lime, mixed with Mexican-made cane sugar cola. That first sip was a game changer - smooth, balanced, and bursting with character - it was the ultimate Cuba Libre. I knew right away that I wanted to can that experience and share it with the rest of the world.

That vision became Libre Rum & Cola®, a diet version launched in South Florida. We were small, scrappy, and inexperienced - but ahead of the curve, determined to raise the bar on ready-to-drink ("RTD") cocktails. Our early traction was exciting: boaters, bars, and beachgoers embraced the concept and the vibe.

Then life threw a curveball. Just as we were preparing to launch our cane sugar version, I was in a near-fatal boating accident that turned my world upside down. Recovery was long, but by God’s grace, I fully recovered. The business went on pause, but the dream never died.

Eventually, I returned to my hometown of Buffalo, NY to be closer to my mom. That time with family sparked a fresh perspective and a second chance. After a COVID delay, I was finally ready to relaunch with something even better - a more refined Cuba Libre called Brad’s Blend of Rum & Cola®. It’s a name that’s personal and real, rooted in both tropical inspiration and hometown pride.

Brad’s Blend is America’s First Handcrafted Rum & Cola Canned Cocktail - made with premium 4-year aged rum and my own homemade cane sugar cola recipe. I personally oversee every step, from blending to canning, right here in Buffalo, NY, before we ship fresh batches to rum & cola lovers across NY, CT, PA, and FL.

Crack open a Blend and taste the soul of Costa Rica, the heart of Buffalo, and the spirit of a dream that refused to quit.

Thanks for being part of my journey - here’s to great cocktails, unforgettable moments, and wherever the road leads next!

Cheers,

Brad