Transport your tastebuds to the sultry rum bars of Cuba with the El Presidente cocktail. This sophisticated sipper blends smooth aged rum, dry vermouth, curaçao and grenadine for a richly flavored, aromatic experience.
Looking for a fun twist on the El Presidente Cocktail?
With a dash of grenadine like a dirty Shirley and a punch of sweet orange liqueur, the El Presidente Cocktail is the aristocrat of cocktails. Boasting complex flavors, this great cocktail is a Cuban classic with a rich history that will transport you to the streets of Havana with every sip, like a Cuba Libre cocktail.
This easy recipe is slightly different from a traditional El Presidente Cocktail but still has the same flavor profile—citrusy and toasty. It’s the perfect way to upgrade your basic cocktail recipes.
Watch 🎥 How to Make an El Presidente
What Is an El Presidente Cocktail?
The El Presidente cocktail boasts a fascinating history rooted in Havana’s vibrant cocktail culture of the early 20th century. Originating during the 1910s, this concoction was initially crafted for Cuban President Mario García Menocal, serving from 1913 to 1921. Its refinement and surge in popularity can be attributed to American bartender Eddie Woelke, who, in 1919, assumed the helm of the Sevilla Biltmore Hotel bar in Havana.
Notably, Gerardo Machado, Cuba’s president from 1925, was captivated by the libation’s allure and insisted on his version, resulting in the creation of President Machado by adding a touch of curaçao.
The El Presidente and Presidente Machado coexisted for a brief period before converging into a classic in the early 1930s, thanks to the expertise of renowned Cuban bartender Constante Ribalaigua Vert at El Floridita. Though the drink’s garnish and ingredients may have evolved over time, its legacy endures as a beloved classic in cocktail culture.
This recipe is a fun twist on the classic El Presidente Cocktail, made with golden rum instead of white rum, grand Marnier instead of orange curaçao, and blanc vermouth instead of French vermouth.
What you’ll love about this recipe:
What You Need to Make an El Presidente Cocktail
How to Make an El Presidente Cocktail
- Add all the ingredients to a mixing glass.
- Add ice and stir until well-chilled.
- Strain the cocktail into a coupe glass.
- Squeeze the orange peel into the drink and run the peel around the edge before placing it into the cocktail as garnish.
Expert Recipe Tips
- If you prefer a less sweet cocktail, use dry vermouth instead of blanc vermouth.
- If you want a sweeter cocktail, add a splash of simple syrup.
- For a zesty twist, add a splash of lime juice.
How to serve this cocktail
Strain into a chilled cocktail glass and sip as an after-dinner libation.
More Cocktail Recipes
The El Presidente cocktail stands as a timeless symbol of Cuban cocktail culture, with a rich history dating back to the early 20th century. Its blend of rum, vermouth, and liqueurs creates a harmonious flavor profile that’s both sophisticated and refreshing. If you try this recipe, please rate the recipe card and leave a comment down below to help out the next reader!
El Presidente Cocktail Recipe
CubanEquipment
- Cocktail glass
Ingredients
- 2 oz golden rum
- 1 oz blanc vermouth
- 1 oz grand marnier
- 1/4 oz grenadine
- Orange peel - for garnish
Instructions
- Add all the ingredients to a mixing glass.
- Add ice and stir until well-chilled.
- Strain the cocktail into a coupe glass.
- Squeeze the orange peel into the drink and run the peel around the edge before placing it into the cocktail as garnish.
Video
Notes
- If you prefer a less sweet cocktail, use dry vermouth instead of blanc vermouth.
- If you want a sweeter cocktail, add a splash of simple syrup.
- For a zesty twist, add a splash of lime juice.
Nutrition
Nutritional informations provided as a courtesy and is only an approximatation. Values will changes based on ingredients used.
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