Known for its elegant and balanced flavor, El Presidente is a classic Cuban cocktail that combines the slightly sweet and aromatic character of rum with vermouth and orange liqueur.
The El Presidente cocktail is an elegant and sophisticated cocktail born in Havana, Cuba in the early 20th century. The cocktail is thought to be named after Gerardo Machado, the Cuban president of the time. In the 1920s, Havana was a center of entertainment and nightlife for tourists from America. Especially during Prohibition in the US, many Americans flocked to Havana's bars to drink freely.
During this period, Havana's hotel bars and luxury clubs were home to some of the best bartenders in the world. It was in this atmosphere that the El Presidente cocktail was born, with bartenders combining Cuba's fine rums with vermouth and liqueurs from Europe to create elegant and balanced cocktails.
“Sometimes elegance is hidden not in the loudest moments, but in a quiet glass”
The cocktail quickly became one of the favorites of Havana society. Served in hotels, casinos and elegant bars, this drink became a symbol reflecting the elegance of the period with its light and aromatic structure.
Over time, El Presidente was included in classic cocktail books and spread throughout the world's bar culture. Today, it is still considered one of the most refined examples of Cuban cocktail culture. The smooth character of the rum, the aromatic structure of the vermouth and the slightly sweet touch of the orange liqueur combine to create a balanced and sophisticated drink.
🍋
Ingredients
Unit System
45 mlWhite Rum
30 mlDry Vermouth
15 mlOrange Curacao
10 dropsof Grenadine
SomeIce
GarnishOrange peel or maraschino cherries
🍸
Method
1
Fill the mixing glass with ice.
2
Add white rum, dry vermouth, orange curacao and grenadine.
3
Stir with a bar spoon for about 20 seconds.
4
Strain into a chilled coupe glass.
5
Serve garnished with orange peel or maraschino cherry.
💡
Bartender Tips
🍊
Keep the balance - Grenadine is only used for color and mild taste. Too much and the cocktail will be too sweet.
❄️
Chill well - This cocktail is stirred, not shaken. This gives it a clearer and more elegant texture.
🍸
Choose the right rum - Using a Cuban-style white rum with a light and clean character is important for the balance of the cocktail.
A rich, full-bodied classic that embodies the daring spirit of the Prohibition era. This cocktail, where the trio of rum, whiskey, and cognac meets the sharpness of lemon, is a masterpiece that pushed the boundaries of the Prohibition era.
Old Cuban is an elegant and fresh cocktail made with rum, fresh lime juice, mint and champagne. It combines the aromatic character of a mojito with the sparkling elegance of a French 75. It offers a balanced, fresh and sophisticated drink.
Hotel Nacional - A tropical and aromatic classic cocktail made with rum, pineapple juice, lime and apricot liqueur. Balanced and slightly sweet, it offers a very refreshing drink.
