el Presidente Cocktail

This El Presidente cocktail recipe offers a sophisticated sip that’s steeped in history and flavor. A distinguished mix of gold rum, dry vermouth, orange curaçao, and grenadine, this cocktail hails from the vibrant 1920s Havana bar scene. With its smooth, balanced blend of sweet and dry elements, the El Presidente is perfect for an elegant evening or a refined nightcap. Its rich color and complex taste make it a timeless classic that continues to captivate cocktail enthusiasts worldwide.

I heard about this cocktail many years ago, but I never tried it because I wasn’t too sure about the vermouth. Which is funny because I like the rest of the ingredients.

A lot!

So, why would the vermouth turn me off?

My tastes weren’t as refined as they are now. In fact, way back then, I wouldn’t have even enjoyed the cocktails I drink now, like the dirty martini and the bourbon Manhattan.

But now, I can’t get enough of the flavors melded together in this cocktail.

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A little history of the cocktail

To begin with, the el presidente cocktail was invented in Havana, Cuba in the decade of 1920s and achieved great acclaim through the 1940s.  So, I believe it is making a comeback.

The End.

See, just a little history.

Helpful tips

• I’m using a cocktail shaker, but you can also use a mixing glass and stir it instead of shaking this cocktail.
• If you can’t afford a really good orange liqueur like Cointreau, then triple sec will do.
• I prefer using gold rum because of the color but if you only have white rum, you can use that. Just know the cocktail won’t be the same color.
• When I add grenadine, I add it a little at the time. It ends up being around 1/8 of a teaspoon.
• If you don’t have a coupe glass, a martini glass will do.
• To cut a lemon twist, either use a channeling knife or cut a thin lemon wheel and remove the flesh from the rind. Wrap the rind around a chopstick and hold it there for a minute.
• Place your glassware in the freezer for at least 10 minutes before beginning the recipe. There is nothing like a chilled coupe to sip your cocktail out of.

How to make the el presidente

Pre-step

Fill a cocktail shaker halfway with ice and get a measuring glass and coupe glass. Cut a lemon twist and set aside.

After you measure out the ingredients, pour them into the cocktail shaker.

Step one

Gather the ingredients – gold rum, orange liqueur, dry vermouth, or vermouth blanc, and grenadine.

Step two

Measure out 2 ounces of rum. (A)

Step three

Measure out 3/4 ounce of Cointreau. (B)

Step four

Measure out 3/4 ounce of dry vermouth. (C)

Step five

Measure out 1/8 teaspoon of grenadine. (D)

Step six

Cap the shaker and shake vigorously for 15 seconds.

Strain the contents into the chilled cocktail glass and add the lemon twist.

I certainly wanted to experiment with some moody photos, so here are various views.  Tell me what you think.

Here is the vertical view.

This el Presidente cocktail is delicious, so I can’t wait for you to try it and tell me what you think in a comment.

And as always, may all your dishes/drinks be delish!

Other delicious cocktails

• Classic daiquiri
• Mojito
• Cherry mint julep
• Planter’s punch
• Rum swizzle

If you’ve tried this or any other recipe on the blog, I’d love the hear what you thought about it in the comments below.  I love hearing from you!  You can also FOLLOW ME on FACEBOOK, TWITTER, INSTAGRAM and PINTEREST  to see more of my delicious food and delightful cocktails!