Cocktail
El Presidente
How to make an El Presidente - the elegant Cuban classic of white rum, dry vermouth, curacao and a touch of grenadine. Silky stirred and stylish.
4 minPrep time
easyDifficulty
CoupeGlass
1Serving(s)
The El Presidente is the epitome of Cuban elegance: white rum, dry vermouth and a touch of curacao are stirred together until silky. Dry, balanced and with a rosy shimmer of grenadine - a cocktail like a well-tailored suit.
Instructions
- Fill a mixing glass with ice cubes.
- Add white rum, dry vermouth, orange curacao and grenadine.
- Stir cold for about 20 seconds until the drink is well chilled.
- Strain into a pre-chilled coupe.
- Express an orange zest over the glass and add it as a garnish.
Garnish: Orange zest
Pro tip: Use only a sparing bar spoon of grenadine - the El Presidente should stay dry and elegant, not turn sweet.
Frequently asked questions
Where does the El Presidente come from?
The El Presidente emerged in 1920s Havana and is regarded as one of the most elegant Cuban cocktails of the Prohibition era.
Which vermouth works best?
A French dry or blanc vermouth such as Dolin Blanc provides the necessary delicate sweetness and herbal note.
Can I make it without grenadine?
The grenadine only adds a hint of colour and sweetness. Leave it out and the drink becomes noticeably drier, but loses its signature rosy shimmer.
Ingredients
- White rum4.5 cl
- Dry vermouth (Vermouth Blanc)2 cl
- Orange Curacao1 cl
- Grenadine1 bar spoon
- Orange zest1 piece
- Ice cubesas needed
