The History of the El Presidente Cocktail

Jump to the El Presidente recipe

National Rum Day is quite possibly one of the very best reasons to drink rum. Our classic cocktail of the month is the El Presidente cocktail, because it is my favourite way to incorporate rum into my drinks.

TL;DR

• The El Presidente cocktail originated in Cuba during Prohibition and became a hit among American tourists.
• Named after Cuban presidents, it has two origin stories involving different rum and ingredient combinations.
• After fading in the 1950s, El Presidente is enjoying a resurgence in the craft cocktail scene.
• Modern variations include experimenting with different rums and homemade grenadine.

El Presidente: A Cocktail Fit For a President

The El Presidente cocktail is steeped in rich history and undeniable allure. It is believed that the cocktail was created in Cuba during the prohibition years. While public drinking had been outlawed in the United States from 1920 to 1933, it was still perfectly legal in the Caribbean. This legality turned Cuba into a bustling haven for American tourists thirsty for a sociable cocktail. Upon disembarking from their cruise ships and ferries, American tourists were often surrounded by locals eager to sell their fancy cocktail drinks.

One of these cocktails was the El Presidente. The drink is thought to have originated at the Jockey Club in Havana, diligently crafted by bartender Eddie Woelke. Woelke named the drink after the Cuban president of the time, Gerardo Machado. A potent mix of rum, homemade grenadine, dry vermouth, and orange liqueur (often Curaçao), it grew in popularity after prohibition ended in the United States. From the bars of Florida, it quickly spread throughout the rest of America, becoming a staple cocktail.

Another compelling origin story suggests that the cocktail was actually created in 1913 in honour of President Mario García Menocal. This version of the tale comes from Bacardi, who claim that the original drink contained amber rum. Legend has it that President Menocal was searching for a drink as exquisite as the Manhattan, which led to the creation of the El Presidente. In this iteration, the cocktail is prepared with amber rum, sweet vermouth, and Angostura bitters, offering a distinctly different but equally delightful experience.

The Rise and Fall (and Rise Again) of El Presidente

Following its emergence as a popular choice among American tourists and stateside drinkers, the El Presidente cocktail enjoyed several decades of acclaim. However, by the 1950s, cocktails began to fall out of favour, and the El Presidente almost entirely disappeared from the public eye. It was relegated to the annals of mixology history – a forgotten gem of the pre-war cocktail revolution.

In recent years, however, the El Presidente has been making a well-deserved comeback. With the resurgence of craft cocktails and a renewed interest in historical recipes, bartenders and cocktail enthusiasts alike have begun to rediscover the beauty of this elegant drink. It's not uncommon to find a well-crafted El Presidente on the menu at upscale cocktail bars across the globe. Keep an eye out for it in your local bars, and don't hesitate to ask a knowledgeable bartender to mix one up for you.

Variations and Modern Takes

Experimenting with Rum

Part of the joy of the El Presidente cocktail lies in its versatility and the opportunity for personalization. While the classic recipe calls for white rum, many bartenders and home mixologists enjoy experimenting with different types of rum to unlock new flavours. Bacardi is a commonly preferred choice for white rum, but Havana Club is a delicious alternative that adds a distinctive character to the drink. Some enthusiasts opt for amber rum, which injects an extra depth of flavour and complexity that sets the cocktail apart from its original form.

Adjusting the Other Ingredients

The quantities of the other ingredients can also be tailored to individual preferences. Some recipes call for a more generous pour of orange liqueur (such as Curaçao), while others suggest reducing the amount of white vermouth to let the rum's character shine through. When mixing at home, we recommend playing with the proportions to find the balance that tastes best to you.

Homemade Grenadine

Another key ingredient to pay attention to is grenadine. While store-bought grenadine is convenient, making it at home with pomegranate juice and sugar can give the drink a more authentic taste. Homemade grenadine is richer and more complex, adding depth to the cocktail that is often missing from commercial versions.

Crafting Your Perfect El Presidente

Ultimately, the El Presidente cocktail invites creativity and exploration. Start with the classic recipe and gradually introduce your twists, whether it's through different rums, adjusting the proportions of vermouth and orange liqueur, or using high-quality, homemade grenadine. The journey to finding your perfect El Presidente cocktail is a delightful one, filled with opportunities for discovery and enjoyment.

So, let's raise a glass to one of Cuba's historic presidents and to the timeless allure of the El Presidente cocktail. Its return to popularity serves as a testament to the enduring appeal of classic cocktails and the ever-evolving art of mixology. Cheers!