El Presidente
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El Presidente
Cocktail recipe

Rating

4.54 / 5

El Presidente is a classic Cuban cocktail named after President Gerardo Machado, who ruled the country in the 1920s. This elegant and sophisticated drink is made with a base of smooth and light white rum, which is complemented by the sweetness and tang of grenadine and the subtle citrus notes of orange liqueur.

The addition of white vermouth adds a touch of dryness and complexity to the mix. El Presidente is often served as an aperitif, making it the perfect drink to sip and savor before a meal.

With its rich history and refreshing flavour profile, this cocktail remains a beloved choice among both locals and visitors to Cuba.

Check out all our FAQ's on this cocktail

Microbadges

Cocktail Of The Day
Invented
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(1920)
Base ingredient
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White rum
Calories
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178 calories
Garnish
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Orange
Alcohol content
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27.75% | 3.33 units *
Details
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Classic
Stirred

Tags

White rum ingredient icon
White rum cocktails

Cocktail glass

Ingredients

oz
ml
cl
White rum cocktail ingredient icon for the El Presidente cocktail
White rum
Grenadine cocktail ingredient icon for the El Presidente cocktail
Grenadine
Orange liqueur cocktail ingredient icon for the El Presidente cocktail
Orange liqueur
White vermouth cocktail ingredient icon for the El Presidente cocktail
White vermouth
Serves:
-
+
cocktail colin avatar

Cocktail Colin says:

5/5

El Presidente elegantly marries the crispness of white rum with the citrusy sweetness of orange liqueur and a hint of grenadine, creating a harmonious balance that’s both refreshing and complex. The white vermouth steps in to round off the sweetness with its subtle dryness, making this cocktail a sophisticated choice that beautifully combines the spirit of 1920s Cuba and the refined tastes of a bygone era.

Method
How to make a El Presidente

Serves 1 · Takes 3 minutes
Stir all the ingredients together in a mixing glass with ice
Strain into a chilled cocktail glass
Garnish with an orange peel twist and serve

Power tips
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Use a crystal-clear ice cube made from purified water in your mixing glass; this prevents the drink from becoming cloudy and keeps flavors clean and sharp.
Express the oils from an orange peel over the drink before dropping it in as garnish. This intensifies the citrus aroma and flavor, adding depth to each sip.
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El Presidente masterclass

Master the craft of the El Presidente cocktail with one of our cocktail deep dive masterclasses

The History of the El Presidente Cocktail

National Rum Day is quite possibly one of the very best reasons to drink rum. Our classic cocktail o...

Learn more about some of the mixology terms used in this cocktail

·  Stir  ·  Strain  ·  Garnish  ·  Twist  · 

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FAQ's

Origins history icon

What is the origin of the El Presidente cocktail?

The El Presidente cocktail is believed to have originated in Havana, Cuba, during the 1920s. It was named in honor of then-president Gerardo Machado and became a symbol of the celebratory high life during Prohibition in the United States, attracting many Americans to Cuba.

Ingredient substitutions icon

Can I substitute another type of rum in the El Presidente?

While white rum is the traditional choice for an El Presidente, aiming to maintain the cocktail's crisp and refined profile, you can experiment with other types of rum. A light-aged rum could introduce a subtle complexity without overpowering the drink's delicate balance. However, darker rums may significantly alter the flavor and appearance.

Ingredient specifics icon

What type of orange liqueur is best used in the El Presidente?

For the El Presidente, choosing a high-quality orange liqueur is key. Triple sec, Cointreau, or Curacao all work well, with each offering a slightly different nuance. Cointreau is a popular choice for its balance of sweetness and orange essence, complementing the cocktail's profile.

Faq icon

Is it essential to use white vermouth in the El Presidente?

Yes, white (or dry) vermouth is essential for the El Presidente to maintain its classic flavor profile and appearance. White vermouth offers a subtle herbal and floral character that balances the sweetness of the grenadine and orange liqueur. Substituting with another type of vermouth, like red or sweet, would significantly change the taste and character of the cocktail.

Garnishing tips icon

How should the El Presidente cocktail be garnished?

Traditionally, the El Presidente cocktail is garnished with a twist of orange peel to accentuate the citrus notes from the orange liqueur. The essential oils from the peel add a fragrant aroma and a slight zesty flavor when expressed over the drink. Some variations may also include a cherry for an additional layer of color and sweetness.

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* US units estimated based on the standard alcohol content of the ingredients used and the proportions in the recipe. Please drink responsibly.
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