El Presidente – Cuban Rum & Vermouth Cocktail
This Cuban classic blends rum, vermouth, and orange curaçao for a smooth, sunset-hued cocktail that once ruled Havana’s golden age.
An elegant Cuban classic that combines rum, dry vermouth, orange curaçao, and grenadine for a polished, sunset-hued drink. Once the toast of Havana’s elite, the El Presidente still shines as a refined rum cocktail for any occasion.
Background
Created in early 20th-century Havana, the El Presidente was named after President Gerardo Machado and became a symbol of Cuban sophistication. It gained popularity in the American cocktail scene during Prohibition, when thirsty travelers flocked to Cuba for legal drinks and lively nightlife.
What You’ll Need
Ingredients
- Rum – the smooth, tropical foundation of the drink.
- Dry Vermouth – adds crisp balance and complexity.
- Orange Curaçao – provides a subtle citrus sweetness.
- Grenadine – deepens the color and softens the edges.
Equipment
- Mixing glass
- Bar spoon
- Strainer
- Cocktail glass
Bittersweet Elegance
What makes the El Presidente special is its delicate interplay of dry and sweet. Unlike tropical rum cocktails, this one sips like a martini — bright, balanced, and gently aromatic. It’s the rum drink for those who prefer nuance over fruit-forward sweetness.
Substitutions & Variations
- White rum can be swapped for aged rum for a deeper, oak-kissed profile.
- Triple sec can replace curaçao in a pinch.
- A dash of orange bitters adds modern flair without straying from tradition.
Helpful Tips
- Always use fresh grenadine, not bottled syrup — it keeps the color vibrant.
- Chill your glassware before serving.
- Garnish with an orange peel for aroma and presentation.
El Presidente Cocktail Recipe
Type of Glass
Cocktail Glass
Ingredients
- 1 1/2 oz.
- 3/4 oz.
- 1/2 oz. Orange Curacao
- 1 dash
Directions
- Add rum, vermouth, curaçao, and grenadine to a mixing glass filled with ice.
- Stir until well-chilled.
- Strain into a chilled cocktail glass.
- Garnish with an orange peel.
Classic and composed, the El Presidente proves rum can be as refined as any martini.
