The rum-based El Presidente cocktail is a sleeper hit that joins us all the way from the 1920s. This slow sipper is beautifully sweet with a subtle bitter note, laced with a zappy zing of citrus. Sleek and sophisticated, it makes a great after-work drink, and a captivating signature cocktail for events like weddings and rooftop cocktail dos.
El Presidente Cocktail
PREP TIME 2 min
QUICK TIPS
INSTRUCTIONS
01
Add the rum, vermouth, Grand Marnier, and grenadine to a mixing glass filled with ice and stir until cold
02
Strain into a cocktail glass
03
Squeeze the orange peel over the drink, and run it along the edge of the drink before dropping it into the cocktail
04
Serve and enjoy
El Presidente cocktail history
As its name suggests, the El Presidente rum cocktail was first stirred up in honour of a statesman, likely José Miguel Gómez who was the leader of Cuba between 1909 and 1913. As Cuban cocktails go, it takes the road less travelled, veering from a classically sour profile to the sweet, boozy end of the flavour spectrum, putting a delightful spin on the classic Manhattan template.
How to drink an El Presidente cocktail
If you really want to enjoy the El Presidente rum cocktail in all its glory, there are a few things you can do to set the scene for the drink to steal the show. This includes:
Choosing the right glass
The various types of liquor glasses we know today have been developed over decades, and even centuries, mostly with aim of enhancing the drinking experience. Different types of cocktail glasses are shaped to enhance the complexities of different layered and blended drinks in terms of colour, flavour, temperature, and aroma.
To allow your El Presidente Cocktail to come into its own, we recommend serving it in a coupe glass, which boosts aeration and allows for snappy aroma development.
Pairing it with amazing appetisers
Pairing cocktails with the right appetisers is another way to shine the spotlight on a lovely drink. We recommend a smoked meat platter or flavourful terrine. Creamy goat cheese and a fresh rocket salad with figs also go down a treat.
Read more: Fuel the Fire! How to Pair Cocktails with Spicy Food
Variations of the El Presidente cocktail to try
If you loved the El Presidente cocktail, you are sure to love the El Presidente Margarita as well!
To make an El Presidente Margarita, combine 45ml Espolòn tequila, 45ml Grand Marnier, 45ml oz brandy, 120ml sweet-and-sour mix, and a splash of fresh lime juice in a shaker with ice, and shake until well combined. Strain into a martini glass rimmed with salt, and serve with a lemon wedge.
Read more: What is the Best Margarita Recipe? 10 Ways to Make a Margarita
FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS
An El Presidente Cocktail combines 60ml rum, 60ml dry vermouth, 30ml orange liqueur, and one teaspoon grenadine. This is stirred in a mixing glass with ice, strained into a cocktail glass and garnished with an orange twist and cocktail cherry.
