This Cuban classic is a delightful mix of rum, vermouth, orange curaçao, and grenadine. Think of it as Cuba’s answer to the Manhattan, but with a tropical twist. It’s smooth, balanced, and just the right amount of zest.

A Brief History of El Presidente
The El Presidente cocktail emerged in Cuba during the early 20th century, a golden age of cocktail culture fueled by American Prohibition. The drink, a refined blend of rum, dry vermouth, orange curaçao, and grenadine, is named after a Cuban president—most likely Mario García Menocal (1913–1921) or Gerardo Machado (1925–1933).
Cocktail historian David Wondrich describes it as “the Cubanized answer to the Manhattan.” Picture glamorous bars, live jazz, and impeccably dressed patrons sipping on this sophisticated concoction. When American tourists flocked to Cuba during Prohibition, El Presidente became even more popular, cementing its place in cocktail history. It disappeared but was then revised in during this cocktail renaissance we are now in!
Ingredients Needed for El Presidente
This drink keeps it simple but refined with:
- White or Aged Rum – The backbone of the drink, giving it warmth and character.
- Dry Vermouth – Adds an herbal touch to balance the sweetness.
- Orange Curaçao – A burst of citrus that brightens everything up.
- Grenadine – A hint of sweetness and a pop of color.
- Garnish – Orange Peel and/or a cherry
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Essential Equipment You Need
You’ll be stirring this one, so grab your mixing glass! Here is every tool you’ll need:
- Mixing Glass – For stirring everything to the perfect chill.
- Bar Spoon – Because stirring is just as important as shaking.
- Jigger – Measuring = consistency = a perfect cocktail.
- Strainer – Keeps things smooth and refined.
- Chilled Coupe Glass – Because presentation matters!
Plus more tropical rum cocktails here
Here is the recipe:
El Presidente
Equipment
Ingredients
- 2 oz white or aged rum
- ¾ oz dry vermouth
- ½ oz orange curaçao
- ¼ oz grenadine
- Garnish: orange peel and/or cherry
Instructions
- Combine rum, dry vermouth, orange curaçao, and grenadine in a mixing glass filled with ice
- Stir until chilled, about 30 seconds
- Strain into the glass
- Garnish with an orange peel or cherry and enjoy!
Nutrition
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The Classic Recipe
Want to whip up a top-notch El Presidente? Here’s how:
Ingredients:
- 2 oz white or aged rum
- 3/4 oz dry vermouth
- 1/2 oz orange curaçao
- 1/4 oz grenadine
- Orange peel or cherry (for garnish)
Instructions:
- Fill a mixing glass with ice.
- Pour in the rum, dry vermouth, orange curaçao, and grenadine.
- Stir (not shake!) until it’s nice and chilled—about 30 seconds should do the trick.
- Strain into a chilled coupe glass.
- Garnish with an orange peel or cherry and enjoy!
Final Thoughts
El Presidente is one of those cocktails that just oozes sophistication. It’s the kind of drink you can picture yourself sipping on while enjoying a sunset in Havana, feeling like you’ve stepped into another era. Personally, I love how it walks the line between easygoing and refined—kind of like a daiquiri that went to finishing school. If you’re a fan of rum and want something a little different from the usual suspects, give this one a go. Cheers to good taste and great cocktails!