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    Home » Classic Cocktails » The Classic El Presidente Rum Cocktail

    Published: Apr 29, 2023 by Kevin Mayfield · This post may contain affiliate links.

    The Classic El Presidente Rum Cocktail

    Jump to Recipe Print Recipe

    The prohibition-era El Presidente rum cocktail has been around since the 1920's but was very popular in the 50's when Americans enjoyed a long weekend in Havana.

    El Presidente cocktail in a cocktail glass with a twist of orange peel

    This Refreshing, Sweet Cocktail is a Taste of Old Havana

    Like many classic drinks, the El Presidente creation story is hard to pin down. There are more than a few rival stories about who created it and when. Hopefully, everyone can agree that this delicious, complex cocktail was named after the President of Cuba, General Gerardo Machado. It quickly became a crowd favorite as Americans flocked to Havana for fun and sun during Prohibition, and again in the 1950's.

    Ingredients Needed for an El Presidente

    A picture of bottles of ingredients needed for an El President cocktail

    The El Presidente is an easy-to-make classic cocktail that can be whipped up with ingredients you probably already have in your bar. What you'll need is:

    • White rum
    • Dry vermouth
    • Orange liquour
    • Grenadine

    Chilled with some ice, you'll be enjoying this classic in no time.

    Bar tools needed

    You need a few standard tools to make this drink:

    • Jigger
    • Bar spoon
    • Mixing glass
    • Strainer

    How to Make it

    Pictures of 3 steps to make a cocktail combined into a grouping
    Just a few easy steps are all it takes to mix up this Cuban classic cocktail.

    This drink is very easy to make. Simply follow the steps below:

    1. Pour each of the ingredients into the mixing glass.
    2. Spoon the grenadine into the mixing glass (I usually just use a couple of bar spoonfuls.)
    3. Stir to thoroughly mix and chill ingredients, and then strain the mixture into a cocktail glass.

    Garnish with a twist of orange and it's ready to enjoy!

    Tips for a Successful El Presidente

    Keep these things in mind while mixing up this easy and refreshing cocktail:

    • Choose a quality white rum that helps alleviate that harsh alcohol taste that some lesser rums can have. Bacardi is easy to find and has a smooth, sweet taste that mixes well with the nutty vermouth.
    • Do not overdo it with the grenadine. It is a very sweet addition and can overwhelm the delicate sweet and nutty flavors of this cocktail.

    Looking for Cuban cocktails? Try these, too: Cuba Libre, Classic Mojito, and Daiquiri Cocktail.

    Frequently Asked Questions

    What type of rum is used in an El Presidente?

    You can use any type of rum, but this cocktail is typically mixed with a white rum rather than a dark or golden rum. One of the features of the cocktail is its red-ish color from the Grenadine, and if you use a dark rum that is lost.

    How do you drink an El Presidente cocktail?

    The drink should be strained into a cocktail glass. The drink will already be chilled from stirring it in the mixing glass, so there's no need for additional ice. Using a stemmed glass, you will not warm the cocktail with the heat from your hand so it will remain nice and cold as you drink it.

    Before you go, did you try this cocktail? Why not leave a comment in the comments section along with a rating? I always appreciate hearing from you and getting your feedback.

    El Presidente cocktail in a cocktail glass with a twist of orange peel

    The Classic El Presidente Rum Cocktail

    Kevin Mayfield
    This rum cocktail only requires a few common ingredients.
    No ratings yet
    Print Recipe Pin Recipe
    Prep Time 5 minutes mins
    Cook Time 1 minute min
    Total Time 6 minutes mins
    Servings 1 cocktail

    Equipment

    • 1 Mixing glass
    • 1 Bar Spoon
    • 1 Strainer
    • 1 Cocktail jigger

    Ingredients
      

    • 1.5 oz White Rum
    • .75 oz Dry Vermouth
    • .25 oz Orange Curaçao
    • .10 oz Grenadine

    Instructions
     

    • Pour all ingredients into a large mixing glass with ice.
    • Stir vigorously for 30 seconds.
    • Strain into a cocktail glass.
    • Add an orange peel for garnish (optional)

    Notes

    • You should use a quality white rum for a sweet aftertaste.
    • Experiment with various orange liquours to find the right one for you. I prefer Cointreau but others like Grand Marnier.
    Keyword cuban cocktail, el presidente cocktail, mid century cocktails, rum cocktails
    Tried this recipe?Let us know how it was!
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    About Kevin Mayfield

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    Nancy and Bentley

    Hi, I'm Nancy! Welcome to Flourchild where I share classic mid-century recipes from the 1940's - 1970's. I feature many vintage handwritten recipes, and provide modern shortcuts and a variety of healthy and special diet-friendly versions whenever possible. Join me in exploring the delicious flavors and from-scratch cooking techniques of our past!

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