El Presidente Cocktail Recipe
The El Presidente stands among Cuba's most prestigious cocktails, featuring a refined blend of white rum, vermouth, and orange liqueur. This elegant Cuban classic delivers smooth, citrus-forward notes with a gentle sweetness.
Equipment
- Mixing Glass
- Bar Spoon
- Jigger or measuring tool
- Hawthorne Strainer
- Fine mesh Strainer
- Coupe or Nick & Nora glass
Ingredients
- 1½ oz (45ml) white rum
- ¾ oz (22.5ml) vermouth blanc
- ¼ to ½ oz (7.5-15ml) orange curaçao
- 1 barspoon (3-4ml) grenadine
- Orange peel for garnish
- Maraschino or amarena cherry for garnish
Instructions
- Fill a coupe glass with ice and water to chill while we mix the drink.
- In a mixing glass, combine white rum, vermouth blanc, orange curaçao, and grenadine. Add ice and stir for about 30 seconds until well chilled. Empty the ice from the coupe glass, then strain the cocktail through a Hawthorne and fine mesh strainer.
- Express an orange peel over the drink to release its oils, then drop it in. Add a cherry for the final garnish and enjoy.
Notes
- No vermouth blanc? A 50/50 mix of dry and sweet vermouth works as a solid backup.
- Want a richer flavor? Grand Marnier is a great alternative to orange curaçao.
- Looking for extra depth? Swap white rum for an aged rum to add warmth and complexity.