El Presidente (cocktail)

El Presidente (cocktail)

A classic El Presidente cocktail

El Presidente is a classic cocktail that originated in Cuba during the early 20th century. It is known for its elegant combination of rum, vermouth, orange curaçao, and grenadine, creating a balanced and refreshing drink. The cocktail gained popularity during the Prohibition era in the United States, as Americans traveled to Cuba to enjoy legal drinking.

History

The El Presidente cocktail is believed to have been created in the 1910s or 1920s in Havana, Cuba. It was named in honor of President Gerardo Machado, who was in office from 1925 to 1933. The cocktail became a symbol of the sophisticated nightlife in Havana and was a favorite among American expatriates and tourists.

Ingredients

The traditional recipe for an El Presidente cocktail includes the following ingredients:

• 1 1/2 oz white rum
• 3/4 oz dry vermouth
• 1/2 oz orange curaçao
• 1/4 oz grenadine
• Orange peel for garnish

Preparation

To prepare an El Presidente cocktail, follow these steps:

1. Fill a cocktail shaker with ice. 2. Add the white rum, dry vermouth, orange curaçao, and grenadine to the shaker. 3. Stir the mixture until well chilled. 4. Strain the cocktail into a chilled martini glass. 5. Garnish with an orange peel.

Variations

There are several variations of the El Presidente cocktail, which may include different types of rum or vermouth. Some recipes call for blanco rum instead of white rum, or sweet vermouth instead of dry vermouth, to create a slightly different flavor profile.

Related pages

• Cuba
• Rum
• Cocktail
• Prohibition