Cuban · Rum-based Manhattan · Medium-Strong
El Presidente
In the owner’s words: Smooth · Elegant · Slightly Sweet
- Base
- Rum
- Glass
- Martini or Coupe
- Method
- Stirred
- Effort
- Intermediate · 5 min
- ABV
- 23%
Build
- White Rumor Bacardi Superior / Havana Club 3 Year
- Dry Vermouthor Dolin Dry / Noilly Prat
- Orange Curaçaoor Pierre Ferrand Dry Curaçao / Cointreau
- Grenadineor Homemade pomegranate grenadine · Real pomegranate grenadine, not artificially flavored
- OrangeExpress oils over drink · garnish
- Orangegarnish
- Cocktail CherryLuxardo or other high-quality cocktail cherry · garnish
You’ll need: Mixing glass, Bar spoon, Strainer
Method — Stirred
- Add white rum, dry vermouth, orange curaçao, and grenadine to a mixing glass filled with ice
- Stir for about 30 seconds until well-chilled
- Strain into a chilled martini or coupe glass
- Express orange peel oils over the surface of the drink, then discard the peel
- Garnish with an orange slice and cocktail cherry
The story
Created in Havana, Cuba during Prohibition, likely by American bartender Eddie Woelke who fled to Cuba during the dry era. The cocktail was allegedly named after Cuban President Gerardo Machado, though some sources suggest it was named for an earlier president. It became a symbol of sophisticated Cuban cocktail culture and was very popular in the 1920s and 30s.
Variations
Some recipes use equal parts white rum and dry vermouth. Earlier versions may have used more grenadine. A 'Presidente Especial' might substitute honey syrup for the grenadine.
Host tips
Quality grenadine makes a significant difference - avoid artificially flavored varieties. Some bartenders recommend aged white rum (ron añejo blanco) for more depth. The orange slice and cherry garnish is a traditional Cuban presentation.
