in Recipe, Drinks, Rum, Vermouth
byPaul Kushnerupdated 0 Comments
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The El Presidente is a Cuban co*cktail with a storied history, and it’s a must-try for any co*cktail enthusiast. Made with white rum, orange curaçao, French dry vermouth, and grenadine, this drink is both sweet and slightly bitter, making it a perfect slow sipper. The El Presidente co*cktail was popularized during the Prohibition era and has since become a classic.
The original recipe calls for blanc vermouth, which is a harder to find variety of vermouth. However, many modern variations use dry vermouth instead. Despite this substitution, the El Presidente remains a favorite among co*cktail aficionados and is a staple in many bars and restaurants. Whether you’re enjoying a night out or making drinks at home, the El Presidente is sure to impress.
History
If you’re a fan of rum co*cktails, you’ve probably heard of the El Presidente. This classic co*cktail has a rich history that dates back to the early 1900s in Cuba. The drink was created during a time when the country was experiencing a lot of political turmoil, including the presidency of Mario García Menocal from 1913 to 1921 and the Prohibition era in the United States.
There are two different stories about who the co*cktail is named after. Some say it was named after Mario García Menocal, who was the Cuban president at the time the drink was created. Others believe it was named after Gerardo Machado, who was also a Cuban president and ruled the country from 1925 to 1933. Regardless of who it was named after, the El Presidente quickly became a popular drink among the Cuban upper class.
The El Presidente was said to have originated in the Jockey Club in Havana, where it was created by bartender Eddie Woelke. However, another popular story claims that the drink was actually created by Constantino Ribalaigua, who was the head bartender at the El Chico bar in Havana. Ribalaigua was known for creating some of the most popular co*cktails in Cuba during the 1920s and 1930s, including the Daiquiri and the Mary Pickford.
Despite the debate over who actually created the El Presidente, there is no denying that it became a staple in Cuban co*cktail history. The drink was even mentioned in a 1928 Cuban bartenders’ association’s official manual, which recommended using French vermouth to make the co*cktail.
How to Make It
El Presidente
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Prep Time: 5 minutes minutes
Total Time: 5 minutes minutes
Cuisine: American
Keyword: curaracao, el presidente, grenadine, Rum, vermouth
Servings: 1
Author: Paul Kushner
Invented in the early twentieth century, the El Presidente co*cktail was created in Cuba. Learn the recipe to make this drink for family and friends.
Ingredients
- 1.5 oz white rum
- 0.75 oz dry vermouth
- 0.25 oz orange curaçao
- 2 dash grenadine
Instructions
Fill a mixing glass with ice and add the rum, curaçao, vermouth, and grenadine
Stir until well chilled
Strain into a chilled Martini glass and serve immediately
Tried this recipe?Let us know how it was!
Choosing Your Rum
The best rum for El Presidente is a light, white rum. Some good options include Bacardi, Flor de Caña, and Havana Club. However, you can also experiment with different rums to find the one that suits your taste.
Variations
El Presidente is a classic Cuban co*cktail that has been popular for decades. As with any popular co*cktail, there are many variations of the original recipe that have been created over the years. Here are a few variations that you might want to try:
Dark Rum Variation
For a richer, more complex flavor, try swapping out the white rum in the original recipe for dark rum. This variation is perfect for discerning drinkers who enjoy a stronger, more robust co*cktail. Simply add dark rum instead of white rum, and enjoy the unique flavor profile that this variation offers.
Add Lime Juice
If you’re looking for a refreshing summer co*cktail, try adding lime juice to your El Presidente. This variation is perfect for hot summer days, and it adds a bright, citrusy flavor to the classic recipe. Simply add a splash of lime juice to your co*cktail, and enjoy the refreshing taste.
Florida Variation
For a tropical twist on the classic El Presidente, try adding a splash of orange juice to your co*cktail. This variation is perfect for those who want to enjoy a taste of Florida in their co*cktail. Simply add a small amount of orange juice to your co*cktail, and enjoy the fruity flavor.
Obscurity Variation
If you’re looking for a unique twist on the classic El Presidente, try adding a dash of absinthe to your co*cktail. This variation is perfect for those who want to enjoy a more complex, mysterious flavor. Simply add a small amount of absinthe to your co*cktail, and enjoy the unique taste.
Please drink responsibly, be fully accountable with your alcohol consumption, and show others respect.
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Written by Paul Kushner
Founder and CEO of MyBartender. Graduated from Penn State University. He always had a deep interest in the restaurant and bar industry. His restaurant experience began in 1997 at the age of 14 as a bus boy. By the time he turned 17 he was serving tables, and by 19 he was bartending/bar managing 6-7 nights a week.
In 2012, after a decade and a half of learning all facets of the industry, Paul opened his first restaurant/bar. In 2015, a second location followed, the latter being featured on The Food Network’s Diners, Drive-Ins and Dives.
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