El Presidente

El Presidente

Alessandro Scire Calabrisotto

El Presidente: The Quintessential Cuban Elegance

The El Presidente is a cocktail that exudes sophistication, often associated with the golden age of Cuban cocktails and the glamour of the early 20th century. Despite its relatively simple ingredients, it’s a cocktail that has stood the test of time. Made with rum, vermouth, and a touch of orange curaçao, it strikes the perfect balance of smooth, slightly sweet, and dry. The El Presidente cocktail is a nod to Cuba’s history as a major center for rum production, and it remains a classic for cocktail enthusiasts seeking a refined, yet approachable drink.

History of the El Presidente Cocktail

The El Presidente is a cocktail with deep ties to Cuban history, and its creation is surrounded by a bit of mystery. Most accounts trace its origins back to Havana in the 1920s or 1930s, although the exact date and inventor remain uncertain. The drink is believed to have been named after Gerardo Machado, the president of Cuba from 1925 to 1933. At the time, Cuba was a hotspot for American expatriates, and Havana was a city brimming with luxury hotels, bars, and vibrant nightlife.

The El Presidente was likely developed at one of Havana's elite bars to cater to the tastes of the well-heeled clientele, including diplomats, socialites, and even rum smugglers during Prohibition. It was popularized in part by the influence of the Cuban rum industry, which had a global reach, especially during the early part of the 20th century. The drink was said to have been served at the Hotel Nacional de Cuba, a legendary hotel in Havana where many of the world’s most influential figures would meet and drink.

The combination of rum, vermouth, and orange curaçao in the El Presidente is a reflection of the trend for mixing rum with sophisticated ingredients, a movement that became especially popular in the 1920s. The cocktail remains an emblem of that era, evoking the elegance and mystery of a bygone time when cocktails were an art form and Havana was a playground for the world's elite.

The El Presidente Cocktail Recipe

The El Presidente is a drink that beautifully showcases rum as the star ingredient, complemented by the subtle sweetness of vermouth and the zesty orange note from curaçao. It’s a simple yet elegant cocktail with a smooth and well-rounded flavor profile.

Ingredients:

  • 2 oz white rum (Cuban rum is preferred)
  • ¾ oz dry vermouth
  • ¼ oz orange curaçao
  • 2 dashes of grenadine
  • Ice cubes
  • Orange peel or cherry for garnish (optional)

Execution:

  1. Fill a mixing glass with ice cubes.
  2. Add the rum, dry vermouth, orange curaçao, and grenadine to the glass.
  3. Stir the mixture gently for about 20-30 seconds to chill and combine the ingredients.
  4. Strain the mixture into a chilled coupe glass or cocktail glass.
  5. Garnish with an orange peel or a maraschino cherry.
  6. Serve and enjoy!

Additional Tips

  • Rum Selection: While white rum is the traditional choice for an El Presidente, you can experiment with aged rum for a richer, deeper flavor. However, the drink’s signature light and smooth character is best achieved with a clean, quality white rum.
  • Grenadine: The grenadine should be used sparingly to add just a hint of sweetness and color. For a more authentic taste, consider using a homemade grenadine made from pomegranate juice and sugar, rather than the overly sweetened commercial variety.
  • Chill Your Glass: Make sure your glass is well-chilled to keep the cocktail crisp and refreshing. You can chill the glass by filling it with ice water for a few minutes before preparing the drink.

Curious Facts About the El Presidente

  • A Tribute to Cuban History: The name “El Presidente” pays tribute to Gerardo Machado, who served as president of Cuba during the 1920s and 1930s. His presidency marked a time of luxury and opulence in Havana, which made it a fitting tribute for such an elegant cocktail.
  • Cuban Influence: The cocktail is an example of the Cuban rum tradition—a legacy that continues to influence global cocktail culture today. Havana, in particular, was known for producing some of the finest rum in the world during the early 20th century.
  • Disappearing from the Spotlight: After its peak in popularity, the El Presidente became somewhat obscure. However, it has seen a resurgence in recent years, particularly among cocktail aficionados looking to revive the classics.

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