El Presidente
This sophisticated rum variation on the Martini/Manhattan family offers a beautiful balance of aged rum, dry vermouth, and orange curaçao, all kissed with grenadine and a delicate absinthe rinse for an aromatic lift.
Ingredients
- 1.5 oz Aged Rum
- 0.75 oz Dry Vermouth
- 0.25 oz Orange Curaçao
- 0.25 oz Homemade Grenadine
- Absinthe (for rinse)
Instructions
- Rinse a chilled coupe glass with absinthe, discarding any excess.
- Combine aged rum, dry vermouth, orange curaçao, and homemade grenadine in a mixing glass with ice.
- Stir well until thoroughly chilled and diluted.
- Strain into the prepared coupe glass.
- Express the oils from an orange peel over the drink and discard the peel, or use it as a garnish.
Glassware: Coupe Glass
Garnish: Expressed orange peel (discarded or used)
History
The El Presidente originated in Cuba during the early 20th century, a time when American tourists flocked to the island during Prohibition. It’s a refined rum cocktail, often compared to a Manhattan, that elegantly balances the rum's character with the dry vermouth and the subtle sweetness of orange curaçao and grenadine, here elevated with a fragrant absinthe rinse.