El Presidente is a timeless and elegant rum cocktail, originating in Cuba and named after a former president. It combines the richness of dark rum with dry vermouth's dryness, a touch of orange curaçao's citrus sweetness, and a hint of grenadine's pomegranate flavor. Here's how to craft this delightful drink:
Ingredients:
- 1 1/2 ounces (45 ml) Dark Rum (preferably aged rum with a smooth character)
- 3/4 ounce (22.5 ml) Dry Vermouth (such as Dolin Dry or Martini & Rossi Dry)
- 1/2 ounce (15 ml) Orange Curaçao (such as Pierre Ferrand Dry Curaçao or Cointreau)
- 1/2 teaspoon (2.5 ml) Grenadine
- Orange twist (for garnish)
- Maraschino cherry (optional, for garnish)
Instructions:
- Prepare your tools: Gather your ingredients, a cocktail mixing glass, bar spoon, strainer, and a chilled coupe glass.
- Chill the glass: Fill the coupe glass with ice cubes and let it sit for a few minutes to chill. Discard the ice before building your drink.
- Combine the ingredients: Add the dark rum, dry vermouth, orange curaçao, and grenadine to the mixing glass.
- Stir and strain: Fill the mixing glass with ice and stir gently for about 15 seconds to chill and dilute the drink slightly. Strain the mixture into the chilled coupe glass.
- Express the orange oils: Hold the orange twist over the drink and express the oils by squeezing the peel gently over the surface. Discard the twist.
- Garnish and enjoy: Add a maraschino cherry for a classic touch (optional). Enjoy your El Presidente responsibly!
Tips:
- Use high-quality ingredients for the best flavor experience. Aged rum adds complexity, while dry vermouth provides a dry counterpoint to the sweetness.
- Adjust the sweetness to your preference. You can add a dash less grenadine or use a slightly sweeter orange curaçao like Cointreau.
- For a more visually appealing drink, express a few drops of orange oil directly onto the cocktail's surface before adding the twist.
El Presidente is a perfect after-dinner drink or a sophisticated cocktail for any occasion. Experiment and enjoy!
