Go Back

El Presidente Cocktail

A sophisticated Cuban classic cocktail that balances aged white rum, dry vermouth, fresh lime juice, and grenadine for a perfectly elegant drink. This five-ingredient cocktail takes just minutes to make but tastes like pure sophistication.
Print Recipe Pin Recipe
Prep Time 2 minutes
Total Time 2 minutes
Servings: 1 cocktail
Course: Drinks and Beverages
Cuisine: Cuban
Calories: 165
Ingredients Equipment Method Notes

Ingredients
  

Main
  • 2 ounces aged white rum preferably 5 to 7 years old
  • 1 ounce dry vermouth
  • 0.5 ounce fresh lime juice
  • 0.5 ounce grenadine
  • Ice enough to fill your shaker
  • Lime twist or cherry for garnish

Equipment

  • Cocktail shaker
  • Jigger or measuring spoon
  • Strainer
  • Bar spoon
  • Coupe glass or small cocktail glass
  • Citrus juicer or manual reamer
  • Cutting board and knife

Method
 

  1. Place your coupe glass or cocktail glass in the freezer for at least 2 minutes while you prepare the drink.
  2. Add enough ice to your cocktail shaker to fill it about three-quarters full.
  3. Using your jigger, carefully measure 2 ounces of aged white rum into the shaker.
  4. Add 1 ounce of dry vermouth to the shaker.
  5. Measure 0.5 ounce of freshly squeezed lime juice and add it to the shaker.
  6. Measure 0.5 ounce of grenadine and pour it into the shaker.
  7. Put the lid on your shaker and shake vigorously for about 10 to 12 seconds until the outside of the shaker becomes frosted with condensation.
  8. Using your strainer, pour the cocktail from the shaker into your pre-chilled glass.
  9. Twist a lime peel over the drink to release its oils, then drop it into the glass, or add a luxardo cherry for garnish.

Notes

Always use freshly squeezed lime juice and quality aged rum; these two ingredients make or break the entire drink. Pre-chill your glass before making the drink to prevent dilution. Shake hard and fast for the right texture and chill. Use quality grenadine that tastes like actual pomegranate, not red sugar syrup.