We just stirred up an El Presidente in honor of Presidents' Day weekend. First introduced in the mid-1910s, this cocktail achieved widespread popularity both in its home country of Cuba and in the far reaches of the world with its combination of rum, vermouth, and dashes of orange curaçao and grenadine.
Cuba was a popular vacation destination for U.S. citizens and that popularity only grew during Prohibition when thirsty tourists would travel to Havana seeking not only sunny skies, but legal libations. After Prohibition ended, American drinkers brought the El Presidente back home for more to enjoy. Like many classics, it was lost to time, but has since been rediscovered by curious drinkers, bartenders and historians alike.
Add the white rum, dry vermouth, orange curaçao and grenadine to a mixing glass with ice and stir until well-chilled.
Strain into a chilled cocktail glass.
Notes:
Elevate Your Cocktail
If you want more body, try a more richly flavored white rum or a lightly aged rum. If you want to lighten the vermouth, try a blanc style, which is semi-dry, slightly sweet and arguably the style of vermouth used in the original. And if you find the cocktail too orange-heavy, dial down the curaçao. - Liquor.com
