El Presidente cocktail with Vermut

THE ORIGINS OF THE EL PRESIDENTE COCKTAIL

The El Presidente emerged during the 1910s or early 1920s, a time when Cuba was the playground of American elites, celebrities, and authors. Prohibition in the United States from 1920 to 1933 only amplified the island’s pull: a short boat ride from Florida offered legal drinking, tropical warmth, and refined cocktail culture. Havana’s bars flourished, and the El Presidente became one of the city’s signature creations. The drink was reportedly named in honor of President Mario García Menocal, who governed Cuba from 1913 to 1921. It soon became the preferred drink of diplomats, socialites, and members of Havana’s elite clubs.

At its core, the El Presidente is the Cuban answer to the Manhattan or Martini—spirit-forward, beautifully balanced, and sophisticated. While recipes vary, a well-made El Presidente walks the line between dry and sweet, showcasing Cuban rum alongside aromatic vermouth and the delicate orange notes of curaçao. What sets it apart from many rum cocktails is its elegance. This isn’t a beach drink adorned with fruit and ice; it’s a refined, ruby-hued sipper meant for slow appreciation. After the Cuban Revolution in 1959, tourism collapsed, bars were nationalized, and many of Havana’s legendary bartenders emigrated. Without the glamorous environment that helped shape it, the El Presidente faded. Meanwhile, tiki culture in the U.S. repackaged rum cocktails as whimsical, tropical concoctions—leaving more refined rum drinks overlooked. Only in the last decade with the craft cocktail revival has the El Presidente returned to modern bar menus. If you’re ready to explore rum beyond the beach, the El Presidente is the perfect place to begin.

WHY VERMUT ROJO AND AMONTILLADO LOS ARCOS ARE THE PERFECT BASE FOR AN EL PRESIDENTE COCKTAIL

Lustau Amontillado Los Arcos and Vermut Lustau Rojo work exceptionally well in the El Presidente because they add depth, balance, and elegance to the cocktail. Amontillado brings nutty, oxidative, and savory notes that complement the vermouth, which has a gentle sweetness of dried fruit, spice, and herbal aromatics and is made with both amontillado and pedro ximénez sherry styles. This gives the cocktail a more layered and refined profile. Together, they prevent the drink from leaning too sweet or too sharp, creating a beautifully balanced aperitif.

WHAT GLASS IS BEST TO SERVE AN EL PRESIDENTE COCKTAIL IN?

The El Presidente is traditionally served in a coupe glass but could also be served in a Nick & Nora or Martini glass. The champagne coupe is a shallow, broad-bowled saucer shaped stemmed glass generally capable of containing 180 to 240 ml (6 to 8 US fl oz) of liquid. It first appeared circa 1663, when it was created by Venetian glassmakers employed at a Greenwich glass factory owned by the Duke of Buckingham and became popular within the English high society. It originally became famous through the popularity of pink champagne and the white mousse which accompanied it, both of which were complemented by the saucer-shaped crystal coupe.

HOW MUCH DOES IT COST TO MAKE AN EL PRESIDENTE COCKTAIL WITH LUSTAU VERMUT ROJO AND AMONTILLADO

Creating a Lustau El Presidente cocktail either at home or for a cocktail program is both an enjoyable and cost-effective endeavor.

● Cost-Effective: At approximately $2.16 per serving, crafting this cocktail is more economical than the classic El Presidente.
● Controlled Alcohol Content: With an ABV of around 16.6%, the Lustau El Presidente offers a moderate alcohol level (reducing alcohol content of the original recipe by 35%), making it a refreshing choice for various occasions, moods and preferences
● Customization: By investing in quality ingredients like Vermut Lustau, you can enjoy a sophisticated and delightful cocktail experience in the comfort of your own home or offer a genuine experience for your guests.

Below is a breakdown of the estimated costs and alcohol by volume (ABV) for each ingredient, along with the total cost per serving:

HOW TO PREPARE AN EL PRESIDENTE COCKTAIL WITH LUSTAU AT HOME

1. Add all ingredients to a mixing glass

2. Add ice, stir and strain into a chilled coupe glass

3.Express oil and garnish with an orange twist

FAQ

How much alcohol is in an El Presidente cocktail?

The Lustau El Presidente has approximately 16.6% ABV, compared to the traditional recipe which has 25.6% ABV. The lower ABV coupled with the complexity of the sherry creates a lighter and more complex drinking experience.

What is the best vermouth for an El Presidente cocktail?

There isn’t a single universally accepted “best” vermouth for the El Presidente because the cocktail sits at the crossroads of dry, aromatic, and lightly sweet. The ideal choice depends on which style of El Presidente you’re aiming for. That said, Lustau Vermut Rojo works exceptionally well by adding a depth, warmth, and sophistication to the cocktail.

What is the best garnish for an El Presidente cocktail?

Traditionally, an orange twist and/or and Amarena cherry are used to garnish an El Presidente. However, the best garnish depends on the overall flavor profile of the cocktail, which can change significantly depending on which ingredients you use.