EL PRESIDENTE
El Presidente: A Presidential Tequila Adaptation
The original El Presidente cocktail was created in Cuba during the 1910s-1920s, traditionally made with rum, dry vermouth, orange curaçao, and grenadine.
The tequila version emerged later as bartenders adapted the Cuban classic with Mexican spirits, though the exact creator and date remain unclear, according to Difford's Guide. The tequila version combines tequila with dry vermouth, Cointreau, and grenadine. This pairing creates a spirit-forward, slightly sweet drink where dry vermouth's botanicals complement tequila's agave character while Cointreau and grenadine add orange and pomegranate notes, as noted in Kindred Cocktails.
The name "El Presidente" (The President) references Cuban political figures from the early 20th century. The tequila adaptation represents the broader trend of substituting regional spirits into established cocktail templates.
The tequila El Presidente remained relatively obscure compared to the rum original but occasionally appears on craft cocktail menus as bartenders explore variations of classic Caribbean cocktails with agave spirits.
RECIPE:
2 oz tequila (blanco or reposado)
3/4 oz dry vermouth
1/4 oz Cointreau
1 barspoon grenadine
Orange twist for garnish
Method:
Add tequila, dry vermouth, Cointreau, and grenadine to a mixing glass with ice.
Stir until well-chilled, about 30 seconds.
Strain into a chilled coupe glass.
Express orange twist over the drink and garnish.