El Presidente Menocal Special Cocktail Drink

El Presidente Menocal Special

A shot of Gavin Wrigley looking to the camera in a dimly lit room
Written by Gavin Wrigley
Andrea
Tested by
Andrea Ottaiano

This El Presidente Menocal Special recipe has what you are looking for! With its unique ingredients, this drink is delightful and easy to make.

El Presidente Menocal Special Recipe

Try this El Presidente Menocal Special recipe! Made with rum, lime juice, and fresh mint, it's a refreshing choice for any gathering.

Prep time:

1 minute

Mixing time:

1 minute

Servings:

1

Calories:

123 kl

Ingredients

  • 1 oz White or Gold Rum, 1-3 year old mellow light
  • 1 oz rich sugar syrup, 2 sugar to 1 water, 65.0°brix
  • 1 oz lime juice
  • Mint leaves
  • Ice cubes
  • Mint leaf or Luxardo maraschino cherry, for garnish, optional

Equipment

  • Cocktail Shaker
  • Measuring Jigger
  • Strainer
  • Fine strainer
  • Coupe Glass

Instructions

  • Chill your coupe glass by stirring some ice cubes or placing it in the freezer for a few hours.
  • Pour 1 oz lime juice into the shaker.
  • Measure and add 1 oz rich sugar syrup.
  • Pour 1 oz White or Gold Rum into the shaker.
  • Add mint leaves to the shaker.
  • Fill the shaker with ice cubes.
  • Shake all ingredients well.
  • Fine strain the mixture into your chilled and empty coupe glass.
  • Garnish with a mint leaf or a Luxardo maraschino cherry.

Notes

Substitutes:

  • Rum: I sometimes use a different white or gold rum if I don't have the specific rum. Using a mix of different rums can also be an interesting twist.
  • Sugar Syrup: I've used agave syrup or honey in a pinch, but this does change the flavor profile slightly. Adjust to taste.
  • Lime Juice: Freshly squeezed is always best, but in its absence, quality bottled lime juice can work.

Making a Pitcher:

  • Scale: For a pitcher serving 8, multiply all ingredients by 8.
  • Mix: In a large pitcher, combine rum, sugar syrup, and lime juice with ice. Stir well.
  • Serve: Pour into individual chilled glasses, garnish, and serve immediately.

Making it Non-Alcoholic:

  • Rum Substitute: Use a non-alcoholic rum alternative available in the market.
  • Proceed As Usual: Replace the rum with its non-alcoholic alternative and follow the original steps.

Making it Vegan:

The original recipe is already vegan-friendly. However, always ensure that the sugar in the syrup hasn't been processed using bone char, as some sugars are.

Nutrition Facts

Calories
123
% Daily Value*
Fat
 
0.02
g
0
%
Sodium
 
1
mg
0
%
Carbohydrates
 
15
g
5
%
Fiber
 
0.1
g
0
%
Sugar
 
13
g
14
%
Potassium
 
34
mg
1
%
Protein
 
0.1
g
0
%
Polyunsaturated Fat
 
0.01
g
Vitamin A
 
14
IU
0
%
Vitamin C
 
9
mg
11
%
Calcium
 
4
mg
0
%
Iron
 
0.04
mg
0
%

 

El Presidente Menocal Special Cocktail Drink

El Presidente Menocal Special Recipe

Gavin Wrigley Written by Gavin Wrigley
Jump to Video
Try this El Presidente Menocal Special recipe! Made with rum, lime juice, and fresh mint, it's a refreshing choice for any gathering.
Prep time: 1 minute
Mixing time: 1 minute
Servings: 1
Calories: 123

Ingredients
 

  • 1 oz White or Gold Rum - 1-3 year old mellow light
  • 1 oz rich sugar syrup - 2 sugar to 1 water, 65.0°brix
  • 1 oz lime juice
  • Mint leaves
  • Ice cubes
  • Mint leaf or Luxardo maraschino cherry - for garnish, optional

Equipment

  • Cocktail Shaker
  • Measuring Jigger
  • Strainer
  • Fine strainer
  • Coupe Glass

Instructions

  • Chill your coupe glass by stirring some ice cubes or placing it in the freezer for a few hours.
  • Pour 1 oz lime juice into the shaker.
  • Measure and add 1 oz rich sugar syrup.
  • Pour 1 oz White or Gold Rum into the shaker.
  • Add mint leaves to the shaker.
  • Fill the shaker with ice cubes.
  • Shake all ingredients well.
  • Fine strain the mixture into your chilled and empty coupe glass.
  • Garnish with a mint leaf or a Luxardo maraschino cherry.

Notes

Substitutes:

  • Rum: I sometimes use a different white or gold rum if I don't have the specific rum. Using a mix of different rums can also be an interesting twist.
  • Sugar Syrup: I've used agave syrup or honey in a pinch, but this does change the flavor profile slightly. Adjust to taste.
  • Lime Juice: Freshly squeezed is always best, but in its absence, quality bottled lime juice can work.

Making a Pitcher:

  • Scale: For a pitcher serving 8, multiply all ingredients by 8.
  • Mix: In a large pitcher, combine rum, sugar syrup, and lime juice with ice. Stir well.
  • Serve: Pour into individual chilled glasses, garnish, and serve immediately.

Making it Non-Alcoholic:

  • Rum Substitute: Use a non-alcoholic rum alternative available in the market.
  • Proceed As Usual: Replace the rum with its non-alcoholic alternative and follow the original steps.

Making it Vegan:

The original recipe is already vegan-friendly. However, always ensure that the sugar in the syrup hasn't been processed using bone char, as some sugars are.

What is an El Presidente Menocal Special?

An El Presidente Menocal Special is a distinct cocktail that combines rum, lime juice, sugar syrup, and mint. Originating from the vibrant streets of Havana, this drink pays homage to Mario García Menocal, a former president of Cuba.

A side shot of an El Presidente Menocal Special cocktail in a coupe glass on a black stone coaster placed on a white cloth on a dark brown table with a bar spoon and a jigger around, in front of a grey wall and plant leaves.

What is an El Presidente Menocal Special made of – The ingredients

For an exquisite El Presidente Menocal Special, start with these key ingredients:

  • Mint leaves: Add a refreshing and aromatic touch to the cocktail.
  • White/Gold Rum (1-3-year-old mellow light): Provides the primary alcoholic base and imparts a smooth, slightly sweet flavor.
  • Rich Sugar Syrup (2 sugar to 1 water, 65.0°brix): Sweetens the drink and balances the tartness of the lime.
  • Lime Juice: Introduces a tangy citrus note, enhancing the cocktail’s freshness.
  • Ice Cubes: Chills the drink, ensuring it’s served at the optimal temperature.
  • Mint sprig & Luxardo maraschino cherry (for garnish): Enhances presentation and adds flavor when sipped.

White Rum, Rich sugar syrup, mint leaves and two limes laid out on a white bar table.

How do you make an El Presidente Menocal Special?

Create your own El Presidente Menocal Special masterpiece with our step-by-step guide:

1
<p>Use some ice cubes to chill your coupe glass.</p>

Use some ice cubes to chill your coupe glass.

2
<p>Introduce the lime juice into the shaker, giving the drink its characteristic citrusy kick.</p>

Introduce the lime juice into the shaker, giving the drink its characteristic citrusy kick.

3
<p>Measure and add the rich sugar syrup, balancing the cocktail’s sweetness against the tang of the lime.</p>

Measure and add the rich sugar syrup, balancing the cocktail’s sweetness against the tang of the lime.

4
<p>Pour in the white/gold rum, ensuring it forms the alcoholic base of the cocktail.</p>

Pour in the white/gold rum, ensuring it forms the alcoholic base of the cocktail.

5
<p>Add mint leaves to the shaker, allowing their refreshing aroma to infuse the drink.</p>

Add mint leaves to the shaker, allowing their refreshing aroma to infuse the drink.

6
<p>Fill the cocktail shaker with ice cubes to chill the ingredients effectively.</p>

Fill the cocktail shaker with ice cubes to chill the ingredients effectively.

7
<p>Shake all the ingredients together vigorously, ensuring they blend seamlessly.</p>

Shake all the ingredients together vigorously, ensuring they blend seamlessly.

8
<p>Remove the ice cubes from your chilled coupe glass.</p>

Remove the ice cubes from your chilled coupe glass.

9
<p>Fine strain the mixture into your chilled glass with no ice, leaving no residual ice or mint leaves.</p>

Fine strain the mixture into your chilled glass with no ice, leaving no residual ice or mint leaves.

10
<p>Garnish the drink with a mint leaf or a Luxardo maraschino cherry, enhancing its visual appeal and flavor profile.</p>

Garnish the drink with a mint leaf or a Luxardo maraschino cherry, enhancing its visual appeal and flavor profile.

11
<p>Enjoy your El Presidente Menocal Special cocktail!</p>

Enjoy your El Presidente Menocal Special cocktail!

What is the difference between an El Presidente and El Presidente Menocal Special?

The El Presidente Cocktail and the El Presidente Menocal Special are distinct drinks with unique compositions. The El Presidente Cocktail traditionally combines white rum, dry vermouth, orange curaçao, and grenadine, resulting in a smooth and slightly sweet flavor profile. On the other hand, the El Presidente Menocal Special features white or gold rum, lime juice, rich sugar syrup, and mint leaves, offering a refreshing blend of citrus and sweetness with an aromatic hint of mint. While both drinks pay homage to Cuban cocktail culture, their ingredients and taste profiles set them apart, catering to different palates and occasions.

An El Presidente Menocal Special cocktail, shot from above, in a coupe glass on a black stone coaster placed on a white cloth on a dark brown table surrounded by a jigger, a strainer and a bar spoon

History and Origins of El Presidente Menocal Special

The El Presidente Menocal Special traces its roots back to the vibrant streets of Havana, Cuba. Constantino (Constante) Ribalaigua Vert, a renowned bartender at El Floridita, created this refreshing drink. The recipe for this cocktail first appeared on a 1937 Bar Florida menu, which later underwent a name change to Floridita. The cocktail’s name pays homage to Mario García Menocal, who served as the president of Cuba from 1912 to 1920.

An El Presidente Menocal Special cocktail, shot from above, in a coupe glass on a white marmol table surrounded by white Rum, rich sugar syrup, mint leaves and two limes.

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FAQ

How many calories are in the El Presidente Menocal Special?
The cocktail contains approximately 150-200 calories, depending on the specific ingredients and their quantities.
How strong is the El Presidente Menocal Special?
The drink typically has an ABV (Alcohol By Volume) of around 20-25%, translating to 40-50 proof.
What type of alcohol is used in the El Presidente Menocal Special?
The primary alcohol is white/gold rum, specifically a 1-3-year-old mellow light rum.
In which type of glass is the El Presidente Menocal Special served?
It's traditionally served in a chilled cocktail glass.
What does the El Presidente Menocal Special taste like?
The cocktail offers a refreshing blend of citrus from the lime, sweetness from the sugar syrup, and a hint of mint, complemented by the smoothness of the rum.
What is the ratio of ingredients in the El Presidente Menocal Special?
The cocktail typically follows a 1:1:1 ratio of rum, sugar syrup, and lime juice.
How is the El Presidente Menocal Special served regarding ice and presentation?
The drink is shaken with ice and then fine-strained into a glass, ensuring it's served without ice or "up".

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