I received a copy of Old Man Drinks by Robert Schnakenberg for Xmas and we were eager to give it a try. Most of the classics we’ve tried were there and were short of a lot ingredients for others but the El Presidente caught my eye and it was decided.

Supposedly named for Gerado Machado, “presidente” of Cuba from 1925–33, it was concocted at the Jockey Club in Havana during Prohibition. It eventually made its way back to New York and became a swanky club fav.

Mix ingredients in a shaker filled with ice. Shake and strain into chilled cocktail glasses.

The verdict: Mmmmmmm. One of those where, despite the alcohol content, the calls for a second almost outweighs common sense. Thank goodness we were out of rum. Definitely a hit.