Named for the silent-film actress and co-founder of United Artists, the Mary Pickford pairs light rum and pineapple juice with maraschino liqueur and grenadine, shaken and strained into a chilled cocktail glass over a cherry. The grenadine tints the drink a soft blush pink while the pineapple and rum carry a sweet, tropical core, the maraschino lending a faint nutty-bitter accent. A pre-Prohibition creation listed by the IBA among its Unforgettables, it sits near 13 percent ABV and reads as fruit-forward and decorative. Its elegant, rosy appearance long associated it with the glamour of Hollywood's golden age.
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Mary Pickford
Ingredients
- Light rum 1 1/2 oz
- Pineapple juice 1 oz
- maraschino liqueur 1/2 tsp
- Grenadine 1/2 tsp
- Maraschino cherry 1
Instructions
Shake and strain into a chilled large cocktail glass
The Mary Pickford is an IBA Unforgettable cocktail combining light rum, pineapple juice, maraschino liqueur, and grenadine, shaken and strained into a chilled cocktail glass with a cherry garnish. Named for the legendary silent film actress and co-founder of United Artists, it is a sweet, tropical, beautifully blush-pink pre-Prohibition classic. Its fruit-forward elegance made it a symbol of Hollywood golden age glamour.
History & Origins
The Mary Pickford was created in Havana, Cuba during the 1920s when the actress visited the island during Prohibition. Bartender Fred Kaufman at the Hotel Nacional de Cuba is credited with inventing the drink in her honor. The IBA lists it among the Unforgettables, cementing its historical importance as a golden-age classic with Cuban roots.
Tasting Notes
Aroma: Sweet pineapple and cherry with a faint floral rose note from the grenadine and soft rum warmth. Palate: Sweet and tropical with pineapple fruit, cherry, almond hints from the maraschino, and light rum clarity. Finish: Fruity, sweet, and gentle with a lingering tropical cherry note.
Pro Tip
Shake vigorously with plenty of ice to properly emulsify the pineapple juice and achieve the cocktail's signature silky texture.
Techniques Used
Frequently Asked Questions
What are the ingredients in a Mary Pickford cocktail?
The Mary Pickford is made with white Cuban rum, pineapple juice, grenadine, and maraschino liqueur, shaken with ice and strained into a chilled coupe glass. The combination creates a sweet, tropical, blush-colored cocktail with a subtle cherry and citrus complexity from the maraschino. It is typically garnished with a maraschino cherry.
Who was Mary Pickford and why was the cocktail named after her?
Mary Pickford was one of the most famous Hollywood actresses of the silent film era, known as 'America's Sweetheart' and co-founder of United Artists. The cocktail was reportedly created in Havana, Cuba during her visit in the 1920s, when she and actor Douglas Fairbanks traveled there during Prohibition. Bartender Fred Kaufman or Eddie Woelke is often credited with creating the drink in her honor at the Hotel Nacional de Cuba or the Jockey Club.
What is the ABV of a Mary Pickford?
A Mary Pickford typically has an ABV of around 15–20%, as white rum at 40% is diluted substantially by pineapple juice and the small additions of grenadine and maraschino liqueur. The pineapple juice makes up roughly half the drink's volume, significantly reducing the overall alcohol concentration. The result is a fruity, refreshing cocktail with a moderate, approachable strength.
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