Mary Pickford Recipe
Step into a world of vibrant flavors and cinematic charm with the exquisite Mary-Pickford Cocktail! This truly captivating tropical cocktail, a classic rum-based delight, is a beautiful symphony of sweet and tangy notes. Imagine the smooth, rich base of white rum perfectly complemented by the bright, zesty character of fresh pineapple juice, kissed by the subtle sweetness of Maraschino Liqueur and a delicate blush of Grenadine. It's a sweetened sensation that promises an instant escape to sun-drenched shores, delivering pure tropical bliss in every shaken sip.

The Perfect Mary Pickford
This classic cocktail is particularly beloved for its unique blend of flavors and elegant presentation.
What Makes It Special
- Served Up
- Maraschino Liqueur
- Shaken
- Served in Cocktail Glass
- Pineapple Juice
- Tropical
- Sweetened
- Rum
- Cocktail
Ingredients (Serves 1)
- 4.5 cl fresh pineapple juice
- 0.5 cl Grenadine
- 0.75 cl Maraschino
Step-by-Step Instructions
- Combine the white rum, fresh pineapple juice, Grenadine, and Maraschino into a cocktail shaker filled with ice.
- Shake vigorously until well-chilled, typically for about 15-20 seconds.
- Strain the beautifully mixed contents into a pre-chilled large cocktail glass.
The History Behind the Recipe
The Mary-Pickford Cocktail is whispered to have originated in the glamorous Havana of the 1920s, a golden era when American tourists flocked to Cuba during Prohibition. Named after the beloved silent film star Mary Pickford, often dubbed 'America's Sweetheart,' this elegant drink was purportedly created in her honor during one of her visits to the island. It beautifully captures the spirit of the time: exotic, sophisticated, and undeniably charming, blending the island's signature rum spirit with the fresh, exotic flavors available. It’s a taste of history, a nod to an icon, and a testament to the enduring appeal of well-crafted cocktails.
Presentation and Visual Appeal
When perfectly crafted, the Mary-Pickford Cocktail is a feast for the eyes, presenting a beautiful, translucent golden hue with a delicate rosy blush from the Grenadine. It's elegantly served in a chilled cocktail glass, its smooth surface glistening without the interruption of ice. The classic cocktail glass showcases its clarity and inviting color. A simple, elegant garnish like a crisp pineapple leaf or a vibrant Maraschino cherry perched on the rim adds a final touch of sophistication, signaling the tropical delight within this rum-based classic.
Pro Tips and Variations
This delightful cocktail is traditionally served straight up, meaning it's enjoyed without ice in the glass, ensuring a pure, undiluted flavor experience. Always make sure your cocktail glass is thoroughly chilled beforehand – you can achieve this by filling it with ice water while you prepare the drink, then discarding the ice water just before straining. For an authentic touch and an extra burst of flavor, consider garnishing your Mary-Pickford with a fresh pineapple wedge or a classic Maraschino cherry, celebrating its tropical and sweetened profile. Using fresh pineapple juice is key to unlocking the true vibrancy of this shaken masterpiece.
This cocktail embodies the essence of classic mixology – simple ingredients combined with expert technique to create something truly extraordinary.





