Mary Pickford Cocktail Recipe

Mary Pickford Nutrition Facts

Calories:230

Fat:0g

Protein:0g

Carbohydrates:22g

Alcohol:14%

Created by

Nic Polotnianko

I fell in love with the art of mixology 6 years ago. Since then, I've honed my skills, crafting a myriad of cocktail recipes, and sharing my passion with other enthusiasts.

Last Updated: August 23, 2024

History

The Mary Pickford cocktail is named after the famous silent film actress and was created in the 1920s during Prohibition. It is said to have been first mixed by a bartender named Eddie Woelke at the Hotel Nacional de Cuba in Havana, Cuba. Mary Pickford was a frequent visitor to Cuba and the cocktail quickly became popular among the Hollywood elite.

  • The cocktail is a classic example of Prohibition-era cocktails, which often featured fruit juices to mask the taste of lower-quality alcohol.
  • It is a popular choice for those who enjoy fruity and tropical flavors in their cocktails.

How Mary Pickford Tastes?

The Mary Pickford cocktail is a delightful blend of sweet, tangy, and fruity flavors. The pineapple juice and grenadine give it a tropical sweetness, while the maraschino liqueur adds a hint of cherry and almond. The rum provides a smooth and slightly warming finish.

Interesting facts about Mary Pickford

  • The cocktail is named after Mary Pickford, a Canadian-American actress and one of the most famous silent film stars of the 1920s.
  • Mary Pickford was a co-founder of United Artists, a film studio that allowed actors to have more control over their careers.
  • The Mary Pickford cocktail is sometimes referred to as a 'forgotten classic' due to its lesser-known status compared to other Prohibition-era cocktails.

Ingredients

White rum

White rum provides the alcoholic backbone of the cocktail. Its subtle flavors don't overpower the mixed flavors but add a nice kick. Missing it would be like forgetting the bass line in a song – you'll notice something's off. As for alternatives, try using a light agave spirit for a Mary Pickford with a Mexican twist.

Alex Green

Pineapple juice

It's tropical! It's tart! It adds both sweetness and acidity to the drink, balancing out the strong flavors of the alcohol. No pineapple juice? The cocktail loses its 'vacation vibe'. Alternative: Mango juice could provide a similarly exotic but slightly different taste.

Emma Rose

Maraschino liqueur

This adds a hint of cherry flavor and a touch of almond-like notes which gives the cocktail depth. Leaning out the maraschino would be like missing the last piece of a jigsaw puzzle - it's nearly complete, but not quite. Another option could be a splash of amaretto if you're searching for a nuttier profile.

Mary Mitkina

Grenadine

Grenadine provides sweetness and a delightful rosy color. Like choosing the perfect tie or scarf, it's about adding that final touch. Without it, the drink would be duller in flavor and appearance. An alternative: A dash of raspberry syrup could work for a slightly different berry sweetness.

Alex Green

Maraschino cherry

This is not just a garnish; it's an edible teaser of what's to come. Take it away, and you remove the ceremonial finish. A twist? An actual cherry, if you're feeling fancy and want a burst of fresh fruitiness in every sip.

Emma Rose

Pineapple wedge

A slice of the tropics hanging on the rim of your glass, intensifying the anticipation with its fruity perfume. Skipping this would be like serving a birthday cake without candles - it just takes away some of the fun. Want to spice things up? Try a sprig of fresh mint for an aromatic garnish.

Mary Mitkina

Recipe. How to make Mary Pickford Drink

  1. Fill a cocktail shaker with ice.
  2. Add the white rum, pineapple juice, maraschino liqueur, and grenadine to the shaker.
  3. Shake well until chilled and combined.
  4. Strain the mixture into a chilled cocktail glass.
  5. Garnish with a maraschino cherry and a pineapple wedge.

Pro Tips

  • Chill your glass before pouring the cocktail to keep it cool longer.
  • Use fresh pineapple juice for a brighter, fresher flavor.
  • Shake the cocktail vigorously to fully combine and chill the ingredients.

Perfect Pairings

Appetizers

  • Grilled Shrimp: The sweetness of the cocktail complements the natural flavors of seafood.
  • Coconut Chicken Skewers: The tropical notes pair well with the coconut's sweetness.

Desserts

  • Lemon Tart: The acidity of the lemon contrasts nicely with the sweetness of the cocktail.
  • Tropical Fruit Salad: Echoes the pineapple in the cocktail for a harmonious finish.

Cheese

  • Brie: The creamy texture and mild taste of brie counter the strength of the white rum.
  • Gouda: The subtle sweetness of gouda pairs nicely with the fruity notes.

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What you could change in Mary Pickford

  • White rum: Can be substituted with light rum or coconut rum for a different flavor profile.
  • Maraschino liqueur: Can be replaced with cherry brandy or cherry liqueur.
  • Grenadine: Can be replaced with a homemade version made from pomegranate juice and sugar.

Explore all drinks starting with M here

And of course - twists🍹

Spicy Mary Pickford

  • Sub grenadine with spicy mango syrup.
  • Add a small slice of jalapeño into the shaker. This twist will add a kick that contrasts with the sweetness, creating an exciting flavor profile that adventurous souls will love.

Herbal Mary Pickford

  • Add a few fresh basil leaves into the shaker before adding the other ingredients. It offers an herbaceous twist to the cocktail, introducing a fragrant aroma that transforms the tropical sweetness into a more complex taste.

Berry Mary Pickford

  • Substitute pineapple juice with raspberry puree.
  • Use Chambord in place of maraschino liqueur. This variation swaps the tropical for the temperate, giving a burst of berry which dominates the palate and introduces a lovely deep rose color to the drink.

In case you forgot basics how to make Mary Pickford

Add your ingredients to the shaker first, then ice. Fill it up to ¾ of its capacity to ensure enough space for shaking. Hold the shaker with both hands (one on the top and one on the bottom) and shake vigorously. The shake should come from your shoulders, not your wrists.

Learn everything on how to shake

Place your chosen strainer on top of the shaker or mixing glass, ensuring a secure fit. Pour the cocktail into a glass through the strainer, which will catch solid ingredients and ice. If double straining, hold the fine mesh strainer between the shaker and the glass.

Learn everything on how to strain

Garnishing a bar drink depends on the type of garnish and the cocktail. Generally, it involves preparing the garnish (like cutting a citrus wheel or picking a sprig of mint), and then adding it to the drink in a visually appealing way (like perching it on the rim or floating it on top).

Learn everything on garnishing

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Frequently Asked Questions on Mary Pickford

What is the best season to enjoy Mary Pickford?

As it contains tropical flavors, it is perfect for the summer season. However, it can be enjoyed anytime of the year.

Is it a strong cocktail?

With a 14% alcohol content, it is a moderately strong cocktail.

Why is it less popular than other Prohibition-era cocktails?

Given its unique and exquisite taste, it is not really less popular but rather, lesser-known. Some cocktails from the Prohibition era like the Sidecar or White Lady are more recognized globally.

How do I store leftover cocktail mixture?

If you have leftover cocktail, you can store it in the refrigerator, although it's recommended to drink it freshly made.

Is there a non-alcoholic version of Mary Pickford?

Yes, if you wish to enjoy a non-alcoholic Mary Pickford simply replace rum with soda water or coconut water.

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