The Mary Pickford drink is a classic cocktail that is said to have been created by either Fred Kaufman or Eddie Woelke, two American bartenders who were based in Havana during Prohibition. The exact origin of the cocktail is a bit murky, but legend has it that it was made for the famous actress Mary Pickford while she was filming a movie with her husband, Douglas Fairbanks, and their friend, Charlie Chaplin.
The ingredients of a Mary Pickford drink are rum, pineapple juice, grenadine, and maraschino liqueur. Let's take a closer look at each of these components:
1. Rum: The base spirit of the Mary Pickford cocktail is rum. Traditionally, light or white rum is used, which has a more delicate and subtle flavor profile. However, you can also experiment with other types of rum, such as golden or aged rum, to add more depth and complexity to the drink. The choice of rum can greatly influence the overall taste of the cocktail.
2. Pineapple Juice: The addition of pineapple juice gives the Mary Pickford drink its tropical and fruity character. It provides a sweet and tangy flavor that complements the rum beautifully. Freshly squeezed pineapple juice is preferred, but you can also use store-bought juice if fresh pineapples are not readily available.
3. Grenadine: Grenadine is a syrup made from pomegranate juice and sugar. It adds a touch of sweetness and a vibrant red color to the cocktail. Be sure to choose a high-quality grenadine that is made from real pomegranate juice, as some commercial brands may contain artificial flavors and colors.
4. Maraschino Liqueur: Maraschino liqueur is made from the distillation of Marasca cherries. It has a unique flavor profile that is slightly sweet with hints of almond and cherry. The addition of maraschino liqueur in the Mary Pickford drink adds a subtle complexity and a floral note to the overall taste.
To make a Mary Pickford cocktail, you will need to combine these ingredients in the right proportions. Here's a classic recipe to get you started:
– 2 oz rum
– 2 oz pineapple juice
– 1 tsp grenadine
– 1 tsp maraschino liqueur
1. Fill a cocktail shaker with ice.
2. Add the rum, pineapple juice, grenadine, and maraschino liqueur to the shaker.
3. Shake vigorously for about 15-20 seconds to chill the ingredients and mix them together.
4. Strain the cocktail into a chilled glass, such as a coupe or a martini glass.
5. Garnish with a maraschino cherry or a pineapple wedge, if desired.
The result is a refreshing and tropical cocktail with a beautiful pink hue. The combination of rum, pineapple juice, grenadine, and maraschino liqueur creates a well-balanced drink that is both sweet and tangy, with subtle hints of cherry and almond.
It's worth noting that there are variations of the Mary Pickford drink that may incorporate additional ingredients or adjust the ratios to suit personal preferences. Some recipes may call for lime juice to add a touch of acidity, while others may suggest using different types of rum for added complexity. Feel free to experiment and tailor the drink to your own taste.
The Mary Pickford drink is a classic cocktail that pays homage to the famous actress. Its combination of rum, pineapple juice, grenadine, and maraschino liqueur creates a delightful tropical libation that is both sweet and tangy. Whether you enjoy it as a refreshing sipper on a hot summer day or as a tribute to the Golden Age of Hollywood, the Mary Pickford cocktail is sure to please your taste buds.