About the Mary Pickford cocktail

The Mary Pickford cocktail is a glamorous relic of the Prohibition era, created in the 1920s at the famed Hotel Nacional de Cuba in Havana.

Named after the Canadian-American silent film actress Mary Pickford — one of the most famous women in the world at the time — the drink embodies the elegance and intrigue of Hollywood’s golden age.

The combination of light rum, pineapple juice, grenadine, and a touch of maraschino liqueur reflects the Caribbean influence while still catering to the tastes of American visitors flocking to Cuba during Prohibition.

Sweet, tropical, and a little mysterious, it remains one of the era’s enduring cocktails.

What Makes the Mary Pickford Cocktail Special

The Mary Pickford is a study in balance. At first glance, it looks like a sweet tropical drink, but it offers more depth than expected.

The pineapple juice brings freshness, the grenadine adds color and subtle sweetness, and the maraschino liqueur contributes a delicate nuttiness and cherry-almond complexity that elevates the whole cocktail.

Served in a coupe, it has that elegant, Old Hollywood flair — both approachable and sophisticated.

Spirit Swaps and Food Pairings

• Use a darker rum for added body and depth if you prefer a less light, more robust drink.

• Swap maraschino liqueur with a dash of cherry brandy if needed, though the liqueur is more traditional.

• For a drier edge, reduce the grenadine slightly and let the pineapple shine.

Pair this cocktail with light appetizers like ceviche, shrimp cocktail, or tropical fruit skewers.

It also works beautifully alongside Cuban dishes such as empanadas or roasted pork.

Why It Endures

The Mary Pickford is more than just a tropical rum drink — it’s a snapshot of cocktail history tied to a cultural icon.

Its vibrant pink hue and layered flavors make it as photogenic today as it was when silent film stars were its biggest fans.