Mary Pickford Cocktail Recipe

There’s something undeniably satisfying about combining the tropical tang of pineapple with the smooth punch of white rum—let me walk you through my go-to cocktail that’s like a mini-vacation in a glass. 🍹

I am thrilled to let you in on the Mary Pickford Cocktail, a delightful classic that unites the bright, light, and crisp properties of white rum with the sweet, fresh, and ever-so-slightly tangy nature of fresh pineapple juice. Its delicate combination of maraschino liqueur and grenadine adds depth to this uncomplicated drink, and the finish—with a luscious maraschino cherry in place—makes it so inviting you might want to seem like a professional actress and enjoy one in a darkened theater.

Ingredients

• White Rum: The base spirit, offers a smooth, light body with warming notes.
• Fresh Pineapple Juice: Adds tropical sweetness and a touch of acidity, rich in vitamin C.
• Maraschino Liqueur: Cherry-flavored with a unique almond finish, enhancing complexity.
• Grenadine: Delivers vibrant red color and hints of tart berry sweetness.
• Maraschino Cherry: Classic garnish, providing a burst of sweetness with a hint of almond.

Ingredient Quantities

• 2 oz white rum
• 1 oz fresh pineapple juice
• 1/4 oz maraschino liqueur
• 1/4 oz grenadine
• Garnish: maraschino cherry

How to Make this

1. Cool a coupe or cocktail glass by filling it with ice water. Set it aside.

2. Pour 2 oz of white rum into a cocktail shaker.

3. 1 oz of fresh pineapple juice, pour in.

4. Add 1/4 oz. of maraschino liqueur to the shaker.

5. Take 1/4 ounce of grenadine syrup and pour it in.

6. Load the shaker with ice.

7. Ensure that the lid of the shaker is firmly in place, and then shake the contents of the shaker energetically for approximately 15 seconds or so, or until you feel that they are adequately chilled.

8. Pour out the ice water from the cold glass.

9. Strain the mixture into the glass.

10. Before serving, garnish with a cherry maraschino.

Equipment Needed

1. Coupe or cocktail glass
2. Ice
3. Cocktail shaker with lid
4. Measuring jigger
5. Strainer
6. Spoon (for stirring, optional)

FAQ

• What type of rum should I use?Select a light or white rum to keep the traditional flavor profile of the Mary Pickford cocktail.
• Can I use canned pineapple juice instead of fresh?The best flavor comes from fresh pineapple juice, but if it isn’t available, use canned.
• What’s a good substitute for maraschino liqueur?If maraschino liqueur is not available, a cherry liqueur can be substituted. However, the flavor will be slightly different.
• Is homemade grenadine better than store-bought?Grenadine, made from pomegranate juice and sugar, is typically richer than many purchased versions.
• Can I make this cocktail ahead of time?Mix the ingredients just before serving for the freshest taste. If you prefer, though, you can prepare the ingredients in advance and combine them when you’re ready.
• Does the type of cherry used for garnish matter?For a classic maraschino cherry, you can’t go wrong, but if you’re looking for something with more integrity, you might prefer a natural cherry.

Mary Pickford Cocktail Recipe Substitutions and Variations

Light-aged rum: Substitue your white rum with light-aged rum for a slightly different depth of flavor.
Pineapple juice from a fresh pineapple: You can use canned pineapple juice, but it’s better if you choose juice with no added sugar for a taste most similar to fresh pineapple.
Maraschino liqueur: Cherry brandy or cherry liqueur may be used in its stead, though it might slightly change the flavor profile.
Pomegranate syrup can be used as an alternative to grenadine.
Maraschino cherry: A fresher alternative is to use a cherry picked straight from the wild and served as nature intended.

Pro Tips

1. Use Fresh Ingredients For the best flavor, make sure to use fresh pineapple juice instead of canned or bottled juice. It adds a vibrant, natural sweetness and aroma to the cocktail.

2. Pre-Chill the Shaker and Glass Besides chilling the glass with ice water, you can also chill the cocktail shaker before use. This helps keep the drink as cold as possible when shaking and serving.

3. Adjust Sweetness Taste the cocktail before serving and adjust the sweetness if necessary. Depending on your preference and the sweetness of the pineapple juice used, you might want to add a touch more grenadine or balance with a squeeze of fresh lime juice.

4. Enhance Garnish Presentation Instead of simply placing a maraschino cherry, consider skewering it with a small piece of pineapple or an orange slice for added visual appeal and flavor.

5. Experiment with Rum Varieties While the recipe calls for white rum, try experimenting with different types of rum, such as gold or aged rum, to find the depth of flavor that suits your taste.