Bright, tropical, and utterly timeless, the Mary Pickford cocktail is a Prohibition-era classic named after the silent film icon who helped shape early Hollywood. Made with white rum, pineapple juice, grenadine, and a splash of maraschino liqueur, it's fruity but not childish—sweet with an edge. This isn't just a drink; it's a tribute to LA's golden age of cinema in every sip.
From Beverly Hills poolside lounges to Malibu beach weddings, the Mary Pickford cocktail adds a splash of Old Hollywood glamour to any modern Los Angeles affair.
Ingredients (One Serving)
- 2 oz White Rum (Cuban-style or light rum preferred)
- 1 oz Fresh Pineapple Juice
- ½ oz Grenadine (quality, not syrupy!)
- ¼ oz Maraschino Liqueur
- Maraschino cherry or pineapple slice (garnish)
- Ice
- Coupe or martini glass
LA Local Tip: For premium white rums, visit Everson Royce in Pasadena or The Whisky Exchange in LA. Want to go ultra-local? Look for LA-distilled options like Mulholland Rum or Loft & Bear's experimental batches for a fresh California twist.
How to Make the Mary Pickford Cocktail
1. Chill the glass.
Start by chilling your coupe or martini glass in the freezer or filling it with ice water.
- Build your cocktail.
Add 2 oz white rum, 1 oz pineapple juice, ½ oz grenadine, and ¼ oz maraschino liqueur to a cocktail shaker filled with ice. - Shake it like Hollywood drama.
Shake hard for about 15 seconds. This helps aerate the pineapple juice and gives it a beautiful frothy finish. - Double strain into a chilled glass.
Use both the cocktail and fine mesh strainers to get a silky, pulp-free pour. - Garnish with flair.
Top it with a maraschino cherry or a slice of pineapple—make it camera-ready.
Why LA Is Falling for the Mary Pickford Again
The Mary Pickford fits LA's vibe like a vintage film poster in a modern loft. It's nostalgic, photogenic, and endlessly drinkable. Whether you're hosting:
- A rooftop soirée in Downtown LA
- A speakeasy-themed birthday in Studio City
- A film screening party in Burbank
- A bridal brunch in Venice Beach
This drink delivers glamour without pretension. Plus, the pineapple and rum combo plays perfectly with California's sunshine, seafood, and fusion cuisine. Other drinks are worth checking out too.
FAQs
Is the Mary Pickford sweet?
Yes—but balanced. The pineapple juice and grenadine add fruity depth, but the rum keeps things grounded. It's not sugary—it's sophisticated.
Can I use dark rum instead?
Not recommended. This cocktail is all about light, bright flavors. Stick with white or silver rum for the intended effect.
Is it good for events?
Absolutely. Party Shakers often batch Mary Pickfords cocktail in beautiful glass jugs or serve them freshly shaken at custom bars. It's one of our top requested classics for weddings and film-themed events.
Raise a Glass to Hollywood's Golden Age – Book the Mary Pickford in LA
There's no better way to honor LA's cinematic roots than with the cocktail named after the Queen of Silent Film. It's tropical, timeless, and unforgettable—just like the city itself.
✅ Poured by Party Shakers across LA County: Hollywood, Glendale, Manhattan Beach, San Gabriel Valley & more
✅ Available with our "Old Hollywood" signature cocktail series
✅ Garnish upgrade options: gold-dusted cherries, edible flowers, or dehydrated pineapple rings
✅ Served by mixologists who know the story and the style