A classic from the golden age of cocktails, the Mary Pickford is light, fruity, and just a little bit glamorous—kind of like the silent film star it’s named after. With its tropical flavors and pretty pink hue, this drink feels like a mini vacation in a glass. I’ve made this cocktail countless times for friends, especially during the warmer months, and it never fails to get compliments.
Mary Pickford
What You’ll Need
Prep time: 5 minutes
Servings: 1 cocktail
Glass: Cocktail or coupe glass
Ingredients
– 2 oz (60 ml) white rum
– 2 oz (60 ml) fresh pineapple juice
– 1 tsp (5 ml) maraschino liqueur
– 1 tsp (5 ml) grenadine
– 1 maraschino cherry, for garnish
Method
- Chill your glass. Pop your cocktail or coupe glass in the freezer while you prep the drink. A cold glass keeps things crisp and refreshing.
- Shake it up. Fill a cocktail shaker with ice. Pour in the rum, pineapple juice, maraschino liqueur, and grenadine.
- Shake well. Give it a good shake—about 15 seconds—until the outside of the shaker feels cold. That’s how you know it’s properly chilled.
- Strain and serve. Take your chilled glass out of the freezer, strain the drink into it, and drop in a maraschino cherry for that classic touch.
Tips for the Best Mary Pickford
- Use fresh pineapple juice if you can—it really makes a difference. Bottled works in a pinch, but fresh brings out a brighter flavor.
- Don’t overdo the grenadine. Just a teaspoon is enough to give it that rosy color and gentle sweetness. Too much can make it syrupy.
- Shake with plenty of ice to get that nice chill and a touch of dilution, which helps balance the sweetness.
Make-Ahead & Storage
You can mix the rum, pineapple juice, maraschino liqueur, and grenadine ahead of time and store it in the fridge for up to a day. Just shake with ice right before serving.
Leftovers? Store any extra (without ice) in a sealed jar in the fridge for up to 24 hours. Give it a quick shake or stir before pouring.
Swaps & Substitutions
– No maraschino liqueur? A splash of cherry brandy or cherry juice works in a pinch.
– Want it less sweet? Use tart cherry juice instead of grenadine.
– No cocktail shaker? Use a mason jar with a tight lid—it gets the job done.
Serving Suggestions
This cocktail is bright and fruity, so it pairs well with light, flavorful bites. Here are some of my go-to pairings:
Tropical Fruit Salad
The pineapple in the drink complements fresh mango, kiwi, and papaya beautifully. A drizzle of lime juice over the fruit makes it pop.
Spicy Shrimp Skewers
A little heat from the shrimp balances the Mary Pickford’s sweetness. Grill them with a bit of chili and garlic for extra flavor.
Cheese Plate
Go for salty, aged cheeses like Manchego or sharp cheddar. Add some dried fruit and nuts, and you’ve got an easy, elegant snack.
Recipe Variations
I thought I’d share a few fun twists I’ve tried while perfecting this recipe over the years:
Frozen Mary Pickford
– Add all ingredients to a blender with 1 cup (240 ml) of ice.
– Blend until smooth and pour into a chilled glass.
– Garnish with a cherry or pineapple wedge.
Spiced Mary Pickford
– Add a pinch of ground cinnamon or nutmeg before shaking.
– Shake and strain as usual.
– Sprinkle a little extra spice on top for aroma.
Modern Mary Pickford
– Prepare the drink as usual.
– Top with a splash of club soda for a bit of fizz.
Virgin Mary Pickford
– Mix 2 oz (60 ml) pineapple juice with 1 tsp (5 ml) cherry juice and a splash of soda water.
– Serve over ice with a cherry garnish.
FAQs
What gives the Mary Pickford its pink color?
That comes from the grenadine—it adds both color and a touch of fruity sweetness.
Can I use canned pineapple juice?
Yes, but fresh juice gives a brighter, more vibrant flavor. If you use canned, go for one without added sugar.
What kind of rum works best?
White rum is the classic choice—it’s light and lets the fruit flavors shine. You can try coconut rum for a twist.
How do I make it less sweet?
Cut back on the grenadine or swap it for tart cherry juice or pomegranate syrup.
What’s the best garnish?
A maraschino cherry is traditional, but a small pineapple wedge or twist of lime peel also works nicely.
Can I make this for a group?
Absolutely! Just multiply the ingredients and mix in a pitcher. Shake in batches with ice when ready to serve.
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The Mary Pickford is one of those cocktails that’s easy to love—simple to make, lovely to look at, and full of tropical flavor. Whether you’re sipping it on a sunny patio or mixing up a batch for friends, it brings a little sparkle to the moment.
