The Mary Pickford cocktail was created in the early 1920s and is thought to have originated in Havana, Cuba’s capital and largest city. At the time, Havana was a popular destination for American tourists and expatriates seeking refuge from Prohibition in the United States. Cuba’s vibrant bar scene, coupled with the availability of high-quality rum, made it a hotspot for cocktail innovation.
Legend has it that the drink was created in honor of Mary Pickford during her visit to Havana with her then-husband, actor Douglas Fairbanks, and their friend, Charlie Chaplin. The exact bartender responsible for the recipe is disputed, but one popular attribution is to Fred Kaufmann, a bartender at the Sevilla-Biltmore Hotel in Havana.
The cocktail is named after Mary Pickford, one of the most famous actresses of the silent film era and a co-founder of United Artists and the Academy of Motion Picture Arts and Sciences. Known then as ‘America’s Sweetheart,’ Pickford was an icon of her time, and her name added an air of sophistication and allure to the drink.
The cocktail is usually a tropical blend of white rum, fresh pineapple juice, grenadine and Maraschino liqueur. As an addition to our Refresh the Fiesta cocktail specials menu, we’ve added our signature Revolución de Cuba twist to enhance its distinct flavour.
Diplomático Mantuano rum is mixed with Amaretto to create a deep and rich taste, bringing to life the Venezuelan rum’s notes of dark chocolate, nuts, caramel, and vanilla. Fresh pineapple and Maraschino Cherry achieves its fruity uplift and iconic pink hue.
Explore the rest of our Refresh the Fiesta cocktail specials with Diplomático rum, El Jimador tequila and Woodford Reserve bourbon below.