"SPECTACULAR": Mary Pickford

When we were selecting cocktails for the "SPECTACULAR! SPECTACULAR!" event this weekend, I asked a few friends what kind of prohibition cocktails would be appropriate to serve...and fairly simple. 

And these are a few that made the top of the list...

Mary Pickford the cocktail

Although this drink is sometimes misappropriated as a 1940’s creation, it’s actually from 1920 at the Hotel Nacional de Cuba in Havana. The cocktail is variously attributed to a few different people, but the most likely creator is Eddie Woelke, who moved to Cuba during Prohibition and helmed the famed Jockey Bar in Havana. Though the Mary Pickford is not unknown, Woelke is better known as the creator of the El Presidente, a similarly rum-based tipple that has been enjoying a resurgence in popularity. The Mary Pickford is particularly interesting, as its composition is sort of proto-tiki, foreshadowing the tropical concoctions that would become all the rage in Hollywood (and elsewhere) after Prohibition.

Mary Pickford the Legend

Mary Pickford (April 8, 1892 – May 29, 1979) was one of the original 36 founders of the Academy of Motion Picture Arts and Sciences. Known as "America's Sweetheart," "Little Mary" and "The girl with the curls,", Pickford was one of silent film's most important performers and producers, her contract demands were central to shaping the Hollywood industry. In consideration of her contributions to American cinema, the American Film Institute named Pickford 24th among the greatest female film stars of all times.
 
And here's the information about "SPECTACULAR! SPECTACULAR!":
Saturday, April 2...Woodruff-Fontaine House Museum (downstairs in the clubrooms) 680 Adams Avenue
$20 suggested donation at the door to benefit the "spectacular" work that A.P.T.A. Memphis Chapter does at the museum...Period dress or cocktail attire is encouraged.  (You might want to bring a few bills for the "Blind Pig" demonstration of the original cocktail (if you're scratching your head on this one, you'll just have to come to find out!)
 
There will be period exhibits and tutorials throughout the "speakeasy" and lots of great nibbles for your tummy, too!!