The Marilyn Monroe Cocktail

Can the legend of Marilyn Monroe be summed up in three ingredients? Well, three is the magic number when it comes to making the cocktail inspired by the famed Hollywood actress.

The origins of the Marilyn Monroe cocktail

The Marilyn Monroe cocktail was inspired by the famous blonde bombshell actress of the 1950s and early 1960s. It is said that she was rarely seen without a glass of champagne in her hand. The cocktail was invented at New York’s Waldorf Astoria hotel, near where Monroe filmed the iconic white dress subway grate scene for 'The Seven Year Itch'. The red colour of the drink is reminiscent of Marilyn’s trademark bright red lipstick. The cocktail also includes the addition of apple flavouring as an homage to the Big Apple itself.

Ingredients and how to make it

The Marilyn Monroe cocktail features one of the bombshell's favorite drinks: champagne. A dash of apple brandy and grenadine complete the ensemble. Of course, this special drink deserves not one, but two cherries on top.

We're not sure Marilyn actually enjoyed this cocktail in life, but we do know what she liked to eat. This year marks the 50th anniversary of Marilyn's passing so why not have a drink in her honour? Here's the recipe for the Marilyn Monroe cocktail, courtesy of Drink Mixer:

4 oz. (113 ml) champagne

1 oz. (28 ml) apple brandy

1 tsp. (5 ml) grenadine

After shaking the ingredients with ice, strain into a champagne flute or Martini glass with two cherries on a stick. Serve immediately.