Who invented the little umbrellas

Cocktail umbrellas have the power to instantly bring a smile to your face. But like tiki lore itself, these tiny parasols come with a deep history and a bit of mystery, too. While none of this info will deliver earth-shattering knowledge, it will provide a few fun facts to drop on your drinking companions as you spin your umbrellas fancifully between your fingers.

Decorated full-sized parasols have been used in Chinese society for about two thousand years. But during the 20th-century cultural exchange between the East and West facilitated by WWII, those umbrellas shrunk to fit neatly in a tiki mug. Harry Yee of the Hilton Waikiki, the same tropical genius who gave the world the Blue Hawaii , is one prime suspect for tiki umbrella inventor. What started as a fringe teen fad like the hula hoop also a Tiki-led fad or rollerskates became a legitimate sport by the end of the decade.

Which is where we get today, with 8 cent umbrellas, flamingo stirrers and tiki heads on your vintage Mambo boardies. A callback to a simpler time, when the world was just beginning to open up to the middle class. The drinks got stronger, the music more exotic, and little umbrellas popped up everywhere.

For editorial inquiries. For product inquiries. Who invented the 'cocktail parasol'? Well, there are three giants of the cocktail world, and of tiki culture who lay claim to the massive legacy of the tiny umbrella.

Big world, tiny umbrella. Donn Beach low-key rocking tiki vibes. Victor J. Trader Vic himself. Harry Yee Harry Yee who is still with us, and about to turn ! Is there some way that Harry can adopt us?

So no definitive answers. Time for a tangent. Aloha Hawaii By the s, we had a triple-pronged Tiki trident piercing the public consciousness with Hawaiiana; Elvis, jetplanes, and surfing. We may never know which Donn, Vic or Harry invented the umbrella. Sign up. As with most aspects of cocktail lore, the exact purpose of the umbrella is lost to history.

Not so, says DeGroff. The big paper umbrellas were sunscreens, but the little ones were decorative. Others have claimed that the original tiki chains used the garnishes to get more women into bars. This one is more difficult to verify, because who can argue with a beautiful garnish? Regardless of what you believe its purpose to be, the cocktail umbrella is here to stay.

Next time you stroll up to the bar, order your tiki drink with pride, and embrace the tiny thrill of the tiny umbrella that comes with it. Friend's Email Address. Your Name. Your Email Address. Send Email.

Tales of the Cocktail Foundation.