Who came up with the idea of putting paper umbrellas in cocktails?

Answer 1

The general belief is that the idea came from the famous Trader Vic's restaurant http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Cocktail_umbrella
However, in an interview, Victor J. "Joe" Bergeron III, the son of the founder of Trader Vic's said that his father had borrowed the umbrella idea and a few other things from the Don the Beachcomber restaurants (now defunct), which had pioneered Polynesian-style dining. Prior to that, he believes, they were available in Chinese restaurants, which coincides with the view we've heard elsewhere that the parasol (or at least the idea of putting it in a drink) was a Chinese-American invention.
http://www.straightdope.com/columns/001117.html

Answer 2

I don't know per se whom came up with the idea. The idea was presented at the 1889 World's Expositiion in Paris presenting the Eiffle Tower. At that time Oriental and Eastern influences were being infused into Western Culture with the advent of the art nouvou period. I believe the umbrellas were used as a garnish for lemonade which was making its debut.
Fairs and expositions were and still are used today to present new and different ideas, technologies and arts on a broad scale.

Answer 3

The paper umbrella manufacturing companies.

Answer 4

I don't know, but Charles Memminger, writer for the Honolulu Star newspaper, wrote a book called "Hey Waiter, There's an Umbrella in My Drink."
He might know.

Answer 5

The paper umbrella sales and marketing team.

Answer 6

it came from the chinese way back in the 16th century when they had a festivity on umbrellas wherein each beverage establishments came up on a garnish to every drink they were offering.

Answer 7

Harry K. Yee, 1959

Answer 8

I first saw them at the Chinese resturant many years ago. They look like somehting they would mass produce .. a chinese festive thingy...aren't they cute?

Answer 9

Del boy Trotter of course:-)

Answer 10

harry k. yee the king of the daiquiris and mixed drinks.....