Why the cocktail umbrella?

It’s for tourists and people on cruises.
Bars around here will laugh at you if you specifically ask for one.

Maybe, just maybe it’s in case of a rainy day for when you don’t have a drink in hand—so you can cheer up by remembering a lighter moment in life.

It’s so the ice doesn’t sunburn.

@rpmpseudonym- I had never considered that.

I don’t know the real use for them, but I use them to tally how many drinks I’ve had. Very useful in that regard and a fistful can make for a very good weapon.

Why not?

No, they are there to prevent your drink from being watered down by rain when partying outdoors.
Somehow, the tradition came in.

Because umbrellas are just that cool.

I like ‘em in my drinks. I think if I’m in the sun with a cool cocktail, the icy coolness may last a little longer if it is shaded by the cute lil parasol.

@AstroChuck How else are you going to keep your drink from getting all water down when a sudden rain burst hits??

I like them in my morning coffee.
I like foofy coffee.
Yes,I do
Yep.
“Foofy”
Foofy coffee.
:)

It started as a Polynesian thing having to do with the Tiki.

You’re right, Trader Vic’s and the ‘50s exotica boom. Weird that they’re still around, though. FWIW, I don’t use them, I’ll stick with fruit garnishes.