LOS ANGELES – A classic is back—and it’s for a cause. Tryst Hospitality has reimagined the legendary Elizabeth Taylor Chocolate Martini, originally crafted by Taylor and Rock Hudson on the set of Giant in 1955. The decadent cocktail now shakes up Tito’s Vodka, Kahlúa, and chocolate syrup, served over ice and poured up smooth and rich—just the way the Hollywood icon would have liked.
But this isn’t just a nod to old Hollywood glamour. For every martini sold, $1 is donated to The Elizabeth Taylor AIDS Foundation (ETAF), supporting programs aimed at creating an AIDS-free future.
From West Hollywood to a Global Stage
Tryst Hospitality has made The Abbey in West Hollywood the hub of this ongoing initiative, hosting World AIDS Day events, tree lightings, and community fundraisers. Now, the effort is expanding across Tryst’s other venues:
- The Abbey & The Chapel at The Abbey (West Hollywood)
- Tryst Puerto Vallarta
- Tryst Fire Island (opening 2026)
- Tryst San Juan (under renovation)
- Circo San Juan (opening Fall 2025)
- The Blue Whale & Pavilion (Fire Island Pines)
Each location guarantees annual donations to ETAF, with additional contributions matched by liquor brands whenever possible.
A Toast to Elizabeth Taylor’s Legacy
For Tryst Hospitality founder Tristan Schukraft, the cocktail is more than a drink—it’s a tribute.
“Elizabeth Taylor talked about AIDS publicly before anyone else would,” Schukraft said. “She hosted the first fundraisers, stood beside our community when others wouldn’t, and used her voice when it mattered most. In life, she was our champion—and in death, she continues to be.”
ETAF Executive Director Cathy Brown echoed the sentiment, noting,
“Elizabeth believed in using every platform to raise awareness and funds for the fight against HIV. This initiative brings her spirit into spaces where community thrives.”
Schukraft, a tech entrepreneur who recently expanded into hospitality, has brought the same vision and passion that fueled his business ventures into Fire Island’s Pines district, blending community, culture, and charitable giving.
How to Enjoy
The Elizabeth Taylor Chocolate Martini is now available at participating Tryst Hospitality venues. Guests can sip a luxurious cocktail while supporting a cause that Taylor championed during her lifetime—and continues to inspire today.
For more information about ETAF and its programs, visit www.etaf.org.
Raise your glass to a legend, a cause, and a cocktail that keeps Elizabeth Taylor’s legacy alive, one decadent sip at a time.
