Cocktail Cherries

Cocktail cherries are candied or preserved cherries most commonly used as a garnish for cocktails, cakes and other desserts. They are made from pitted cherries preserved in sugar syrup and dyed in bright red, green or other vivid colours. Their flavour is very sweet, with a slightly artificial cherry taste. In the kitchen they serve mainly as decoration, adorning glasses, ice cream sundaes, fruit salads and sweet pastries. In cocktail culture they are an iconic component of classic drinks such as the Manhattan or Shirley Temple.