Peninsula Premium Cocktail Cherries - Award Winning Cocktail Garnish

In this review the Peninsula Premium Cocktail Cherries earn a clear recommendation for anyone who cares about elevating cocktails and desserts with a genuine cherry experience; the single biggest reason to buy is their deep, natural fruit flavor and luxurious syrup that outperforms standard maraschino options. These jars deliver real cherry nuance and a rich, silky syrup that makes them especially valuable for classic stirred drinks and plated desserts. The review reflects both delighted reports of cocktail transformation and a few notes on texture and syrup intensity that prospective buyers should expect.

Key Features

• Award Winning: Winner of a 2019 Double Gold SIP Award, which signals strong consumer approval for flavor and quality.
• Luxuriously Rich Flavor: Deep burgundy-red cherries are enrobed in a silky, rich syrup that provides a nutty, fruit-forward sweet-tart profile with faint earthy undertones.
• American Grown & Made: Fruit is sourced from Michigan's Lower Peninsula region, offering seasonally nuanced cherry flavor tied to a specific growing region.
• Natural Ingredients: No artificial coloring or flavoring, and the cherries are gluten free, preservative free, and certified Kosher for ingredient-sensitive buyers.
• Versatile Use: Designed for cocktails like Old Fashioneds and Manhattans but also works well drizzled over ice cream, gelato, or desserts for added depth.
• Generous Count: The 20 oz jar contains about 60 cherries, making it a good value for frequent entertaining or home bars.

Who It's For

These cherries are ideal for home bartenders and professional mixologists who prefer a real fruit garnish with depth rather than a bright, artificial maraschino. They particularly suit bourbon and whiskey cocktails where the cherry's sweet-tart profile complements dark spirits and amplifies cocktail aroma.

Shoppers who prioritize firm, very-resistant fruit texture or who dislike thick, syrupy jars may want to sample a single jar before committing to a multipack, since a minority of users find the cherries soft or the syrup heavier than expected.

Pros & Cons

Pros

• Real, nuanced cherry flavor that lifts classic cocktails and desserts.
• Silky, rich syrup that adds body and balance to drinks without artificial color or flavor.
• American grown and made with clear sourcing from Michigan's Lower Peninsula.
• Good jar yield (about 60 cherries in the 20 oz size) for regular use.

Cons

• Some customers report a softer texture and a syrup that can feel a bit thick, which may not suit those preferring very firm, candy-like cherries.
• Premium profile and flavor mean a higher price than basic maraschino cherries.

Specifications

Our Verdict

The Peninsula Premium Cocktail Cherries are a smart buy for anyone wanting a real cherry upgrade in cocktails and desserts; their award-winning, fruit-forward taste and silky syrup justify the premium and deliver strong value for home bars and entertaining. Those who need very firm, candy-like cherries or want the cheapest option may prefer alternatives, but for flavor and authenticity these cherries stand out.

Frequently Asked Questions

Are these cherries artificially colored?
No, Peninsula Premium Cocktail Cherries use natural color and contain no artificial coloring or flavoring.

How many cherries are in the 20 oz jar?
The 20 oz size contains about 60 cherries, making it suitable for repeated use in cocktails and desserts.

Do they work in classic cocktails like a Manhattan?
Yes, many customers report they are an excellent choice for Manhattans, Old Fashioneds and other bourbon or whiskey drinks due to their rich, sweet-tart profile.