Tempus Fugit Unveils Some Old Style Cocktail Cherries

Tempus Fugit Spirits, renowned for meticulously recreating historic spirits the way they were originally produced in the 19th Century, is proud to announce its newest masterpiece – cocktail cherries. In a delightful nod to the past, Tempus Fugit 19th Century Style Cocktail Cherries pay homage to the golden age of cocktail culture when discerning bar patrons sought the perfect finishing touch for their drinks. These cherries, preserved using premium Kirsch and genuine Gum Arabic, deliver an authentic garnish that reliably replicates the drinking experience of the past.

John Troia, Founder of Tempus Fugit Spirits, remarked, “At Tempus Fugit Spirits, our mission is to honor the legacy of classic cocktail ingredients, preserving the essence of time-tested traditions and crafting exceptional spirits that transport the imbiber to a different era. After three years of research and recipe testing, we’re ready to introduce our 19th Century Style Cocktail Cherries, which proudly exemplify our commitment to authenticity and quality.”

At the turn of the 19th Century, it was de rigueur among patrons of the finest establishments to request their Manhattans and Old Fashioneds to be garnished with cherries of the utmost distinction. These inaugural “cocktail cherries” were no ordinary fruit but a refined variety, lovingly candied and preserved in a rich, spiced sugar syrup. A major distinction between the traditional style of the 1890s and the cherries often found today, was the use of a subtle cherry distillate, Kirsch, which imparted a unique depth of flavor to the original recipes.

Tempus Fugit cherries are prepared according to a classic, pre-Prohibition recipe using dense cherries candied in a Kirsch-based syrup for added complexity and flavor. The addition of Gum Arabic contributes a velvety texture to the spiced sugar syrup that doesn’t simply dissipate in a cocktail, but subtly enhances the mouthfeel without having to overload the syrup with sugar and glucose. The use of wild Amarena cherries in the recipe imparts a crunch and a chewy texture that provides substance to the garnish, and allows it to hold up to even the most intimidating cocktail pick.

Tempus Fugit Spirits’ 19th Century Style Cocktail Cherries are now available in most major U.S. markets in two sizes: 225g (32 cherries) for SRP $12.99 and 415g (60 cherries) for SRP $19.99.