Sips & Sites & Bites

Tempus Fugit Spirits, known for recreating historic spirits, recently dropped their newest masterpiece, cocktail cherries. 

The makers at Tempus Fugit created their 19th Century Style Cocktail Cherries to pay homage to the golden age of cocktail culture when discerning bar patrons sought the perfect finishing touch for their drinks. 

For these cherries, they were preserved using premium Kirsch and genuine Gum Arabic, which deliver an authentic garnish that harkens back to the past.

John Troia, founder of Tempus Fugit Spirits, said their 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, they introduce the 19th Century Style Cocktail Cherries, “which proudly exemplify our commitment to authenticity and quality,” he said.

Back in the day, it was common 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, candied and preserved in a rich, spiced sugar syrup. 

Troia said that 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 made to the exact specifications of a 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 brings a crunch and a chewy texture that provides substance to the garnish, and allows it to hold up well in cocktails.

You can find Tempus Fugit Spirits’ 19th Century Style Cocktail Cherries in most major U.S. markets, they come in two sizes: 225g (32 cherries) for $12.99 and 415g (60 cherries) for $19.99. 

For more information, check out www.tempusfugitspirits.com/cocktail-cherries.