Traverse City Whiskey Co. Premium Cocktail Cherries are crafted from Northern Michigan Balaton cherries, harvested exclusively from orchards in Traverse City, Michigan — known as the "Cherry Capital of the World." These large, plump, firm, dark burgundy cherries are all-natural, gluten free, stemless, and certified Kosher, available in a 16 oz jar with a two-year shelf life.

The cherries are prepared using a traditional "hot-filled" process: the Balaton cherries are heated in copper pots to near-boiling, while a simple syrup made with Traverse City Straight Bourbon Whiskey is separately brought to a full boil — a process that burns off all of the alcohol. The cherries are then jarred and backfilled with this boiling bourbon-infused syrup, resulting in a sweet and tart profile with a hint of bourbon flavor. Traverse City Whiskey Co. is one of the only producers to both grow and jar their cocktail cherries entirely within the United States, a tradition rooted in the co-founder's family four-generation farming heritage in northern Michigan.

These cherries are the go-to garnish for classic cocktails including the Old Fashioned, Manhattan, and Cherry Smash. A spoonful of the syrup can also be stirred directly into a whiskey sour or other drinks. Beyond the bar, they serve as an indulgent topping for ice cream sundaes, cheesecakes, and other desserts.