National Cherries Jubilee Day 2023: Date, History, Activities

National Cherries Jubilee Day is observed on September 24 and honors a unique delicacy that deserves more appreciation. Cherries jubilee is a dessert consisting of cherries and intoxicant, typically brandy or Kirschwasser. Originally, the cherries were simply poached in a sugary syrup and served with heated brandy, which was set on fire before being served to guests for a dramatic effect. In modern recipes, the cherries are served with ice cream, but the fire is still an integral element of this dish. Cherries jubilee was first served at one of the jubilee celebrations of Queen Victoria and the popularity for the dessert skyrocketed during her reign. It was considered an extremely trendy dessert to serve to visitors. In the 1950s and 1960s, the dessert made a revival, and now this classic dessert has acquired a new retro reputation. On September 24, in honor of National Cherries Jubilee Day, we invite you to indulge with us in this dramatic confection.

The background of National Cherries Jubilee Day

Cherries are one of the most popular berries in the United States, and there are hundreds of cherry-themed dishes to prove it. But unlike cherry pie, cherry salad, cherry-cranberry jelly, cherried pork, and dozens of other desserts, appetizers, and even main courses that include this berry, cherries jubilee have a regal history. As one of the desserts served at the jubilees of Queen Victoria in the late 1800s, cherries jubilee not only delivers on the cherries, but it does so with regal dignity and royal flair. Did we mention that flaming fruits jubilee are served? This classic confection is served flambé, which means that it is lit on fire when it is placed on the table. Despite being dramatic and spectacular, this fire has little effect on the flavor of the dessert. After the cherries have been poached in syrup, they are blended with alcohol, customarily brandy or, more recently, Kirschwasser liqueur. When the dish is ignited, this alcohol burns so rapidly that the flames flare up and die out without causing any harm to the cherries. The final product is a warmer, more caramelized cherry mixture that retains some of the liqueur’s flavor. Despite the fact that Queen Victoria never served her cherries jubilee confection with ice cream, modern technology has made ice cream so readily available that we could not resist adding it. Typically, vanilla ice cream is served with cherries jubilee, but some restaurants have branched out and are now offering new variants of this sweet dessert. Cherries jubilee with cherry ice cream provides a cherry explosion, and chocolate-cherry aficionados can enjoy variations with chocolate ice cream. There is even a pistachio variant!

Activities on National Cherries Jubilee Day

Order some cherries jubilee, please

Now that cherries jubilee has transitioned from a popular dish of the 1950s to a retro-fabulous dessert of the present, a number of restaurants have begun offering this classic dessert once more. Find a restaurant in your area that serves cherries jubilee by scouring the menus. On September 24, make it a point to visit that restaurant and sample the cherries jubilee. Even better, share the experience with a companion. Simply do not invite anyone who is afraid of fire!

Homemade fruits jubilee

There are a variety of simple cherry jubilee recipes available online for your first domestic attempt. Pick up some fresh cherries and pit them, or purchase a pack of frozen cherries to save time. When the water has thickened into a viscous sauce and the cherries have been simmered in water and sugar, it is time to add the liqueur. Use a flavor of ice cream of your choosing (vanilla is the traditional option), and don’t neglect the fire! A lighter on a stick will safeguard your hands from flare-ups, and you should wait until the flames have died out before digging in.

Host your own celebration.

A jubilee is a fancy party where people typically don large hats. Jubilees are traditionally held to commemorate the 25th or 50th anniversary of something, such as the reign of a queen, the founding of a corporation, or a wedding. National Cherries Jubilee Day provides you every reason to throw your own celebration. Send out invitations, acquire some sophisticated classical music, and encourage your guests to wear powdered wigs. Moreover, do not forget to serve cherries jubilee for dessert.

NATIONAL CHERRIES JUBILEE DAY DATES