Cherry Cordial Delights Gift Box

Cherry cordials are a popular candy with countless iterations today. Love it as we may, the comely cherry cordial has a hidden past. “Cordials” were essentially medicines, typically a tonic that alleviated maladies by, for example, stimulating the heart. But these were no mere medicines: they were alcohol-based, and so poignant, they were once considered aphrodisiacs. Even better, these botanically based cordials tasted good, which likely enhanced their popularity and widespread use. How cordials the medicine became cordials, the drink, is obvious. But how did cordials the drink become cordials the candy? Excellent question. The early culprit was, no doubt, the cherry. In the 1700s, the French were making “griottes” - sour griotte cherries encased in chocolate, and, possibly, kirsch. The “griottes” wound up in North America where Colonists added alcohol-based cordial to the sweet. The early American cordial was made with crushed cherries, sugar syrup, and alcohol to create a truly high-test cordial so strong they could only drink it in small sips. Gradually, as candy-making became easier and the chocolate smoother, the cherry cordial candy became just that – a candy. The alcohol-based cordials never left the beverage scene, except, of course, during Prohibition. As for the cordial candy? This non-alcoholic sweet endures, taking on a whirlwind of iterations including the cordials True Treats’ customers love today.