Olives/Cherries

When selecting cocktail olives, look for varieties stuffed with blue cheese, garlic, or jalapeño for added complexity, or opt for classic unstuffed Castelvetrano olives prized for their buttery texture. For cherries, the gold standard is the Luxardo Maraschino cherry — dark, syrupy, and made from Italian marasca fruit — though American craft producers like Woodford Reserve and Filthy Food also deliver exceptional options. Price points range from everyday garnishes under ten dollars to artisan imports that justify every cent in elevated cocktails.

What to look for in cocktail olives and cherries:

• Ingredient quality: Premium garnishes use real fruit preserved in natural syrups or brines without artificial dyes or high-fructose corn syrup.
• Flavor pairing: Briny, firm olives complement gin and vodka cocktails, while dark, syrup-packed cherries pair best with whiskey and bourbon drinks.
• Texture and firmness: A quality garnish should hold its shape on a cocktail pick and deliver a satisfying bite that doesn't dissolve into mush.
• Shelf life and packaging: Glass jars with secure lids preserve freshness far longer than plastic containers, keeping garnishes ready for months of use.

From briny Castelvetrano olives to syrup-soaked Amarena cherries and bold stuffed varieties, the right garnish is the finishing touch every cocktail deserves. Explore the full Bar Supplies range for everything needed to build a complete home bar setup — whether you prefer a perfectly dirty martini or a cherry-crowned Old Fashioned.