In the realm of indulgent chocolate bars, the Cherry Cocktail from the Idaho Candy Company stands as a decadent tribute to the Roaring Twenties. This beloved chocolate bar features a creamy maraschino cherry center enveloped in roasted peanuts and a luscious milk chocolate coating, delivering a perfect harmony of tart fruitiness, salty crunch, and velvety sweetness. Introduced in 1926, the Cherry Cocktail chocolate bar captures the era's spirit of glamour and celebration, evoking images of speakeasies and jazz-filled nights. This chocolate bar remains a fan favorite, blending nostalgic flavors with premium quality. Whether enjoyed solo or shared at gatherings, the Cherry Cocktail chocolate bar is a sweet escape that honors Idaho's confectionery legacy.
The Birth of the Cherry Cocktail Chocolate Bar in 1926
The Cherry Cocktail chocolate bar arrived in 1926, hot on the heels of the company's earlier hits like the Idaho Spud (1918) and Old Faithful (1925). Crafted during a booming decade for American candy innovation, this chocolate bar was designed to mimic the sophistication of a classic cocktail, with its cherry center symbolizing the era's love for fruity, boozy indulgences—minus the alcohol, of course. The recipe, featuring a smooth maraschino cherry cream filling surrounded by whole roasted peanuts and dipped in milk chocolate, was a bold addition to the lineup, appealing to consumers craving a sophisticated yet accessible treat.
In the 1920s, the candy industry exploded with creative flavors, and the Cherry Cocktail chocolate bar fit right in, competing alongside national brands while carving out a niche in the Northwest. Its playful name and luxurious profile made it an instant hit, evoking the glamour of Prohibition-era mixology in a Prohibition-friendly format. Each chocolate bar weighed about 1.5 ounces and was wrapped for freshness, ready for distribution across ten western states. Nearly a century later, the recipe endures with minimal changes, preserving the original's charm in every bite.
What Makes the Cherry Cocktail Chocolate Bar Endure?
The Cherry Cocktail chocolate bar's timeless appeal lies in its masterful balance: the juicy, tart maraschino cherry center bursts with flavor, contrasted by the nutty crunch of roasted peanuts and the smooth embrace of milk chocolate. Gluten-free and made with premium ingredients, it's a versatile chocolate bar that shines at room temperature for a creamy melt or chilled for a snappier texture—ideal for holiday gatherings or quiet evenings. Fans often describe it as a "grown-up cherry cordial with a peanut twist," setting it apart from everyday chocolates and earning its place as one of the company's enduring classics.
Priced at about $1.75 per bar or $24.99 for an 18-count box, the Cherry Cocktail chocolate bar is an affordable indulgence that pairs beautifully with coffee or wine. It's a highlight in the 15 Count Variety Pack, which includes:
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5 Idaho Spud Bars: Cocoa-marshmallow with dark chocolate and coconut.
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3 Old Faithful Bars: Vanilla marshmallow with peanuts and milk chocolate.
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3 Cherry Cocktail Bars: Maraschino cherry center with peanuts and milk chocolate.
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3 Huckleberry Gems: Huckleberry-flavored marshmallow crèmes in milk chocolate.
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1 lb Owyhee Butter Toffee: Crunchy almond toffee.
At around $31.99, this pack is perfect for gifting or sampling the company's chocolate bar heritage, with the Cherry Cocktail adding a fruity flair to the mix.
Raise a Cherry Cocktail Chocolate Bar to the Roaring Twenties
Since its 1926 debut, the Cherry Cocktail chocolate bar has been a sparkling gem in the Idaho Candy Company's crown, fusing maraschino cherry elegance with peanut crunch and milk chocolate luxury. As a nod to an era of jazz and joy, this chocolate bar continues to delight, offering a taste of history in every wrapped delight. Whether you're unwinding with a retro-inspired treat or sharing its story, the Cherry Cocktail chocolate bar proves that some classics never fade.