National Day

National Cherries Jubilee Day

Celebrated on 09/24/2026

Quick Fact

National Cherries Jubilee Day celebrates the classic dessert Cherries Jubilee, which was created by the legendary French chef Auguste Escoffier in 1897 for Queen Victoria's Diamond Jubilee. The dish features cherries flambéed with brandy and served over vanilla ice cream.

Origins and Establishment of National Cherries Jubilee Day

National Cherries Jubilee Day is observed annually on September 24th. The holiday was established to honor the creation of the dessert Cherries Jubilee, which was invented by Auguste Escoffier in 1897. Escoffier prepared the dish for Queen Victoria's Diamond Jubilee celebration, using cherries, sugar, and brandy, then igniting the mixture to create a dramatic flame. The exact origin of the national holiday is unclear, but it has been embraced by food enthusiasts and dessert lovers across the United States as a day to enjoy this elegant treat.

Evolution and Modern Commemoration

Over the years, Cherries Jubilee has evolved from a high-end restaurant dessert to a home-cooked favorite, especially during the mid-20th century. Today, National Cherries Jubilee Day is celebrated by making the dessert at home or ordering it at restaurants. Some variations include using different types of cherries, substituting brandy with other spirits, or serving it over chocolate cake instead of ice cream. Social media has also played a role in reviving interest, with food bloggers sharing recipes and photos of their flambéed creations.

Facts & General Observations

  • The original recipe by Escoffier called for poached cherries, sugar, and a splash of brandy, which was then flambéed at the table for a theatrical presentation.
  • Cherries Jubilee gained popularity in the 1950s and 1960s as a sophisticated dessert for dinner parties, often prepared tableside by waitstaff.
  • September is also National Cherry Month in some countries, making National Cherries Jubilee Day a fitting celebration within that period.

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