How to Make and Can Your Own Fruit Cocktail at Home

Making and canning your own fruit cocktail at home is a rewarding project that ensures you know exactly what's in your fruit mix. In this tutorial, I'll guide you through the process of creating a delicious homemade fruit cocktail using fresh pineapple, peaches, pears, and maraschino cherries.

This step-by-step guide will help you can your fruit cocktail in beautiful little jelly jars, perfect for enjoying straight from the jar or as a delightful dessert with whipped cream.

Ingredients You'll Need
1 Pineapple: Fresh and ripe, but not overly ripe.
2 Peaches: Preferably firm to maintain texture after canning.
2 Bartlett Pears: Slightly firm, to hold up well during the canning process.
Maraschino Cherries: To add color and sweetness.
Sugar: For making a heavy syrup.
Water: For creating the syrup and boiling the fruit.
Equipment
Canning jars with lids and rings
Large pot for boiling water
Small knife and cutting board
Strainer
Large mixing bowls
Ladle
Tongs
Vinegar for cleaning jar rims
Steps to Make and Can Your Fruit Cocktail

Step 1: Prepare Your Fruit
Pineapple: Peel, core, and chop into bite-sized pieces.
Peaches: Peel (if desired), pit, and chop into small chunks.
Pears: Core and chop into similar-sized pieces as the other fruits.
Cherries: Halve or leave whole, depending on preference.

Step 2: Make the Syrup
In a large pot, combine 1 quart of water with 2 cups of sugar.
Bring the mixture to a boil, stirring until the sugar is fully dissolved to create a heavy syrup.

Step 3: Blanch the Fruit
Pineapple: Add the chopped pineapple to the boiling syrup and let it cook for about 2 minutes. Use a strainer to remove the pineapple and set it aside in a bowl.
Pears: Repeat the process with the pears, letting them blanch for about 2 minutes before removing them with a strainer.

Peaches: Finally, add the peaches to the syrup, blanch for 2 minutes, then remove them.
Combine: Once all the fruits are blanched, return them to the syrup and mix in the maraschino cherries.

Step 4: Fill the Jars
Prepare the Jars: Sterilize your canning jars and lids. Ensure they are kept warm until ready to use.
Add Fruit: Using a ladle, fill each jar with the mixed fruit, ensuring a good mix of pineapple, peaches, pears, and cherries in each jar. Leave about ½ inch of headspace at the top.
Add Syrup: Pour the hot syrup over the fruit in each jar, maintaining the ½ inch headspace.

Step 5: Seal and Process
Clean Jars: Wipe the rims of the jars with a cloth dipped in vinegar to ensure a clean seal.
Seal Jars: Place the lids and rings on the jars, tightening them to fingertip tightness.
Process in Boiling Water: Place the jars in a canner or large pot of boiling water. Ensure the jars are covered with water by at least 1 inch. Boil for 10 minutes.
Cool and Store: Carefully remove the jars and place them on a towel to cool. Check that the lids have sealed (they should not flex when pressed). Once cool, remove the rings, label the jars with the date, and store them in a cool, dark place.
Enjoying Your Homemade Fruit Cocktail