DOTD For Friday, February 20, 2026

We Cannot Tell A Lie - We Think You'll Like This Drink

Today’s DOTD - Drink Of The Day - is the Cherry Bakewell Cocktail inspired by National Cherry Pie Day, celebrated annually on February 20.

Celebrated only a few days after Presidents’ Day, which originally was the celebration of George Washington’s birthday, National Cherry Pie Day is chance for cherry fans to devour this delicious dessert in all its forms — homemade or store-bought, and of course as a drink.

And while the story about Washington cutting down his father’s cherry tree is a myth, it’s a fact that Washington enjoyed cherries. Records show the Washington family grew many varieties of cherries at Mount Vernon and kept preserved, bottled cherries in their cellar. Members of Washington’s family were also known to enjoy a popular alcoholic beverage of the time called "cherry bounce," made from brandy, spices, and cherry juice.

HISTORY OF CHERRY PIE

The first pie dates back as far as 9500 B.C. in ancient Egypt. Known for their love of sweets and meats, Egyptians usually made pies with honey and dates, which were encased in reeds, as the filling of a pie was the only part meant to be eaten. It’s believed that the Greeks passed on their knowledge of pies to the Romans, who then introduced this delectable dish to the rest of Europe.

Devoured only by royalty and the wealthy, the pie continued its culinary impact in medieval Europe as early Tupperware for baking, carrying, and storing food. Even though the reeds had now changed to a pastry made of flour and water, the container that held the filling was still inedible due to its thickness, hardness, and lack of flavor. The filling was still the main part of the dish, predominantly made of meat and seafood. As the shape of pie evolved into a narrow dish, the container for the pie picked up the name of ‘coffyns’.

In the 1500s, fruit pies were introduced, and quickly became popular. The cherry pie is believed to have made its first appearance during this time, when it was first presented to Queen Elizabeth I. Cherry pie is believed to have been a favorite of hers during the Tudor era.

After making its mark in Europe, pies came to America with the early English settlers, along with English cherry trees, which were different from those that were native to the Americas. In the transition to the ‘New World,’ the tradition of not eating the pie casing was still maintained. But it was during the American Revolution between 1775 and 1783 that the term ‘coffyn’ changed to ‘crust’ and, not long after, became something to eat as part of your pie and not just a shell to protect or store its content.

Over the next two centuries, cherry pie became a staple in American culture, in books, in music (see below), and in movies and TV too. Of particular note in American popular culture is how cherry pie almost became its own character in the surrealist mystery horror drama television series Twin Peaks, created by David Lynch and Mark Frost. Lynch, well known for his dark & surrealist imagery made it clear that in Twin Peaks, cherry pie functioned as an analogy for both the town & America: Bloody-looking, almost gory, yet still supposedly sweet and ‘all-American.’

While the queen of England may have loved it, cherry pie has become one of America’s favorite pie fillings, Traditionally made with tart cherries instead of sweet cherries, morello cherries, or native black cherries, this tasty dessert is often enjoyed with large amounts of ice cream or cream, either whipped or poured.

FIVE DELICIOUS FACTS ABOUT PIE!

Pie chart-topper

According to the American Pie Council, the cherry pie is America’s fifth favorite filling option, number one being apple, followed by pumpkin, pecan, banana cream, and then cherry. Meanwhile, since we’re talking about charts, the song “Cherry Pie” by the rock band Warrant topped the charts at number 10, the week of November 10, 1990. While both the song & the video have often been blasted as misogynist, the story behind them both knocks that down a bit.

Outlaw Pies

In Kansas, it was once illegal to serve ice cream with cherry pie — though thankfully, this old law was repealed in the 1960s.

Americans Love Pie

Approximately 186 million pies are sold annually in U.S. grocery stores, which generates over $2billion, according to the American Pie Council. This figure refers specifically to retail sales and does not include the high volume of pies baked at home, in restaurants, or at food service locations.

Dessert For Breakfast

During the 1900s, fruit pies were considered a common breakfast option, especially if there was a long day ahead.

Pie Has Calming Qualities

You’re not alone if you’re thinking warm and happy thoughts while reading this — surveys show almost 50% of Americans think comforting thoughts when the word ‘pie’ is mentioned.

If you’re a big cherry pie fan, today is your lucky day, So make sure to get yourself a slice of your favorite cherry pie, and traise a glass of today’s Drink Of The Day, the Cherry Bakewell Cocktail.

Ingredients

Here’s what you’re going to need for this drink: