The present invention relates to whole fruit preparation methods and, more particularly, to methods of cocktail berry production including preserving the berries in jars, especially useful for cranberries. The process results in a product that is very near to the natural state of the fruit. The starting quality is carefully selected to have a high natural sugar content, and processed gently with no heating. The cranberries are stored in a syrup that has approximately the same sugar content, or Brix, so as to create an “isotonic” equilibrium across the skin of the berry. The syrup also has a relatively low natural sugar proportion, with high intensity sweeteners added so as not to degrade the integrity of the berries. A preservative or acid is added to the syrup, and the berries and syrup are added to the jars to minimize head space and ensure the syrup surrounds all the berries.
