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National Fruit Cocktail Day

Celebrate National Fruit Cocktail Day with a delicious, refreshing blend of your favorite fruits - it's the perfect way to start any day!

Thursday

May 2027

Last updated February 7, 2026 · by the Holiday Calendar Team

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YEARLY DATEMay 13

OBSERVED INUnited States

CATEGORYFood

SUBCATEGORYFruit

INTRO

Introduction

PHOTO

It's time to break out the glasses and get ready to celebrate National Fruit Cocktail Day on May 13! This day has been around since the early 1900s and was created to honor a classic summertime treat. Whether you're looking for something sweet, tangy, or a little bit of both, fruit cocktail is sure to be a hit with everyone! Not only is it delicious and refreshing, but it can also be enjoyed in many different ways – from smoothies to salads and more. So go ahead and enjoy some fruit cocktail this May 13 in celebration of National Fruit Cocktail Day!

TIMELINE

National Fruit Cocktail Day Timeline

Canned Fruit Invented

The process of canning fruits, including those used in fruit cocktails, was invented, providing a longer life and portability to fresh-fruit.

Fruit Cocktail Creation

The idea of a canned fruit cocktail - a mixture of diced or sliced fruit and syrup - was conceived and started being mass-produced.

Fruit Cocktail in School Lunches

Fruit cocktail became a staple in school lunches across America, due to its nutritional value and convenience.

Emergence of Fresh Fruit Cocktails

Fresh fruit cocktails, using freshly cut fruits in juice or syrup, emerged as a popular alternative to the canned version.

Healthy Revolution

Emphasis on wellness and clean eating popularized fresh and organic fruit cocktails, with the addition of nutritious superfoods and unique combinations.

National Fruit Cocktail Day

Subsequent to its growth in popularity, National Fruit Cocktail Day was created and continues to be celebrated annually on May 13.

GET INVOLVED

How to Celebrate National Fruit Cocktail Day

Make your own fruit cocktail

Gather up all the fruits you love and put them together in a big bowl! Cut the fruit into small cubes and mix it all together. Add some syrup or honey for sweetness and top with whatever toppings you want.

ENJOY

Enjoy a fruit cocktail smoothie

If you don't feel like cutting up all the fruit, try blending it into a smoothie! Put all the fruits in a blender and add some yogurt and juice. Blend until smooth and enjoy.

TRY

Try an exotic fruit cocktail

Go to the store or the farmer's market and pick up some exotic fruits like kiwi, mango, dragonfruit, papaya, pineapple, starfruit, etc. Mix all these sweet and tart flavors together for something special.

BAKE

Bake a fruit cocktail cake

Mix all your favorite fruits together with some sugar and butter, then pour the mix into a greased cake pan. Bake for about an hour until golden brown and enjoy a delicious fruity treat.

HAVE

Have a fruit cocktail tasting party

Invite your friends over for a fun night of tasting different fruit cocktails. Ask everyone to bring their own unique combination of fruits so you can compare different recipes and flavors.

WHY THIS DAY MATTERS

Why We Love National Fruit Cocktail Day

It’s versatile

Fruit cocktail doesn't just have to be eaten on its own - you can use it in other recipes like cakes and muffins to add a burst of sweetness. You can also top your yogurt with some chopped up pieces of fruit cocktail for an added crunch. There are endless possibilities when it comes to using the power of fruit cocktail!

Fruit Cocktail is healthy and nutritious

Enjoying a bowl of fruit cocktail for breakfast or as a snack throughout the day is a great way to get your daily servings of fruits and vegetables. The combination of different fruits in one dish makes it both delicious and nutritious, providing essential vitamins and minerals that our bodies need.

Fruit Cocktail can be enjoyed any time of day

Whether you enjoy it for a light breakfast on its own or as a sweet snack to curb your sugar cravings, fruit cocktail has got you covered! It's easy to make, takes only minutes to cook up, and can be served hot or cold - whatever suits your taste buds best!