Two varieties (“D1” and “D2”) of cornelian cherry (Cornus mas L) fruits were analyzed and used for preparation of nectars. The aim of this study was to perform physical-chemical analysis and to determined bioactive compounds, the total and single polyphenols in cornelian cherry fruits and nectars. Total phenolic content was measured using the Folin-Ciocalteau method, whereas a HPLC method was used for the analysis of individual phenolic acids and flavan-3-ols. Three different methods (DPPH, FRAP and ABTS) were used to determined the antioxidant capacity. The aim was also to perform sensory evaluation by using the quntitative descripton analysis. The result showed the high concentration of total polyphenols in all investigated samples, especially in fresh cornelian cherry fruits (2695 mg/kg-“D1” and 3255 mg/kg-“D2”). From total polyphenols flavonoids were determinate in significant quantities. The phenolics acids, determined in investigated samples by HPLC method, in decreasing sequence are: chlorogenic acid, undefinable phenol, caffeic acid, neochlorogenic acid, p-coumaric acid, derivative of hydroxycinnamic acid ferulic acid. Flavan-3-ols ((-)-epicatechin and (+)-catechin) are significant group of polyphenols and they were also determined by HPLC method. Generally, this study showed the decrease of all phenolic compounds within processing of cornelian cherry fruits into nectars. According to DPPH, FRAP and ABTS method, all samples posses an evident antioxidant capacity. The quntitative descripton analysis confirmed that investigated cornelian cherry fruits is high quality, especially nectar which contained 35 % of dry matter fruits in total dry matter of nectar.