Cocktail Cherries
Ingredients
- 2 lbsour cherries; pitted
or sweet cherries
- 2 csugar
- ½ cwater
- 1 cluxardo maraschino liqueur
- 1 cbrandy or bourbon
- 1lemon; juiced & peeled into 6 strips
- 2cinnamon sticks
- 5whole cloves
Directions
- 1
Wash and sterilize jars by placing them upside down in a tray of water and leaving them in a 225 F oven for at least 10 minutes.
- 2
Wash and place jar lids, rings, funnel and measuring cup in a large saucepan and cover with hot water. Bring to a slight boil, keep warm.
- 3
Meanwhile, place the water, sugar, lemon juice, cinnamon sticks, lemon peel, and cloves in a large saucepan. Heat to allow sugar to dissolve. Add small amounts of additional water if needed.
- 4
Add the cherries to the syrup and allow to simmer for one minute.
- 5
Remove from heat and stir in Luxardo and Brandy/Bourbon. Turn heat back on and heat until just about simmering. Do not allow to boil.
- 6
Once you are ready to jar the Cherries, take two hot jars out of the oven. Using a measuring cup and funnel, fill them and top up with a bit of syrup. Leave about 1 cm of head space.
- 7
Tap the jars on the counter top to remove any air bubbles and add more syrup if needed. Quickly top with a lid and fasten the ring just slightly, not too tightly.
- 8
Let the jars to cool undisturbed for 8-12 hours. Check each jar to see if it has sealed. If not, store them in the refrigerator.
- 9
Allow the jars to sit in a dark, cool spot for two weeks. Enjoy!
Cocktail Cherries
Similar Recipes
Ratings & Reviews
Be the First to Rate
Your rating helps others discover amazing recipes. Share your experience and let others know what you think!
About this Recipe
Elevate your home bar and impress your guests with these exquisite homemade cocktail cherries. Moving beyond basic garnishes, this recipe transforms simple fruit into a luxurious, flavorful treat perfect for any occasion.
Why This Recipe Works
Unlike store-bought versions, this recipe allows you to control the quality of ingredients, resulting in a deeper, more nuanced flavor profile. The thoughtful combination of luxardo maraschino liqueur and a hint of brandy or bourbon creates a sophisticated base that perfectly complements the fruit. It's a delightful and easy-to-make treat that offers far more complexity than anything you'd find on a shelf.
What to Expect
With just about an hour of prep, you'll create a batch of cocktail cherries bursting with a sophisticated sweet-tart flavor. Each cherry is tender yet firm, beautifully infused with warm spices like cinnamon and clove, and brightened by fresh lemon. The rich, ruby-red syrup carries notes of premium spirits, making every bite and every sip feel like a special indulgence. You'll find these cherries become a cherished pantry staple, ready to transform ordinary drinks and desserts into something extraordinary.
Customization & Variations
While sour cherries provide that classic tangy bite, you can easily use sweet cherries for a milder, more approachable flavor profile. Feel free to experiment with either brandy or bourbon to tailor the spirit notes to your preference. For a slightly different aromatic twist, consider adding a star anise pod alongside the cinnamon sticks and cloves.
Serving & Context
These versatile cocktail cherries are ideal for sophisticated drinks, adding a gourmet touch to your favorite cocktails. Beyond the bar, they make a luxurious topping for ice cream, an elegant addition to baked goods, or a thoughtful, personalized gift for any cocktail-loving friend or family member.