Print
clock clock iconcutlery cutlery iconflag flag iconfolder folder iconinstagram instagram iconpinterest pinterest iconfacebook facebook iconprint print iconsquares squares iconheart heart iconheart solid heart solid icon

Homemade Bourbon-Infused Cocktail Cherries Recipe

5 Stars 4 Stars 3 Stars 2 Stars 1 Star

4.3 from 4 reviews

  • Author: Sara
  • Total Time: 25 minutes
  • Yield: 1 serving (about 1 cup of cocktail cherries with syrup)

Description

Homemade Cocktail Cherries are a flavorful and boozy addition to your favorite drinks, made by simmering fresh or frozen dark sweet cherries in a spiced syrup infused with citrus, cinnamon, and cloves, finished with vanilla, almond extracts, and bourbon. These cherries are perfect for cocktails, desserts, or as a sweet snack, and can be stored in the refrigerator for up to a month to deepen their flavor.

Ingredients

Syrup Ingredients

  • 1/2 cup water
  • 1 cup granulated sugar
  • 1 2-inch piece of orange peel
  • 1 2-inch piece of lemon peel
  • 1 cinnamon stick
  • 2-3 whole cloves

Cherries and Flavorings

  • 1/2 lb (8 ounces) fresh or frozen dark sweet cherries
  • 1 tablespoon tart cherry concentrate
  • 1/2 teaspoon lemon juice
  • 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
  • 1/2 teaspoon almond extract (optional)
  • 1/4 cup bourbon

Instructions

  1. Make the Spiced Syrup: Add the water, sugar, orange peel, lemon peel, cinnamon stick, and cloves to a medium-sized pot over medium heat. Bring the mixture to a boil, stirring occasionally until the sugar dissolves, then reduce the heat and simmer for 1-2 minutes to infuse the flavors.
  2. Infuse the Syrup: Remove the pot from heat and let the syrup sit for 10-15 minutes to deepen the infusion. Use tongs or a slotted spoon to remove the citrus peels, cinnamon stick, and cloves from the syrup.
  3. Cook the Cherries: Return the pot to medium-low heat and add the fresh or frozen cherries, tart cherry concentrate, and lemon juice. Cook gently for about 5 minutes—avoid exceeding 5 minutes if using frozen cherries. For fresh cherries, you can cook slightly longer until they start to soften.
  4. Add Final Flavors: Remove the pot from heat and stir in the vanilla extract, almond extract (if using), and bourbon. Allow the mixture to cool to room temperature.
  5. Store the Cocktail Cherries: Transfer the cherries and syrup to a 16 oz jar and refrigerate. For optimum flavor, allow them to soak for a few days before using. The cherries can be stored in the refrigerator for up to one month.

Notes

  • Using fresh cherries will give a firmer texture, while frozen cherries will cook faster and soften quickly.
  • The almond extract is optional but adds a nice subtle depth to the flavor.
  • Allow the cherries to soak in the bourbon syrup for several days to maximize the cocktail flavor.
  • Store in a sealed jar in the refrigerator for up to one month.
  • Prep Time: 5 minutes
  • Cook Time: 20 minutes
  • Category: Cocktail Garnish
  • Method: Stovetop
  • Cuisine: American

Find it online: https://sarabaking.com/homemade-bourbon-infused-cocktail-cherries-recipe/