There’s something downright magical about the combination of bourbon and cherries. Imagine the sweet, tart burst of a cherry mingling with the warm, smooth embrace of bourbon—it’s like a dance party in your mouth! A friend once told me it’s like bottling a bit of summer sunshine with a kick, and I couldn’t agree more.
Steps
- Prepare two clean pint-sized mason jars and place the pitted cherries inside. Set these aside for later use.
- In a medium saucepan, combine water, honey, and vanilla extract. Stir in a cinnamon stick and a strip of orange peel, then heat over medium-high until it reaches a simmer.
- Lower the heat to medium-low and let the mixture simmer for 10 minutes, allowing the flavors to merge. Afterward, remove from the heat and discard the cinnamon stick and orange peel.
- Carefully stir in the bourbon until fully combined with the mixture. Pour this bourbon mixture over the cherries in the jars.
- Allow the jars to cool to room temperature. Once cooled, seal the jars, shake gently, and refrigerate for at least three days before use. The cherries will keep for up to 2-3 months.
Ingredients
- 1 pound sweet bing cherries, pitted and stems removed
- 1/2 cup water
- 1/2 cup honey (or preferred sweetener)
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract, either store-bought or homemade
- A pinch of nutmeg
- 1 cinnamon stick
- 1 strip of orange peel
- 1 cup bourbon (or any preferred whiskey)
FAQ
- Can I use a different type of alcohol instead of bourbon?
- Yes, you can substitute bourbon with your favorite whiskey or brandy if you prefer a different flavor profile.
- How long do the cherries need to sit before they’re ready to use?
- It’s recommended to let the cherries sit in the refrigerator for at least three days before using them to allow the flavors to meld.
- How long will these bourbon-soaked cherries last?
- When stored in the refrigerator, these cherries can last for up to 2-3 months.
- Can I make the cherries softer?
- If you prefer softer cherries, you can add them to the honey mixture and let them simmer together for about 10 minutes before combining with the bourbon.
- What can I use these bourbon-soaked cherries for?
- These cherries are perfect for topping cocktails like Manhattans, Old Fashioneds, or a French 75, adding a naturally sweetened and flavorful touch.
Tips
- Invest in a cherry pitter to simplify the process of preparing cherries. Although it is a single-use tool, it greatly speeds up the pitting process, making it a valuable addition if you frequently work with cherries.
- When simmering the mixture of water, honey, vanilla, nutmeg, cinnamon, and orange peel, ensure it simmers long enough for the flavors to meld properly. This step is crucial for achieving a well-balanced taste.
- After combining the bourbon with the cherry mixture, allow the jars to cool completely to room temperature before sealing them. This helps the flavors develop better and ensures a perfect taste.
- For those who prefer softer cherries, consider simmering the cherries with the honey mixture for about 10 minutes, then add the bourbon and transfer to jars. This adjustment will create a softer texture for the cherries.
Equipment
- Soaked Cherries, here is a list of main equipment you might need to purchase:
- Cherry Pitter – If you frequently work with cherries, a cherry pitter is a handy tool to have for easily removing pits.
- Mason Jars – Pint-sized or quart-sized mason jars for storing the cherries.
- Medium Saucepan – A medium saucepan for simmering the mixture.
- Strainer – A strainer to remove the cinnamon stick and orange peel from the liquid mixture.
