How to Make Bourbon Cherries: A Sweet & Spirited Guide
Bourbon cherries are made by infusing fresh or jarred cherries with bourbon and sugar syrup, creating a delicious and boozy treat perfect for cocktails, desserts, or simply enjoying on their own.
The Allure of Bourbon Cherries
Bourbon cherries offer a delightful twist on the classic cocktail garnish or dessert topping. They elevate the simplest dishes and drinks with a burst of sweet, boozy flavor. Beyond their taste, making bourbon cherries is a surprisingly straightforward process that yields impressive results. This guide provides a comprehensive overview of how to make exceptional bourbon cherries at home.
Choosing Your Cherries
The foundation of any good bourbon cherry is, naturally, the cherries themselves. You have two primary options: fresh cherries or jarred cherries.
- Fresh Cherries: Ideally, use Bing cherries or other varieties known for their sweetness and firmness. Pitting fresh cherries can be time-consuming, but the resulting flavor and texture are unparalleled.
- Jarred Cherries: Luxardo cherries are considered the gold standard, but their higher price point can be a deterrent. Look for good quality, dark-colored jarred cherries packed in syrup. Avoid bright red, artificially colored varieties. These cherries may already be very sweet, so reducing the amount of added sugar may be necessary.
Selecting Your Bourbon
The bourbon you choose will significantly impact the final flavor profile of your cherries. Here are some things to consider:
- Proof: A bourbon with a higher proof (alcohol content) will result in a more potent cherry. Lower-proof bourbons will create a gentler flavor.
- Flavor Profile: Consider the notes you want to accentuate in your cherries. Spicier bourbons complement the sweetness of the cherries, while smoother bourbons offer a more balanced profile.
- Price Point: There’s no need to use your most expensive bourbon. A good quality, mid-range bourbon will work perfectly.
Crafting the Perfect Syrup
The syrup is what brings everything together, melding the cherry and bourbon flavors.
- Simple Syrup Ratio: The classic ratio is equal parts water and sugar. You can adjust this to your preference – less sugar for less sweetness.
- Sugar Type: Granulated sugar is the most common choice, but demerara or turbinado sugar can add a richer, molasses-like flavor.
- Optional Flavorings: Enhance your syrup with additions like vanilla extract, cinnamon sticks, or citrus zest.
The Bourbon Cherry Recipe
This basic recipe can be easily adapted to your taste preferences.
Ingredients:
- 1 pound fresh cherries (pitted) or 1 jar (13.5 oz) jarred cherries, drained
- 1 cup bourbon
- 1 cup water
- 1 cup granulated sugar
- Optional: 1 vanilla bean (split), 1 cinnamon stick, citrus zest
Instructions:
- Make the Syrup: In a saucepan, combine water and sugar. Bring to a boil over medium heat, stirring until sugar is dissolved. Reduce heat and simmer for 5 minutes. Add optional flavorings (vanilla bean, cinnamon stick, citrus zest) if using.
- Infuse the Cherries: Remove the syrup from heat and let cool slightly. In a clean jar, combine the cherries and bourbon.
- Combine: Pour the cooled syrup over the cherries and bourbon, ensuring the cherries are fully submerged.
- Seal and Refrigerate: Seal the jar tightly and refrigerate for at least 1 week, or preferably longer, to allow the flavors to meld.
- Enjoy: Enjoy your bourbon cherries in cocktails, over ice cream, or straight from the jar!
Common Mistakes to Avoid
- Using Low-Quality Cherries: The quality of your cherries directly impacts the final product.
- Overpowering with Bourbon: While the bourbon is a key component, too much can overwhelm the cherry flavor. Start with the recommended amount and adjust to taste in future batches.
- Insufficient Infusion Time: Don’t rush the process! The longer the cherries infuse, the richer and more complex the flavor becomes.
- Improper Storage: Ensure the jar is tightly sealed and refrigerated to prevent spoilage.
Preservation and Shelf Life
Properly stored bourbon cherries can last for several months in the refrigerator.
- Airtight Seal: Ensure the jar is completely sealed to prevent contamination and oxidation.
- Refrigeration: Always store bourbon cherries in the refrigerator.
- Visual Inspection: Before consuming, always inspect the cherries for any signs of spoilage (mold, discoloration, or off-putting odor).
| Factor | Details |
|---|---|
| Storage | Airtight jar, refrigerated |
| Shelf Life | Several months (3-6) |
| Spoilage Signs | Mold, discoloration, off-putting odor |
| Important Notes | Properly sealed cherries submerged in syrup have a longer shelf life. High alcohol content helps preservation. |
Serving Suggestions
- Cocktails: A classic Manhattan or Old Fashioned is enhanced by a homemade bourbon cherry.
- Desserts: Top ice cream, cheesecake, or brownies with these delightful treats.
- Charcuterie Boards: Add a touch of boozy sweetness to your cheese and meat selection.
- Straight Up: Enjoy them as a delicious after-dinner treat.
Frequently Asked Questions
What kind of bourbon is best for bourbon cherries?
The best bourbon for bourbon cherries is a matter of personal preference. Generally, a high-rye bourbon will provide a spicy counterpoint to the sweetness of the cherries, while a wheated bourbon will offer a smoother, more mellow profile. Experiment with different bourbons to find your favorite. A good starting point is a bourbon that you enjoy drinking neat.
Can I use frozen cherries to make bourbon cherries?
Yes, you can use frozen cherries, but the texture might be slightly softer than fresh cherries. Make sure to thaw the cherries completely and drain any excess liquid before using them. Frozen cherries can be a good option when fresh cherries are out of season.
How long do bourbon cherries need to infuse?
While you can technically enjoy bourbon cherries after a week, they benefit from longer infusion. Aim for at least 2 weeks, and ideally a month or more, for the flavors to fully meld and develop. The longer they sit, the richer and more complex the flavor becomes.
Can I reuse the bourbon syrup after the cherries are gone?
Absolutely! The bourbon syrup is delicious and can be used in a variety of ways. Drizzle it over pancakes or waffles, use it to sweeten coffee or tea, or add it to cocktails for an extra kick. The syrup will retain the cherry flavor, so it’s versatile for both sweet and savory applications.
How can I make my bourbon cherries less sweet?
To reduce the sweetness of your bourbon cherries, decrease the amount of sugar in the simple syrup. You can also add a touch of lemon juice or vinegar to the syrup to balance the sweetness. If using jarred cherries, consider rinsing them before infusing.
Can I make bourbon cherries without alcohol?
Yes, you can make a non-alcoholic version by substituting the bourbon with strong cherry juice or extract. You can also use a non-alcoholic whiskey alternative, though the flavor profile will be different.
What’s the best way to pit fresh cherries?
There are several methods for pitting fresh cherries. A cherry pitter is the most efficient, but you can also use a paperclip, a paring knife, or a chopstick. Simply insert the tool into the stem end of the cherry and push the pit out.
My bourbon cherries are cloudy. Is that normal?
Cloudiness in bourbon cherries is usually due to the starch in the cherries or the sugar crystallizing. It’s perfectly safe to consume. To prevent cloudiness, ensure the sugar is fully dissolved in the syrup and use filtered water.
Can I use a different type of alcohol instead of bourbon?
While “bourbon cherries” specifically refers to cherries infused with bourbon, you can experiment with other spirits. Rum, whiskey, or brandy can all be used to create different flavor profiles. Keep in mind that the taste will be altered.
My cherries are floating on top of the syrup. Is that okay?
It’s important to ensure the cherries are fully submerged in the syrup to prevent spoilage. If they are floating, try weighing them down with a small glass or a piece of parchment paper.
How do I know if my bourbon cherries have gone bad?
Look for signs of spoilage, such as mold, discoloration, or an off-putting odor. If the cherries look or smell strange, discard them immediately.
Can I adjust the recipe to make a larger batch of bourbon cherries?
Yes, you can easily scale the recipe to make a larger batch. Simply multiply all the ingredients proportionally. Make sure you have a large enough jar or container to store the finished product.