How to Make the Best Cherries for an Old Fashioned Cocktail
The best cherries for an Old Fashioned are not the neon-red, artificially flavored maraschino cherries from the grocery store. Instead, you want to craft your own rich, flavorful, and deeply satisfying cocktail cherry at home, using real cherries, sugar, spices, and often a touch of your favorite spirit.
Why Bother Making Your Own Cocktail Cherries?
Why spend the time making your own cherries when you can buy them pre-made? The answer is simple: flavor. The commercially produced maraschino cherries found in most grocery stores are often bleached and pumped full of high fructose corn syrup and artificial coloring. They lack the nuanced depth and complexity that a properly made cocktail cherry brings to an Old Fashioned. Making your own allows you to control the ingredients, resulting in a superior product that elevates your cocktail experience.
- Superior Flavor: Homemade cherries boast a richer, more complex taste profile than commercial varieties.
- Control over Ingredients: You decide what goes into your cherries, avoiding artificial flavors, colors, and preservatives.
- Customization: Experiment with different spirits, spices, and cherry varieties to create your signature garnish.
- Enhanced Cocktail Experience: The superior flavor of homemade cherries elevates the overall quality of your Old Fashioned and other cocktails.
Selecting the Right Cherries
The foundation of a great cocktail cherry is, unsurprisingly, great cherries. Choosing the right variety is crucial.
- Bing Cherries: These are the classic choice. Their deep red color, firm texture, and rich flavor make them ideal for candying.
- Rainier Cherries: These yellow and red cherries offer a slightly sweeter, more delicate flavor. They add a beautiful visual element to your cocktails.
- Morello Cherries: Tart and slightly acidic, Morello cherries provide a complex flavor that balances the sweetness of the syrup. They are particularly well-suited for bolder Old Fashioneds.
Regardless of the variety, select cherries that are firm, plump, and free from blemishes. Fresh, in-season cherries are always preferred, but frozen cherries can be used as a suitable substitute. If using frozen cherries, thaw them completely before proceeding.
The Candied Cherry Process
The process of candying cherries involves slowly simmering them in a sugar syrup, allowing the cherries to absorb the sweetness and develop a rich, syrupy texture.
- Prepare the Cherries: Wash and pit the cherries. Pitting can be tedious, but it’s essential for a pleasant drinking experience. A cherry pitter is a worthwhile investment.
- Make the Syrup: Combine equal parts water and sugar in a saucepan. Add your chosen spices, such as cinnamon sticks, star anise, cloves, and citrus zest. Bring the mixture to a simmer, stirring until the sugar dissolves.
- Simmer the Cherries: Gently add the cherries to the simmering syrup. Reduce the heat to low and cook for approximately 1-2 hours, or until the cherries are plump and translucent. The cooking time will vary depending on the size and ripeness of the cherries.
- Add the Spirit: During the last 15 minutes of simmering, add your spirit of choice. Bourbon, rye whiskey, rum, or even kirsch (cherry brandy) are excellent options. The alcohol will help to preserve the cherries and add a layer of complexity to the flavor.
- Cool and Store: Allow the cherries to cool completely in the syrup. Transfer them to an airtight jar and store them in the refrigerator. The cherries will continue to improve in flavor over time. They can be stored for several weeks or even months in the refrigerator.
Example Syrup Recipe (per pound of cherries):
| Ingredient | Amount |
|---|---|
| Water | 1 cup |
| Granulated Sugar | 1 cup |
| Cinnamon Stick | 1 small piece |
| Star Anise | 1 |
| Orange Zest | 1 strip |
| Bourbon | ¼ cup |
Common Mistakes and How to Avoid Them
Making candied cherries is relatively straightforward, but there are a few common pitfalls to watch out for.
- Overcooking the Cherries: Overcooked cherries will become mushy and lose their shape. Simmer them gently and check their consistency frequently.
- Using Too Much Sugar: Using too much sugar will result in a cloyingly sweet cherry. Adjust the amount of sugar to your taste, but remember that the cherries need sufficient sugar to preserve them properly.
- Skipping the Pitting Process: Pitting the cherries is essential. No one wants to bite into a pit while enjoying their Old Fashioned.
- Neglecting the Spices: Spices add depth and complexity to the flavor of the cherries. Don’t be afraid to experiment with different spice combinations.
- Using Low-Quality Cherries: Starting with low-quality cherries will result in a subpar final product. Choose the freshest, ripest cherries you can find.
Adding Your Unique Touch
The beauty of making your own cocktail cherries is the ability to customize them to your liking.
- Experiment with Spices: Try adding cardamom, ginger, or allspice to the syrup.
- Use Different Spirits: Explore the nuances of rum, brandy, or even tequila-aged cherries.
- Adjust the Sweetness: Reduce the amount of sugar for a less sweet cherry, or add a touch of acidity with lemon juice or balsamic vinegar.
- Infuse with Herbs: Add fresh thyme or rosemary to the syrup for a savory twist.
By experimenting with different ingredients and techniques, you can create a unique and personalized cocktail cherry that perfectly complements your Old Fashioned and other favorite cocktails.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Can I use frozen cherries to make cocktail cherries?
Yes, you can use frozen cherries. Thaw them completely before starting the process. Be aware that frozen cherries might be slightly softer than fresh cherries after cooking, so be gentle with them during simmering. They may also release more liquid during cooking, so adjust the simmering time if needed.
How long will homemade cocktail cherries last?
Properly stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator, homemade cocktail cherries can last for several weeks, even months. The alcohol in the syrup acts as a preservative. Always check for any signs of spoilage before consuming, such as mold or an unusual odor.
What kind of sugar should I use?
Granulated sugar is the most common and readily available option. You can also use cane sugar or turbinado sugar for a slightly different flavor profile. Avoid using powdered sugar, as it will not dissolve properly.
Can I make these cherries without alcohol?
Yes, you can omit the alcohol. In this case, consider adding a small amount of citric acid (about 1/4 teaspoon per batch) to help preserve the cherries and prevent them from becoming too sweet.
What other cocktails can I use these cherries in?
Besides an Old Fashioned, homemade cocktail cherries are excellent in a Manhattan, a Sazerac, a Black Manhattan, or simply as a garnish for sparkling wine. They can also be used in desserts, such as ice cream or cake.
My cherries turned out too soft. What did I do wrong?
Overcooking is the most common cause of soft cherries. Simmer the cherries gently over low heat and check their consistency frequently. Using cherries that are already overly ripe can also contribute to softness.
My cherries are too sweet. Can I fix them?
You can try rinsing the cherries in a small amount of warm water to remove some of the excess syrup. You can also add a squeeze of lemon juice to the syrup to balance the sweetness.
Do I need a special pitter to pit the cherries?
While not strictly necessary, a cherry pitter makes the process much faster and easier. You can also use a paperclip or a small knife to remove the pits, but this can be time-consuming and messy.
What are some good spice combinations for the syrup?
Experiment with different spice combinations to find your favorite flavor profile. Some popular options include: cinnamon, star anise, cloves, orange zest, cardamom, ginger, and allspice.
Can I use honey instead of sugar?
Yes, you can use honey, but it will impart a distinct honey flavor to the cherries. Use a mild-flavored honey to avoid overpowering the other ingredients. You might need to adjust the amount of honey depending on its sweetness.
What do I do with the leftover syrup?
Don’t throw away the leftover syrup! It’s a delicious ingredient that can be used in cocktails, drizzled over pancakes or waffles, or used to flavor sparkling water or lemonade.
How can I make these cherries a little less boozy?
Add the spirit later in the cooking process, allowing more of the alcohol to evaporate. You can also reduce the amount of spirit used in the recipe. Alternatively, you can add the spirit after the cherries are cooled, thereby not cooking it at all.
By following these tips and techniques, you can create delicious, homemade cocktail cherries that will elevate your Old Fashioned and other cocktails to a whole new level. Cheers!