Bourbon Cherries
This Post May Contain Affiliate Links. Please Read Our Disclosure PolicyThese homemade Bourbon Cherries are a delicious and easy-to-make treat. You can use them for garnish on a cocktail, serve them on a dessert bar, or gift them to special people in your life!
Bourbon Cherries
Last week, I shared my Pumpkin Old Fashioned recipe. If you saw that post, you may remember that I used bourbon cherries as a garnish for the cocktail. I promised that I’d share my recipe for Bourbon Cherries with you, so today I’m going to show you how to make them.
As I mentioned, I’ve been enjoying bourbon lately. I like to mix it with things, such as apple cider and cranberry juice, and typically, a cherry is an appropriate garnish. I’ve been using these Luxardo Maraschino Cherries, which I love, but I thought I’d try my hand at making my own. Instead of making sweeter cherries like the Luxardo, I opted for bourbon-soaked ones.
They are surprisingly easy to make!
How to Make Bourbon Cherries:
Start by prepping your cherries. Clean them, remove the stems, and then remove the pits. I used this cherry pitter, and it made the job easy.
Once your cherries are ready, pack them in mason jars. You’ll need 4 or 5 pint-sized jars. (As you’ll see, I had extra cherries so I ended up with 6 jars.)
Now, it’s time to make the bourbon syrup. In a medium saucepan, heat the bourbon and sugar just until the sugar dissolves. Let the syrup cool for 15-20 minutes and then pour it over the cherries.
What bourbon should you use for Bourbon Cherries?
You can use whatever bourbon you like best, but I recommend something that isn’t top shelf or super expensive. My favorite bourbon is Four Rose Single Barrel. I also like Bulliet. Bulliet is a bit lower in price, so that is what I used for these cherries.
If you want your syrup to have a seasonal flair, add some cinnamon sticks and oranges. I kept my cherries neutral because I didn’t want any additional flavors to limit my use of them in future cocktail making.
And that’s it! Put lids on the jars and pop them into the refrigerator.
I recommend waiting at least one week before serving the cherries. You can store them in the refrigerator for up to one year.
While these cherries pack a punch on their own, they also make the perfect cocktail garnish. They aren’t as sweet as a Luxardo or traditional maraschino cherry, but I think you’ll find them just as delicious. Plus, it’s great to say that you made them!
Cocktail Recipes to Use Bourbon Cherries:
Whether you plan to keep them for your cocktail making adventures or give them as a gift, I hope you enjoy this recipe for Bourbon Cherries!
Cheers!
Bourbon Cherries
Ingredients
- 3 1/2 cups bourbon
- 1 cup sugar
- 4 cups sweet cherries pitted and stems removed
Instructions
- Add the bourbon and sugar to a medium saucepan. Simmer on low heat until the sugar dissolves. Remove from heat and cool for 15-20 minutes.
- Divide the cherries into mason jars. You’ll need 4 or 5 pint-sized jars.
- Pour the bourbon syrup over the cherries until it completely covers the fruit. Put the lids on tightly and store the cherries in the refrigerator. I recommend waiting 1-2 weeks before serving the cherries.
- These cherries can be stored in the refrigerator for up to one year.
What kind of cherries do you use? I’m
Definitely going to try this recipe!
I read the entire article and found no mention of recommended bourbons.
I listed two in the post. 🙂
xo Michael
You didn’t read the WHOLE article … lol. Four Rose Single Barrel or Bulliet were recommended.
Not being a bourbon drinker, I want to make these for someone else. Would you recommend a brand of bourbon please?
Hi there! If you read through the post I provided some bourbon suggestions. Enjoy!!
xo Michael
I guess you didn’t intend for your cherries to pack a punch if you cooked it. The alcohol is destroyed with heat. Could you just add a cooled simple syrup to the hooch before adding it to the fruit?
Pamela,
You’re not cooking the bourbon, you’re just warming it up to dissolve the sugar. This won’t cook off the alcohol. (And if it does it would be a very small percentage.) Trust me, these cherries still pack a punch. ‘
xo Michael
Can you CAN these for shelf storage? I am guessing the firmness of the cherry would hold up a bit, but I wonder what else would happen with that heat process….?
I’m not sure. I haven’t tried.
xo Michael
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Can you use frozen cherries
No. I wouldn’t you want fresh for this recipe.
xo Michael
I made these for Christmas gifts. I can’t want to give them away. Thank you!
Love that! They make a great gift!
xo Michael
Thanks Michael! I am a great bourbon lover! I have received bourbon cherries as a gift in the past and loved them too. Now I can make my own!! Maybe I will even share🥰 Yum!!
Yay!! Enjoy the recipe, Nikki!
xo Michael
Great gift idea! I know several folks on my Christmas list who would LOVE these. Thanks, Michael.
You’re so welcome!! Enjoy the recipe!
xo Michael
My husband is a bourbon connoisseur, wo these will be a perfect treat! Thank you for sharing!
Yay! I’m sure he will love them!
xo Michael
If you can’t find fresh cherries, would frozen or canned be okay? grazie
Hmmm. I don’t think so. I recommend fresh for this recipe.
xo Michael
I’ll be using frozen cherries I’m sure they’d work just five
hey did the frozen cherries work out ok? i’ve also seen recipes that call for dried cherries. wondering about those with this recipe as well????
Sounds easy peasy! My husband will for sure make these. Thanks.
Pam
You’re so welcome! enjoy!!
xo Michael