If you’re looking to add a touch of sweetness and sophistication to your favorite libations, homemade bourbon cherries are the perfect addition. In this article, we’ll dive into a delightful recipe that will transform ordinary cherries into irresistible bourbon-infused treats. Get ready to impress your guests and elevate your cocktails to a whole new level of deliciousness!

Ingredients

To embark on this flavorful adventure, gather the following ingredients:

• 1 cup pitted cherries (preferably dark, sweet cherries)
• 1/2 cup bourbon (choose a high-quality bourbon to enhance the flavor)
• 1/4 cup granulated sugar
• 1/4 cup water
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
• Optional: a pinch of cinnamon or a few strips of orange zest for added complexity

Instructions

1. Prepare the Cherries: Start by thoroughly washing and pitting the cherries. Ensure that they are ripe, firm, and free from any blemishes. Remember, the quality of the cherries will greatly impact the final result, so choose the best you can find.
2. Create the Bourbon Infusion: In a saucepan, combine the bourbon, sugar, water, and vanilla extract. If desired, add a pinch of cinnamon or strips of orange zest for a hint of additional flavor. Heat the mixture over medium heat, stirring until the sugar is fully dissolved and the mixture begins to simmer.
3. Simmer the Cherries: Once the mixture is simmering, carefully add the cherries to the saucepan. Gently stir to coat the cherries in the bourbon-infused syrup. Allow the cherries to simmer in the syrup for about 5 minutes, ensuring they are evenly heated and infused with the bourbon flavors.
4. Cool and Store: Remove the saucepan from heat and let the bourbon cherries cool completely. Once cooled, transfer the cherries and the bourbon syrup into a sterilized glass jar or airtight container. Make sure the cherries are fully submerged in the syrup. Seal the container and refrigerate for at least 24 hours to allow the flavors to meld together.
5. Enjoy and Elevate Your Cocktails: Your homemade bourbon cherries are now ready to be enjoyed! Add these delectable treats to your favorite bourbon cocktails, such as Old Fashioned, Manhattan, or Whiskey Sour. The cherries will infuse your drinks with a luscious sweetness and a subtle kick of bourbon, taking your cocktails to a whole new level of sophistication and flavor.

Tip: Don’t limit yourself to cocktails! Bourbon cherries also make a delightful accompaniment to desserts, ice cream sundaes, or even as a garnish for cheese platters. Let your culinary creativity run wild!

Don’t want to mess with the hassle of making them for yourself? You might want to consider some Woodford Reserve Cherries instead (more info here).

With just a few simple steps, you can create your own batch of tantalizing homemade bourbon cherries. These delightful treats add a burst of flavor, sweetness, and sophistication to your favorite bourbon cocktails, elevating your mixology game to new heights. Get ready to impress your guests and indulge in the exquisite taste of homemade goodness. Cheers to the irresistible allure of bourbon cherries!