Brandied Cocktail Cherries
Intro: Brandied Cocktail Cherries
When cherries go on sale, I always whip up at least one batch of brandied cocktail cherries. The recipe is super simple:
- 1 cup hot water
- 1/2 cup sugar
- Pitted cherries
- 1 cup brandy
- Whole spices like cinnamon, star anise (optional)
These cherries will keep in the fridge for several weeks, and only get better as they soak up the alcohol-sugar mixture, and besides cocktail garnishes, they make a great ice cream topping along with the liquid from the jar.
Equipment needed:
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STEP 1: Pit Cherries
Pit a bunch of cherries, however you like. I use a regular vegetable peeler but you could also try that chopstick-over-a-bottle technique if that works for you. I've compiled an Instructables Collection with various techniques for pitting cherries.
STEP 2: Mix It Up
Put your cherries in a jar, then fill the jar about halfway up with very hot sugar water. You could also give them a toss on the stove in a saucepan, but why dirty another dish? Close up the jar and give it a few rolls to coat the cherries. Fill the jar the rest of the way up with brandy, mix it up again, and stick it in the fridge, at least overnight.
STEP 3: Enjoy!
Enjoy as a garnish in cocktails or on (adult) ice cream sundaes! You could try mixing up this recipe by adding some whole spices to the mix, or a splash of your favorite liqueur. I'd love to hear how you make it your own.
6 Comments
Ggungaby 6 years ago
Penandpaddle 6 years ago
Could you use frozen/thawed cherries? If you want to use them for Christmas, the "few weeks" fridge-life wouldn't work.
bekathwia 6 years ago
If you want to make xmas gifts, try our free Canning and Preserving class! https://www.instructables.com/class/Canning-and-Pr...
schaie 6 years ago
How long do they keep?
bekathwia 6 years ago
A few weeks in the fridge! After that they start to lose their color and get a bit bitter. The liquid seems to keep indefinitely...
gilbequick 6 years ago