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    Home » Condiments

    Drunken Cherries

    Published: Aug 20, 2020 by Carolyn Hetke · This post may contain affiliate links,

    Jump to Recipe Print Recipe

    I wanted to preserve some of the lush fresh cherries, that you can still get if you are lucky, so Drunken Cherries seemed to fit the bill.

    Fresh cherries in mason jars

    I had a large jar of brandied cherries a few years ago that I enjoyed immensely. I used them as accents in Trifles, over ice cream, to garnish drinks.

    Based on that happy set of circumstances I decided to try Drunken Cherries. Drunken Cherries are traditionally preserved with Vodka rather than Brandy.

    Fresh cherries cleaned beside Vodka bottle

    To pit or not to pit? I saw instructions that went both ways. I did not pit mine because I thought they might stay a bit firmer and I am totally prepared to warn people to watch for the pits. I think the cherries will end up more as garnishes rather than the main ingredient. The Syrup of course will be delicious over ice cream or crepes or in drinks.

    Stem or no stem? If you decide not to pit them what about the stem? The stem would only be left on for effect but any instructions that had them left on also had them trimmed to ½". I assume to save space and reduce entanglement but I suspect stems could risk imparting a bitterness to the syrup in some cases. I went -no stem.

    Fresh cherries in mason jars

    This recipe makes 2 ½ pints. The amount of vodka you will need will depend on the size of your cherries and how much space there is around them. I was lucky.. the measurements below worked out perfectly. I had about a tablespoon of Vodka syrup left over that wouldn't fit in the jars.

    Storage for Drunken Cherries

    These are very simple to make but they are not water-processed so you will need to keep them in the fridge or a cool dark place like a cold cellar. It will take about 4 months to infuse the Vodka and the Vodka will turn a deep red.

    So start now and you will have cherries and syrup ready for Christmas desserts and drinks!

    Mason Jar of Bing Cherries in Vodka syrup

    Drunken Cherries

    Capture some of that Summer goodness for the dead of Winter! They only take a few minutes to make but they need time to steep so start months ahead!
    Author: Carolyn Hetke

    If you tried this, or any other recipe on my website, please leave a 🌟 star rating and let me know it went in the 📝 comments below!

    5 from 1 vote
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    Course: Condiments
    Cuisine: American
    Prep Time: 20 minutes mins
    120 days d
    Total Time: 120 days d 20 minutes mins
    Servings: 2 pints

    Ingredients

    • 3 cups fresh sweet cherries
    • ½ cup sugar
    • 2 ½ cups Vodka

    Instructions

    • Rinse cherries well and remove stems. Pit cherries if desired.
    • Heat vodka and sugar in microwave one minute at a time. Stir and heat until sugar is dissolved.
    • Fill mason jars with cherries ensuring cherries will be covered with the syrup. Leave at least ¼" head space at top of the jar.
    • Pour syrup over the cherries and close up jars. Ensure cherries are submerged in the syrup. Store in a cool, dark place (like a fridge or root cellar) for at least 4 months and up to a year if consistently cold.
    • Serve over ice cream, as garnish for cakes, crepes or drinks.

    Notes

    You can substitute Brandy for the Vodka if you like but you will have a very different flavour, not as neutral.

    Nutrition

    Serving: 1Tbsps | Calories: 51kcal | Carbohydrates: 4g | Protein: 1g | Fat: 1g | Saturated Fat: 1g | Sodium: 1mg | Potassium: 23mg | Fiber: 1g | Sugar: 4g | Vitamin A: 7IU | Vitamin C: 1mg | Calcium: 1mg | Iron: 1mg
    Tried this recipe?Mention @thewineloverski or tag #thewineloverski!

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