Bourbon Cherries

What are Bourbon cherries?

Bourbon cherries, or bourbon-soaked or boozy cherries, are essentially cherries infused with bourbon whiskey. They are a delicious treat that can be enjoyed on their own or used as a cocktail garnish. In fact, bourbon-soaked cherries add a rich, complex flavor to drinks and are a great way to elevate your home bartending game.

These cherries are made by soaking fresh cherries in bourbon, sugar, and spices for several days. The alcohol infuses the cherries with its distinct flavor, and the sugar and spices add a sweet and aromatic touch. Once the cherries have been infused, they can be stored in the refrigerator for a few months. That makes them available for impromptu gatherings and happy hours.

Why you need them in your cocktails

Once you’ll taste the difference they make in your drinks, you’ll wonder why you ever went without them.

• Adding bourbon-soaked cherries to your cocktails takes your drink to a new level.
• And the depth and flavor they bring to your drink are unmatched by any other ingredient.
• Also, they perfectly complement the taste of bourbon and other spirits by adding a sweet, tangy note that balances the drink.
• Plus, their beautiful appearance as a garnish takes your cocktail presentation up a notch.
• Not to mention, they’re incredibly easy to make at home with just a few simple ingredients.
• In addition, once soaked, the alcohol is infused with cherry flavor and the sweetness of sugar. This can be used as bourbon cherry alcohol!

With all of these benefits, it’s easy to see why these cherries are a must-have item in your cocktail arsenal.

Ingredients and substitutes

To make your own drunken cherries at home, you’ll need a few key ingredients.

• First, you’ll need fresh cherries – ideally sour cherries rather than sweet cherries, as they hold up better in cocktails. And if you don’t have fresh cherries, you can also substitute with frozen or canned cherries. However, be sure to drain any excess liquid before using them in the recipe
• You’ll also need bourbon. You can experiment with different types of alcohol if you’re not a bourbon fan. Brandy or rum could be an interesting substitute.
• And if you want to reduce your sugar intake, consider using a natural sweetener like honey or maple syrup instead of the sugar in the simple syrup.

What alcohol is used for drunken cherries?

When it comes to choosing the right bourbon or whiskey for your drunken cherries, there are a few things to keep in mind.

• First and foremost, choose a bourbon or whiskey that you enjoy drinking on its own. This will ensure that the soaked cherries’ flavor complements your chosen spirit’s character.
• There are no hard and fast rules for specific brands or types. However, it’s worth noting that bourbons with a higher proof tend to be a better choice. That’s because they have a more robust flavor and will better hold up against the sweetness of the cherries.
• Another factor to consider is the age of the bourbon. While older bourbons may seem like the most obvious choice, they can be too complex and overpowering for this recipe. A younger bourbon with a simpler flavor profile will work just as well.

Ultimately, the type of bourbon or whiskey you choose will depend on your preference and the cocktail you plan to use these cherries in. So don’t be afraid to experiment until you find the perfect match.

Storage and shelf life

• If you use only some of your bourbon-soaked cherries, they can be stored in the refrigerator for up to a few months.
• As with any food storage, it’s essential to use good hygiene when handling the cherries and to keep them in a clean, airtight container. This way, you’ll be able to enjoy them in your cocktails for weeks to come.

Do soaked cherries go bad?

• The good news is that soaked cherries can last several months or even a year if stored properly. However, it’s important to remember that the cherries will continue to age and change in flavor over time, so it’s best to consume them within the first few months for optimal taste.
• Keep your alcohol cherries in an airtight container in the fridge to store them. This will help preserve their flavor and prevent any spoilage. And if you notice any signs of mold or an off odor, it’s best to discard them immediately.
• Another important note is that the alcohol in the bourbon will also act as a preservative, helping to keep the cherries fresh for longer. So, to make a large batch of these soaked cherries, consider using a higher-proof bourbon for maximum preservation.

Creative ways to use drunken cherries in your drinks

You can use these cherries to add a unique twist to your drinks in many ways. The possibilities are endless, from adding them into classic cocktails like Old Fashioneds to experimenting with new flavor combinations. So let’s explore creative ways to use soaked cherries in your drinks.

• One fun way to use these cherries is to muddle them with fresh herbs like mint or basil to add flavor to your drinks. This works great in cocktails like a Bourbon Cherry Smash or a Cherry Basil Julep.
• Another option is to mix cherries with other fruit flavors. Add them to a Peach Bourbon Smash for a refreshing summer drink, or mix them with blackberries in a Bourbon Blackberry Sour.
• And if you’re adventurous, why not infuse your bourbon with the cherries? Add a handful of alcohol-soaked cherries to a bottle of bourbon and let it sit for a few weeks. The result is a delicious, cherry-infused bourbon that’s perfect for sipping on its own or using in cocktails.
• Finally, you can experiment with new flavor combinations. Bourbon-soaked cherries work well with various ingredients, from ginger to maple syrup.
• Also, these are great gifts to give to family and friends when cherries are in season.
• Serve bourbon-soaked cherries with your vanilla ice cream, or better yet make a boozy bourbon cherry ice cream.
• Use a cornstarch slurry to thicken the bourbon syrup. Then, use the cherries with syrup to top your favorite desserts such as pavlova or cheesecakes.
• So, get creative and see what exciting cocktails you can develop using this tasty ingredient.

What cocktails can you make with cherry-infused bourbon alcohol?

The bourbon-cherries alcohol in the jar contains sugar, adding a subtle sweetness and unique flavor to various cocktails. This also means you don’t need to add additional sugar. Here are some ideas to get your creative juices flowing:

1. Cherry Old Fashioned – The Old Fashioned is a classic cocktail known for its simplicity and timeless appeal. The cherries complement the sweetness of the bourbon and add a pop of color to the drink.
   • Add 2 oz of bourbon + 2 oz of cherry bourbon alcohol over ice in an old-fashioned glass or cocktail glass.
   • Top with 2-3 drops of Angostura bitters,
   • Garnish with an orange twist and cherry.
2. Cherry Manhattan – The Manhattan is a classic cocktail that combines the richness of whiskey with the sweet and herbal flavors of the vermouth. The cherry adds complexity and depth to the cocktail.
   • In a cocktail shaker, add the ice cubes with 2 oz whiskey + 2 oz of bourbon cherry alcohol + 1 oz of sweet vermouth
   • Top with 2-3 drops of Angostura bitters.
   • Shake then pour into a cocktail glass and
   • Garnish with an orange twist and a cherry.
3. and Cherry Whiskey Sour – Muddle a bourbon cherry with a bit of sugar and lemon juice for a twist on the classic Whiskey Sour.
   • In a cocktail shaker over ice cubes, add 2 oz of whiskey + 1 oz of bourbon cherries alcohol + 1 oz of lemon juice + 1/2 tsp sugar.
     (you can also add 1 egg white for a silky texture and frothy layer).
   • Shake, then pour into a cocktail glass.
   • Garnish with a slice of lemon and cherry.
4. Cherry Boulevardier – The Boulevardier is a delightful cocktail that shares similarities with both the Negroni and the Manhattan. The bitterness of the Campari in this cocktail is balanced out by the sweetness of the bourbon and the cherry garnish.
   • In a cocktail shaker over ice cubes, add 2 oz of bourbon + 1 oz of bourbon cherry alcohol + 1 oz of vermouth + 1 oz of Campari.
   • Shake then pour into a cocktail glass.
   • Garnish with soaked cherries
5. Cherry Mint Julep – Swap out the traditional mint sprig for a bourbon cherry in your Mint Julep for a unique take on this classic cocktail.
   • In a cocktail shaker with crushed ice lightly muddle 5-6 mint leaves,
   • Add 2 oz of bourbon + 1 oz of bourbon cherry alcohol.
   • Shake, then pour into a cocktail glass.
   • Garnish with fresh mint leaves and cherries.

What is cherry bourbon syrup and how to make it?

The bourbon in the jar contains sugar and is infused with the cherries. So once you have used up all the cherries, you can thicken the syrup to make a delicious cherry-flavored bourbon syrup that is perfect to use with cocktails or over your favorite desserts such as ice creams, panna cotta, bavarian creams, mousse, etc.

How to can bourbon soaked cherries?

It is possible to can bourbon-soaked cherries. Canning is a preservation method that involves heating and sealing food in jars to prevent spoilage.

1. Gather the necessary equipment: You will need canning jars with lids and bands, a large pot for water bath canning, a canning rack or a folded kitchen towel to place at the bottom of the pot, a jar lifter, a clean kitchen towel, a ladle, and a funnel.
2. Prepare the cherries: Start by selecting fresh, firm cherries. Wash them thoroughly and remove the stems. You can choose to pit the cherries if desired, although it’s not necessary. Pitting will make it easier to consume the cherries later.
3. Soak the cherries in bourbon: Place the washed cherries in a clean, sterilized glass jar. Add the sugar and pour bourbon over the cherries, completely submerging them. Leave some headspace in the jar, about 1/2 inch (1.25 cm), to allow for expansion during canning.
4. Sterilize the jars and lids: Submerge the canning jars, lids, and bands in a pot of water and bring it to a boil. Allow them to boil for 10 minutes to sterilize. Alternatively, you can run them through a dishwasher cycle if it has a high-temperature sanitizing option.
5. Fill the jars: Remove the sterilized jars from the water bath using a jar lifter, and place them on a clean kitchen towel. Using a funnel and ladle, carefully fill each jar with the bourbon-soaked cherries, leaving the recommended headspace (usually 1/2 inch or as specified in the canning instructions).
6. Remove air bubbles and seal the jars: Take a non-metallic utensil, such as a chopstick or a plastic spatula, and gently remove any air bubbles by running it around the inside edges of the jar. Wipe the rim of each jar with a clean, damp cloth to ensure it’s free from any liquid or debris. Place a sterilized lid on top and secure it with a band, tightening it just until fingertip-tight.
7. Process the jars in a water bath: Place the filled jars back into the large pot with the canning rack or folded kitchen towel at the bottom. Add enough water to cover the jars with at least 1 inch (2.5 cm) of water above the lids. Bring the water to a gentle boil and process the jars for the recommended time (usually specified in the canning recipe or guidelines for cherries). Processing times can vary depending on your location and altitude.
8. Remove and cool the jars: After the processing time is complete, turn off the heat and carefully remove the jars from the water bath using a jar lifter. Place them on a kitchen towel or a cooling rack, ensuring they are not touching each other. Allow the jars to cool undisturbed for 12 to 24 hours.
9. Check the seal and store: Once the jars have cooled, check the seals by pressing down on the center of each lid. If it doesn’t flex or make a popping sound, the jar is sealed properly. Store the sealed jars in a cool, dark place. If any jars did not seal correctly, refrigerate them and consume within a few weeks.

If you are using specific equipment ensure to read the canning instructions and safety precautions mentioned in their resources.

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