Elevate Your Cocktails with Homemade Maraschino Cherries: Say Goodbye to Store-Bought!
Why settle for ordinary store-bought maraschino cherries when you can indulge in the extraordinary pleasure of homemade perfection? Discover the pure joy of crafting your own maraschino cherries, bursting with natural flavours and free from artificial additives.
With this simple yet delightful recipe, you can take your cocktails to new heights and impress your guests with your mixology finesse. Let’s dive into the sweet world of making your own maraschino cherries…
Ingredients:
- Fresh, ripe cherries (hand-picked from your cherry tree or sourced locally)
- 1 cup water
- 1 cup granulated sugar
- 1 cup maraschino liqueur (I went with Giffard)
- 1 vanilla bean (optional, for an extra touch of sophistication)
Instructions:
- Fresh Cherries, Fresh Start: Begin by removing the stems from your fresh cherries and, if desired, use a cherry pitter to remove the seeds. Embrace the natural sweetness of these gems, cherishing every moment of preparation.
- The Maraschino Symphony: In a saucepan, combine water and granulated sugar over medium heat, stirring until the sugar dissolves completely. For a hint of decadence, consider adding a split vanilla bean to infuse the syrup with delightful flavors.
- Immersed in Deliciousness: Gently add your cherries to the simmering syrup, immersing them in the goodness of maraschino liqueur. Allow the cherries to soak in the flavors, creating a harmonious symphony of taste.
- Cherish the Infusion: Simmer the cherries in the syrup for approximately 5 minutes, letting them absorb the rich maraschino essence. The result? Cherries that are delightfully infused and ready to elevate your cocktails.
- Jar of Joy: Carefully transfer your precious maraschino cherries to clean glass jars, filling them generously with the cherries and syrup. Seal the jars with excitement, knowing that a world of flavor awaits within.
- Sip and Savor: Once cooled, your homemade maraschino cherries are ready to dazzle your cocktails! Elevate classics like Old Fashioned, Manhattan, or even a simple Whisky Sour with the luxurious touch of your very own creation.
Embrace the joy of homemade maraschino cherries and elevate your cocktail game like never before. With the sweet rewards of your cherry tree, bid farewell to the ordinary and embrace the extraordinary flavors you have crafted with your own hands.
And speaking of cocktails, one of my favorite ways to enjoy these luscious cherries is in a classic Old Fashioned. I often go with Sezarec Rye for that perfect balance of flavors. The combination of homemade maraschino cherries and the smooth rye whiskey creates a cocktail experience that’s simply unparalleled!
The information provided in this homemade maraschino cherries recipe is for informational purposes only. While we have taken care to ensure the accuracy and safety of the instructions, the preparation and consumption of the cherries are at your own risk.
Please exercise caution and follow safe food handling practices while making and storing the cherries. If you have any food allergies or dietary restrictions, carefully check the ingredients to ensure they align with your needs.
Interested in trying something new….check out Nikka by the Barrel
– Natalie