Cocktail: How To Make Brandied Cherries

Cocktail: How to Make Brandied Cherries

Are you looking to elevate your cocktail game? Look no further than homemade brandied cherries! These delicious little orbs of sweetness are the perfect addition to any cocktail, adding a burst of flavor and a touch of sophistication. In this post, we will guide you through the simple steps to make your own brandied cherries at home.

Why Make Your Own Brandied Cherries?

While you can certainly buy brandied cherries at the store, making them yourself not only allows you to customize the flavors, but it’s also a fun and rewarding process. Plus, homemade brandied cherries are often more vibrant and flavorful than their store-bought counterparts. It’s a fantastic way to take your cocktail game to the next level.

The Ingredients You’ll Need

Before we get started, let’s gather all the ingredients you’ll need to make your brandied cherries:

• Fresh cherries – Look for plump and ripe cherries for the best flavor.
• Sugar – This will help sweeten and preserve the cherries.
• Brandy – The key ingredient that gives the cherries a delightful boozy kick.
• Vanilla extract – Adding a hint of vanilla enhances the overall flavor.
• Cinnamon stick – A warm and comforting spice that complements the cherries.

The Step-by-Step Process

Now that we have all the ingredients, let’s dive into the step-by-step process of making brandied cherries:

1. Prepare the cherries by rinsing them and removing the stems.
2. In a saucepan, combine equal parts sugar and water. Heat over medium heat until the sugar dissolves completely.
3. Add the cherries, cinnamon stick, and vanilla extract to the saucepan. Stir gently to coat the cherries in the syrup.
4. Simmer the mixture for about 5-7 minutes, until the cherries become slightly tender.
5. Remove the saucepan from heat and let it cool for a few minutes.
6. Transfer the cherries and syrup to a clean jar, leaving a little space at the top.
7. Pour brandy over the cherries until they are fully submerged.
8. Secure the lid tightly and give the jar a gentle shake to mix the flavors.
9. Store the jar in a cool, dark place for at least one month to allow the flavors to develop.

Using Your Homemade Brandied Cherries

After patiently waiting for the flavors to meld, your brandied cherries are finally ready to be used in cocktails! Here are a few ideas to get you started:

• Add a couple of brandied cherries to your Old Fashioned for a delicious twist.
• Muddle some brandied cherries in the bottom of a glass before adding your favorite bourbon for a flavorful Cherry Bourbon Smash.
• Garnish your Manhattan with a brandied cherry for an elegant finishing touch.

Get creative and experiment with different cocktails to see how brandied cherries can enhance your favorite drinks.

Conclusion

Now that you know how to make your own brandied cherries, it’s time to get started and elevate your cocktail game. With a few simple ingredients and a little patience, you can enjoy the sweet and boozy goodness of homemade brandied cherries in no time!

So, gather your ingredients, follow the steps, and get ready to impress your guests with your homemade brandied cherries. Cheers!