Brandied Cherries

Elevate your desserts and cocktails with the rich, indulgent flavor of homemade Brandied Cherries! This quick and easy recipe transforms fresh cherries into a luxurious treat, steeped in a sweet and aromatic brandy syrup enhanced by optional vanilla extract and zesty lemon. Whether you serve them over creamy vanilla ice cream, use them to garnish your favorite classic cocktails like an Old Fashioned or Manhattan, or simply savor them straight from the jar, these boozy cherries are a versatile and elegant addition to your pantry. With just 20 minutes of prep and 15 minutes of cooking, plus a bit of patience for the flavors to meld, these vibrant cherries are the perfect way to capture the essence of summer in a jar. Perfect for food enthusiasts, this recipe ensures you always have a touch of sophistication on hand for entertaining or indulgent self-treats!

Nutriscore Rating: 53/100

Prep Time:20 mins

Cook Time:15 mins

Total Time:35 mins

Servings: 10

Ingredients

• 500 grams Cherries (fresh, pitted or whole)
• 200 grams Sugar
• 120 ml Water
• 240 ml Brandy
• 2 teaspoons Vanilla Extract (optional)
• 1 strip Lemon Zest (optional)

Directions

Step 1

Wash the cherries thoroughly and remove their stems. If desired, pit the cherries using a cherry pitter or small knife. For a more rustic aesthetic, you can leave the pits in.

Step 2

In a medium saucepan, combine the sugar and water. Heat over medium heat, stirring occasionally, until the sugar is fully dissolved to create a simple syrup.

Step 3

Once the sugar is dissolved, add the brandy, vanilla extract (if using), and lemon zest (if using) to the saucepan. Stir to combine.

Step 4

Bring the mixture to a gentle simmer, then reduce the heat to low. Add the cherries to the saucepan and cook for 10-12 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the cherries soften slightly but still retain their shape.

Step 5

Remove the saucepan from heat and let the mixture cool slightly, about 10-15 minutes.

Step 6

Using a slotted spoon, transfer the cherries into sterilized glass jars, leaving about 2-3 cm of headspace at the top of each jar.

Step 7

Carefully pour the warm brandy syrup over the cherries, ensuring they are completely submerged. Seal the jars tightly with their lids.

Step 8

Allow the jars to cool to room temperature before storing them in a cool, dark place. For optimal flavor, let the brandied cherries sit for at least one week before using.

Step 9

Serve the cherries as a garnish for cocktails, over ice cream, in desserts, or enjoy them straight from the jar for a decadent treat!

Nutrition Facts

Serving size	561.7 grams (561.7g)

Amount per serving	% Daily Value*
Calories	1356

Total Fat 0.60g	1%
Saturated Fat 0.00g	0%
Polyunsaturated Fat 0.00g
Cholesterol 0mg	0%
Sodium 8mg	0%
Total Carbohydrate 199.20g	72%
Dietary Fiber 0.00g	0%
Total Sugars 199.60g
Protein 0.00g	0%

Vitamin D 0IU	0%
Calcium 9mg	1%
Iron 0mg	1%
Potassium 9mg	0%

*The % Daily Value tells you how much a nutrient in a serving of food contributes to a daily diet. 2,000 calories a day is used for general nutrition advice.

Source of Calories

Fat: 0.7%

Protein: 0.0%

Carbs: 99.3%