Lush, jewel-toned Brandied Cherries are a true treat for anyone who craves that perfect union of tart fruit and boozy warmth. With their deep, ruby sheen and heady vanilla-cinnamon aroma, these cherries transform everyday cocktails, ice creams, or even a humble slice of cake into something completely decadent. Best of all, you get a burst of ripe cherry flavor with a sophisticated grown-up twist—plus, they’re so much easier to make than you might think!

Ingredients You’ll Need

For the Brandied Cherries:
- 1 pound fresh sweet cherries, pitted
- 1 cup brandy
- 1/2 cup water
- 1/2 cup granulated sugar
- 1 tablespoon lemon juice
- 1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1 cinnamon stick (optional)

How to Make Brandied Cherries

Step 1: Prepare the Syrup Base

Begin by adding the water, sugar, and cinnamon stick (if using) to a small, heavy-bottomed saucepan. Set the heat to medium and stir occasionally as the sugar dissolves and the mixture gently simmers. This is where the fragrance starts to fill your kitchen—a promise of what’s to come!

Step 2: Add Flavorings Off the Heat

Once the sugar is fully dissolved and you see small bubbles along the edge, remove the pan from the heat. Now, stir in the lemon juice, vanilla extract, and brandy. Doing this off the heat preserves the flavor and aroma of the brandy, while preventing any unwanted bitterness from the lemon juice.

Step 3: Fill the Jar with Cherries

Arrange your freshly pitted cherries in a clean glass jar or container. You want a snug, but not packed, fit—this helps every cherry soak up that lovely brandied syrup evenly.

Step 4: Pour the Syrup on Top

Carefully pour the warm, spiced brandy syrup over the cherries, making sure they’re fully submerged. If you see a stubborn cherry poking up above the surface, use a spoon to gently press it down or add a touch more syrup.

Step 5: Cool, Seal, and Soak

Let the mixture come to room temperature before sealing the jar. Once cooled, pop it in the refrigerator and let the magic happen. While you can dip in after 24 hours, Brandied Cherries only get better and more flavorful with each passing day—waiting a few days is truly worth it!

How to Serve Brandied Cherries

Garnishes

A single Brandied Cherry perched atop a Manhattan or Old Fashioned is a joy—think of it as an edible jewel. You can also spoon a few onto vanilla ice cream, a chocolate mousse, or even a simple yogurt bowl. For extra flair, drizzle with some of the brandied syrup for a glossy, mouthwatering finish.

Side Dishes

These cherries aren’t just for drinks and desserts! Try serving Brandied Cherries alongside a cheese board, especially with sharp cheddars or creamy blue cheeses. They bring a sweet and tart contrast that pairs perfectly with savory nibbles. They’re also lovely with roasted meats for a playful pop of sweetness.

Creative Ways to Present

Gift a small jar of Brandied Cherries tied with ribbon for a homemade foodie present—just be sure to let friends know they’re for adults! Or, serve a sundae bar at your next dinner party with cherries front and center. For brunch, spoon them over pancakes or waffles with a little syrup and whipped cream.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Keep any extra Brandied Cherries in your refrigerator, sealed tightly. They’ll stay delicious for up to a month, and the flavor gets even rounder and more intense as they sit. Always use a clean spoon to serve, and store them in glass if possible for best taste.

Freezing

While Brandied Cherries technically freeze, the texture of the fruit can change and become a bit soft once thawed. If you want to extend their life beyond a month, consider processing the jars in a water bath for shelf-stable storage—especially handy if you’re making a big, gift-worthy batch.

Reheating

There’s really no need to reheat Brandied Cherries, as they’re served cold or at room temperature. If you’d like to use the brandied syrup as a warm drizzle, gently heat the liquid (without the cherries) in a saucepan just until it’s pourable, but don’t let it boil.

FAQs

Can I use frozen cherries instead of fresh?

Yes! If fresh cherries are out of season, frozen cherries work in a pinch—just be sure to thaw and drain them thoroughly first. The texture will be a bit softer, but the flavor is still wonderfully intense.

Do Brandied Cherries need to be refrigerated?

Absolutely. Unless you choose to properly sterilize and can the jars, keeping your cherries refrigerated ensures they stay safe and delicious for as long as possible.

Is it possible to make these alcohol-free?

While the classic recipe calls for brandy, you can substitute with cherry juice plus a splash of apple cider vinegar for a non-alcoholic treat with a tangy kick. The syrup will be a little sweeter, but still packed with cherry-goodness.

How long do Brandied Cherries need to soak?

For the deepest flavor, patience is your friend—let your cherries soak for at least 24 hours, but know that the flavor blooms beautifully after 3–5 days. If you can resist, a week in the fridge is pure cherry bliss.

Can I reuse the brandied syrup?

That syrup is liquid gold! Drizzle it over desserts or cocktails, or use it as a sweetener in coffee or lemonade. Just don’t reuse it for new, uncooked cherries due to food safety concerns.

Final Thoughts

Honestly, once you try homemade Brandied Cherries, you’ll wonder how you ever settled for store-bought. They add instant elegance to almost anything and are shockingly simple to pull off at home. Give them a try and see just how many ways these little ruby jewels can brighten up your kitchen adventures!

Brandied Cherries Recipe

5 Stars 4 Stars 3 Stars 2 Stars 1 Star

4.6 from 17 reviews

Author: Emma
Total Time: 15 minutes (plus soaking time)
Yield: 2 cups 1x
Diet: Vegetarian

Print Recipe

Description

Learn how to make delicious brandied cherries at home with this easy recipe. These boozy cherries are perfect for cocktails, desserts, or as a gourmet topping!

Ingredients

Scale

For the Brandied Cherries:

1 pound fresh sweet cherries, pitted
1 cup brandy
1/2 cup water
1/2 cup granulated sugar
1 tablespoon lemon juice
1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract
1 cinnamon stick (optional)

Cook Mode Prevent your screen from going dark

Instructions

Prepare the Liquid Mixture: In a small saucepan, combine water, sugar, and cinnamon. Simmer over medium heat until sugar dissolves.
Add Flavorings: Remove from heat, stir in lemon juice, vanilla, and brandy.
Combine with Cherries: Place pitted cherries in a jar, pour the liquid over them.
Chill: Let cool, then refrigerate. Allow to soak for at least 24 hours.