Cherry Cordial Recipe

If you’ve never experienced the magic of homemade Cherry Cordial, get ready for a delicious adventure! This enchanting beverage is lusciously sweet, brimming with deep cherry flavors, and has just enough warmth from the brandy (or vodka) and vanilla to make every sip feel like a little celebration. Whether you serve it over ice, drizzle it into desserts, or gift it during the holiday season, Cherry Cordial is guaranteed to bring smiles and spark conversations. It’s deceptively simple, astonishingly tasty, and the perfect way to capture cherries’ joyful spirit in a bottle!

Cherry Cordial Recipe - Recipe Image

Ingredients You’ll Need

  • Cherries:

    • 2 cups fresh or frozen sweet cherries, pitted

    Sugar Syrup:

    • 1½ cups granulated sugar
    • 1 cup water

    Additional:

    • 1 cup brandy or vodka
    • 1 teaspoon vanilla extract

How to Make Cherry Cordial

Step 1: Stew the Cherries

In a small saucepan, combine the cherries, sugar, and water. Stir gently and bring to a slow, gentle boil over medium heat. This encourages the cherries to release their natural juice while the sugar dissolves completely. After about 10 minutes, the fruit will look lush and softened, and everything will be coated in a rosy syrup that smells irresistible. Remove from the heat and let it cool until safe to handle.

Step 2: Combine and Infuse

Once the cherry mixture has cooled a little, pour everything—juice, fruit, and all—into a clean glass jar or bottle. Add your brandy (or vodka) and the vanilla extract. Give it a gentle stir, making sure everything is well combined, then seal the container tightly. Time now does the rest! Store the jar in a cool, dark place, letting all those beautiful flavors meld for at least two weeks—shaking the jar gently every few days to keep things blended and happy.

Step 3: Strain and Finish

When you just can’t wait any longer (though you really can let it infuse up to four weeks for an even richer flavor), it’s time to strain. Pour the mixture through a fine mesh sieve or cheesecloth into a clean container, catching all the cherry solids. What remains is your jewel-red Cherry Cordial, smooth, fragrant, and utterly inviting! Store sealed in the refrigerator and serve chilled or over ice for instant delight.

How to Serve Cherry Cordial

Cherry Cordial Recipe - Recipe Image

Garnishes

Elevate every glass by adding a few whole cherries (fresh or brandied), a twist of lemon peel, or even a sprig of fresh mint. If you’re feeling fancy, try dipping the rim of your glass in sugar for a sparkling, festive presentation. Little touches make your Cherry Cordial feel extra special and inviting!

Side Dishes

This sweet liqueur pairs beautifully with desserts—think dark chocolate truffles, almond biscotti, or buttery shortbread cookies. Offer a cheese plate with tangy goat cheese and candied nuts alongside, and Cherry Cordial instantly becomes a sophisticated after-dinner treat or a show-stopping nightcap.

Creative Ways to Present

Don’t limit yourself to glasses! Cherry Cordial is dazzling in cocktails, a surprising splash over vanilla ice cream, or even drizzled into coffee for a grown-up cherry mocha. For gifts, decant it into pretty bottles and tie with ribbon—a homemade Cherry Cordial never fails to charm friends and family.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Keep any leftover Cherry Cordial in a tightly sealed jar or bottle in your refrigerator. It will stay fresh and delicious for several months, and in fact, it may deepen in flavor as it rests. Always use a clean spoon when pouring to keep things pristine and tasty.

Freezing

While you don’t technically need to freeze Cherry Cordial, you absolutely can if you’re batching for the future. Simply pour into a freezer-safe glass container, seal well, and freeze. Thaw gently in the refrigerator before serving—and note, thanks to the alcohol, it won’t freeze solid.

Reheating

If you’d like your Cherry Cordial warm (especially lovely in chilly months), heat it gently in a saucepan over very low heat to avoid burning off the alcohol. Never microwave in a sealed container. Warmed, it’s fantastic in mugs with a dollop of whipped cream for a cozy twist.

FAQs

Can I make Cherry Cordial without alcohol?

Absolutely! Substitute the brandy or vodka with an equal amount of extra cherry juice or water, then use the cordial as a sweet syrup for drinks, desserts, or even pancakes. You’ll miss the boozy warmth, but it’s still wonderfully flavorful.

How long should I really let the Cherry Cordial infuse?

Two weeks is the minimum for good flavor, but if you can stand the wait, four weeks will give you a deeper, richer profile as the alcohol extracts every bit of cherry goodness.

Can I use frozen cherries instead of fresh?

Yes! Frozen cherries work beautifully and can be easier to find out of season. No need to thaw—just pop them right into the pot with sugar and water, and you’re on your way.

Is there a difference between brandy and vodka for this recipe?

Definitely—brandy brings a bit more warmth and complexity, making for a slightly richer, dessert-like cordial. Vodka is more neutral, which lets the cherry and vanilla flavors really shine.

What can I do with the leftover cherries after straining?

Never toss them! The boozy cherries are incredible spooned over ice cream, folded into brownies, or made into a quick compote for pancakes or yogurt. They’re little gems in their own right.

Final Thoughts

If you adore bold fruit flavors and a little kitchen creativity, making Cherry Cordial is a joy from start to finish. It’s a delicious tradition you’ll find yourself returning to year after year—so pour yourself a glass, share with friends, and let this bright, homemade treat add a touch of cherry cheer to any occasion. You’ll be amazed at how easy, gorgeous, and delicious it really is. Cheers!

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Cherry Cordial Recipe

Cherry Cordial Recipe


5 Stars 4 Stars 3 Stars 2 Stars 1 Star

4.7 from 11 reviews

  • Author: Emma
  • Total Time: 20 minutes (plus 2 weeks infusing)
  • Yield: 2 cups 1x
  • Diet: Vegetarian

Description

Indulge in the sweet and boozy delight of homemade Cherry Cordial, a luscious fruit-infused liqueur that’s perfect for sipping on its own or adding a splash to cocktails. This easy recipe captures the essence of fresh cherries in a delightful concoction.


Ingredients

Scale

Cherries:

  • 2 cups fresh or frozen sweet cherries, pitted

Sugar Syrup:

  • 1½ cups granulated sugar
  • 1 cup water

Additional:

  • 1 cup brandy or vodka
  • 1 teaspoon vanilla extract

Instructions

  1. Prepare Cherry Mixture: In a small saucepan, combine cherries, sugar, and water. Boil until sugar dissolves, about 10 minutes.
  2. Infuse: Remove from heat, cool slightly, then pour into a jar. Add brandy, vanilla, and stir. Seal and store in a cool, dark place for at least 2 weeks, shaking occasionally.
  3. Strain and Serve: Strain out solids, then serve chilled or over ice.

Notes

  • For a richer flavor, infuse for up to 4 weeks before straining.
  • Try using sour cherries for a tangy variation or add a cinnamon stick for extra warmth.
  • Prep Time: 10 minutes
  • Cook Time: 10 minutes
  • Category: Beverage
  • Method: Infusing
  • Cuisine: American

Nutrition

  • Serving Size: 2 tablespoons
  • Calories: 70
  • Sugar: 10 g
  • Sodium: 0 mg
  • Fat: 0 g
  • Saturated Fat: 0 g
  • Unsaturated Fat: 0 g
  • Trans Fat: 0 g
  • Carbohydrates: 10 g
  • Fiber: 0 g
  • Protein: 0 g
  • Cholesterol: 0 mg

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