This easy to make Cherry Bourbon is so good! The spice of the bourbon pairs so beautifully with the cherries! You'll definitely want to make several batches and give some as gifts!
Cherry Bourbon or Bourbon Cherries or Cherry Whiskey
When I came home from the grocery store clutching my bag of perfectly ripe sweet cherries, I knew they were going into some booze. I had already made an easy sorbet, so it was time to have some fun with some alcohol involved!
After coming back from our Bourbon Trail vacation, we are all about bourbon. I would show you our bourbon spreadsheet, but you might think we were a little crazy. My husband stalks bourbon releases the way cavemen stalked their dinner.
The big question was, did I want to make cherry bourbon or bourbon cherries. Sounds the same, but there is a difference. Bourbon cherries call for leaving the cherries in the bourbon and usually have some sort of sweetener involved. I already had a jar of Homemade Maraschinos in the fridge, so I didn't need any more boozy cherries.
What I wanted was cherry bourbon or cherry whiskey. You see all bourbon is whiskey, but not all whiskey is bourbon (I learned this on the trail!) But with our recent bourbon obsession, bourbon was the clear choice.
Ingredients to Make Cherry Infused Bourbon
- Cherries - you want dark, sweet cherries.
- Bourbon - use your favorite.
Yes, that's it, that's all you need to make this amazing infused bourbon!
How to Make Cherry Bourbon
Step 1 - wash and pit your cherries. You'll want to use a cherry pitter. Even with a pitter be sure to wear old clothes or an apron, pitting cherries can get messy. Console yourself by thinking about how good this bourbon is going to be.
Step 2 - place the cherries in a jar. Pour over the bourbon, enough to cover the cherries. Put a lid on the jar and store in a cool, dark place.
Step 3 - let the cherries steep for 6 weeks, try to remember to shake it every day or so. I didn't and it still came out amazing.
Step 4 - after 6 weeks is up, you are ready to strain your bourbon. You can taste it first to make sure you like the level of cherry flavor. Ours was perfect.
Step 5 - after straining, store in a bottle. We store ours in the liquor cabinet, you can also store it in the fridge if you'd like.
Cherry Bourbon is Amazing!
Okay, I know, at the end of every post I say how amazing something was. You might start to doubt my sincerity. But please, I am so serious. This stuff is amazing. It is dark and rich with cherry flavor.
You'll notice that I didn't make a whole lot. That's because I have made whole bottles of an infused liquor that we ended up barely using.
This I wish I had made more of. Lots more.
First of all, it is sooo good. Check in later this week for a Double Cherry Old Fashioned! Second of all, it would make a great gift. Unfortunately for my friends and family, I only made enough for me. Sorry.
I'm not sure how it would work with frozen cherries, but I will probably give it a try this winter, when I am out of this cherry bourbon and desperate for more!
More Infused Liquors Perfect for Gift Giving!
Blackberry Liqueur - tastes like fresh blackberries, you need this to make a bramble!
Lavender Infused Gin - one of the most popular infusions on my blog!
Homemade Limoncello - I always have a bottle of this steeping.
Raspberry Vodka - makes every cocktail a pretty pink cocktail.
Spiced Pear Liqueur - sip this by the fire.
Be sure and follow my Infusion Recipes Board on Pinterest.
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Cherry Bourbon
Ingredients
- 2 cups cherries
- 2 cups bourbon
Instructions
- Pit the cherries and place them in a glass jar.
- Pour the bourbon over the cherries, make sure it covers them all.
- Put a lid on the jar and store in a cool, dark place for 6 weeks. Shake the bourbon, daily or whenever you remember.
- After 6 weeks, strain the cherries out of the bourbon and pour the bourbon into a bottle.
Denise Scott says
Can you use frozen or canned cherries?
Pam Greer says
I think canned would be okay. You would want to defrost and drain off any extra liquid from the frozen. You don't want to introduce a watery flavor.
Kim says
Any chance you could use frozen cherries?
Pam Greer says
I think they would work. You would need to thaw them well and get as much of the excess liquid off of them.
Annie says
I’ve made this and it is so good! Thank you! Question: Is there something I can do with the cherries once I strain the bourbon?
Pam Greer says
We use them in cocktails!
Mike Bernard says
I add 3 or 4 to my old fashioned drinks
Mary Callaway says
I add the cherries to brownie batter! We also just snack on them!
Mr Gary Woodhouse says
I have made this using honey jack Daniels
It is absolutely fantastic the honey adds another level to the flavour.
amy miller says
Sweet or tart cherries?
Pam Greer says
I used sweet.
Janel says
This looks so yummy and easy! Thinking of making this for bourbon lovers for Christmas. Is it super sweet?
Pam Greer says
No, not too sweet at all! There is no added sugar, so it's not like a liqueur.
Chelsey says
I love the deep rich flavors of cherries, so this must be a great flavor combo!
Pam Greer says
It is so good!
Jacque Hastert says
I am going to have to make this! We love bourbon around here and my husband and I are both lovers of cherries.
Pam Greer says
Oh, then you are going to love this!!
SHANIKA says
I still haven't had the opportunity to try Bourbon, but pairing it with Cherry sounds amazing!
Pam Greer says
You should try it!
Neha says
Such a fantastic recipe! Never knew cherry bourbon is so easy to make at home, need to try this one.
Pam Greer says
Yes, super easy!
kim says
Loving this drink recipe! The cherry and bourbon combo is fabulous!
Pam Greer says
Isn't it?!!
Kiki Johnson says
2 ingredients only? Oh that sounds like my kind of recipe! Cannot wait to try! This would also be the perfect food gift!
Pam Greer says
It would make the perfect gift!