Enchanting Drunken Cherries
These Enchanting Drunken Cherries are a delightful treat that captures the essence of festive flavors. Perfect for gifting during the holiday season or enjoying as a personal indulgence, this vibrant and luscious concoction is made with sweet pitted cherries lovingly steeped in vodka and the rich notes of your choice of blackberry liqueur or cherry brandy. Infused with the zesty aroma of orange peel and a hint of sweetness from granulated sugar, these cherries create a wonderful treat that enhances any dessert. Serve them warm over vanilla ice cream, drizzle over cheesecake, or savor them straight from the jar for a delightful experience. Best when stored for at least 8 hours to allow the flavors to harmonize, these cherries can be kept for up to 1 week, making them a perfect make-ahead treat.
N/A
Servings
N/A
Calories
5
Ingredients
Ingredients
sweet pitted cherries
2 ((17 ounce cans, drained))
vodka
1/2 cup
blackberry liqueur or cherry brandy
1/4 cup
coarsely grated orange peel
1 tablespoon
granulated sugar
1 tablespoon
Instructions
1
In a large bowl, combine the drained sweet pitted cherries, vodka, blackberry liqueur (or cherry brandy), coarsely grated orange peel, and granulated sugar.
2
Gently stir the mixture until all ingredients are well combined and the sugar has fully dissolved.
3
Ladle the mixture into a clean, sterilized 24 oz. glass jar, ensuring that the cherries are well submerged in liquid.
4
Seal the jar tightly and let it sit in the refrigerator for at least 8 hours to allow the flavors to develop. For the best results, allow the cherries to steep for up to 1 week.
5
When ready to use, simply serve over your favorite desserts or enjoy by themselves.
Nutrition Information
Frequently Asked Questions
Frequently Asked Questions
What are Enchanting Drunken Cherries?
Enchanting Drunken Cherries are a festive treat made by steeping sweet pitted cherries in vodka, liqueur, orange peel, and sugar.
What ingredients do I need for this recipe?
The recipe requires sweet pitted cherries, vodka, blackberry liqueur or cherry brandy, coarsely grated orange peel, and granulated sugar.
How many cans of cherries are required?
You will need two 17-ounce cans of sweet pitted cherries, which should be drained before use.
Can I substitute blackberry liqueur?
Yes, you can use cherry brandy as a substitute for the blackberry liqueur.
What kind of alcohol is used in this recipe?
This recipe uses 1/2 cup of vodka and 1/4 cup of either blackberry liqueur or cherry brandy.
How long should the cherries steep before serving?
The cherries should sit in the refrigerator for at least 8 hours, though for best results, they can steep for up to 1 week.
How should I store the finished cherries?
Store the cherries in a tightly sealed, sterilized 24 oz. glass jar inside the refrigerator.
How long do Drunken Cherries last in the fridge?
They can be kept in the refrigerator for up to 1 week.
What is the best way to serve these cherries?
You can serve them warm over vanilla ice cream, drizzle them over cheesecake, or enjoy them straight from the jar.
Do I need to cook the cherries?
No, this is a no-cook recipe that involves combining ingredients and allowing them to steep in the refrigerator.
How much sugar is in the recipe?
The recipe calls for 1 tablespoon of granulated sugar, stirred until fully dissolved.
What role does orange peel play in this recipe?
The coarsely grated orange peel adds a zesty aroma and helps enhance the festive flavors of the cherries.
What size jar is recommended?
A clean, sterilized 24 oz. glass jar is the recommended size for this recipe.
Should the cherries be submerged in liquid?
Yes, ensure that the cherries are well submerged in the liquid mixture before sealing the jar.
Are these cherries suitable for gifting?
Yes, they are described as an enchanting and delightful treat perfect for gifting during the holiday season.
Is this an easy recipe to make?
Yes, it is tagged as an easy recipe with only five main ingredients and simple assembly instructions.
What is the primary flavor profile?
The flavor profile is vibrant and luscious, combining sweet cherries with boozy notes and a hint of citrus.
Can I use fresh cherries instead of canned?
The recipe specifies canned sweet pitted cherries, but you can use fresh pitted cherries if preferred, though textures may vary.
Can I use lemon peel instead of orange peel?
While the recipe calls for orange peel, you could substitute lemon peel for a different citrus note, though the flavor profile will change.
Is there any prep needed for the cherries?
The cherries should be sweet, pitted, and drained of their canning liquid before mixing.
Can I double this recipe?
Yes, you can double the ingredients and use a larger jar or multiple 24 oz. jars for storage.
Is the alcohol cooked out of this treat?
No, the alcohol is not cooked, making these a 'boozy' treat intended for adults.
Can I use frozen cherries?
Frozen cherries can be used if they are thawed and drained first, but canned cherries are the standard for this specific recipe.
How many ingredients are in this recipe?
There are 5 total ingredients: cherries, vodka, liqueur/brandy, orange peel, and sugar.
Can I use a different type of sugar?
Granulated sugar is recommended for easy dissolving, but you could use superfine sugar as well.
Does the recipe require any special equipment?
You only need a large mixing bowl, a grater for the orange peel, and a sterilized glass jar.
Can these cherries be used in cocktails?
While suggested as a dessert topping, these drunken cherries also make excellent garnishes for cocktails.
Why is it called 'Enchanting'?
The name reflects the vibrant, luscious appearance and the delightful, festive aroma of the infusion.
Can I make this more than a week in advance?
The recipe recommends consuming within 1 week for the best quality and flavor harmony.
Are the cherries served cold or room temperature?
They are stored in the fridge and served cold, though they can be warmed up specifically for serving over ice cream.