Cherry Bounce

By Maria Smith
Photos by Tammy Lovvorn

Looking for a Christmas gift that dates back to George Washington’s era? Think about making Cherry Bounce. Cherry Bounce is a historic cherry-infused liqueur that dates back to the 17th century. The result is a sweet, ruby red liqueur with the rich taste of cherries mellowed by the warmth of brandy. It can be sipped straight, used in cocktails, or drizzled over desserts. You can use any type of cherry, although the outcome differs. Sour cherries will make a much less sweet liqueur than a sweeter variety of cherries, like Bing.

I start thinking about making Cherry Bounce in the summer when cherries are ripe and in season. You can also make Cherry Bounce with frozen cherries, but it takes longer for the sugar to dissolve and achieve the best balanced flavor.

Tips And Tricks For The Best Cherry Bounce

1. Pit the cherries first. This not only helps the alcohol access the inside of the cherry, but also makes it easy to use the infused cherries for eating or baking down the road.

2. Store in a cool, dark location for at least two months before using.

3. The cherries will last as long as they are covered by alcohol. As you start to pour off more of the liquid, remove the cherries that are exposed to prevent them from spoiling.

4. Use the preserved cherries for garnishing drinks, eating as a boozy treat, or baking in any recipe calling for cherries such as chocolate-covered cherries.

Ingredients

• 1 pound fresh cherries, stems and pits removed

• 2 ½ cups sugar

• 2 cinnamon sticks

• ⅛ teaspoon nutmeg

• 1 quart (4 cups) brandy, whiskey, or bourbon

If you're not a brandy fan, you can substitute it with other spirits like bourbon or rum. The choice of alcohol will impact the flavor profile of the cherries, so feel free to experiment and find your favorite combination.

How To Make Cherry Bounce

1. In a large pitcher, combine brandy, sugar, and nutmeg; stir until sugar is dissolved.

2. Pour mixture evenly over cherries, put one cinnamon stick in each jar and seal the jars. Shake the jars and store them in a dark, cool area. Shake the Cherry Bounce every week until the holidays. When ready to serve, strain the Cherry Bounce and serve.

Storage of Cherries and Liquid

The liquid part of Cherry Bounce can be stored indefinitely at room temperature. As long as the cherries are fully submerged, Cherry Bounce can be stored at room temperature indefinitely as well. However, after the cherries are no longer submerged as the liquid is poured off and used, they should be consumed within a few days. If refrigerated, the cherries will keep for a few weeks. They will change appearance but they are still fine to eat. The alcohol in the cherries helps to preserve them. For longer preservation, you can freeze the cherries from the bounce for up to one year.

You can serve Cherry Bounce in a small glass for sipping or use it to create new cocktails for the season. It makes a great gift for the holidays too! Cherry Bounce can also be used in desserts. Just remember there is alcohol in the bounce and the cherries.

Ways To Use Cherry Bounce

Cherry Bounce–Infused Whipped Cream
Whip 1 cup heavy cream with 2 tablespoons powdered sugar and 1 tablespoon Cherry Bounce. Serve with pie, waffles, or hot chocolate.

Cherry Bounce Ginger Snap
Ingredients:

• 3 oz Cherry Bounce

• 3 oz ginger ale

• Cinnamon stick for garnish (optional)

Fill a rocks glass with ice. Pour in the Cherry Bounce, then top with ginger ale. Garnish with a star anise or cinnamon stick if desired.

Cherry Bounce Fizz
Ingredients:

• 1½ oz Cherry Bounce (or cherry-infused brandy)

• Splash of lime juice

• Prosecco or champagne

• Brandied cherries for garnish

Add the Cherry Bounce and lime juice to a glass. Top with sparkling wine and garnish with brandied cherries.

Christmas Sangria

• 3 oz red wine

• 1 oz Cherry Bounce

• 2 oz cranberry juice

• 1 oz orange juice

• 1 small cinnamon stick

Mix and enjoy!