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Cherry Simple Syrup is the perfect way to add fresh cherry flavor to your favorite summer drinks! I love adding it to cocktails, but you can also mix it with club soda for an easy homemade soda.
about this cherry simple syrup recipe
Who else loves cherries in the summertime?
I can’t say that I have tons of fond memories of eating cherries growing up, but I CAN say that cherry is one of my favorite flavors in the summer, especially when it comes to beverages.
The easiest way to add unique flavor to traditional cocktails is with simple syrup. They are so easy to make and all you have to do is add your favorite fresh ingredients to make them your own.
Here’s what you need to remember if you want to memorize this recipe…
It’s a 1:1 ratio.
That means 1 cup sugar and 1 cup water. 2 cups sugar? 2 cups water. And so on and so on.
Pretty simple, am I right? All you do now is add in your favorite flavorings. Today, it’s all about the cherries!
You can transform an old fashioned into a cherry old fashioned with this simple syrup (and I like to use smoked orange bitters with it – SO GOOD). The humble vodka soda can use a dash of this tasty syrup to make it perfect for summer. Whatever you like to drink, whether it has alcohol or not, this cherry simple syrup will infuse it with fruity flavor!
Other yummy simple syrup recipes: Jalapeno Simple Syrup | Strawberry Rhubarb Simple Syrup | Ginger Simple Syrup| Blueberry Thyme Simple Syrup
ingredients
cherries. Fresh cherries will yield the best flavor in this simple syrup. You can also use frozen cherries, just be sure to thaw and drain them before using them in the recipe.
sugar. Use granulated sugar (white sugar) for this recipe. You could also use light brown sugar or cane sugar if you prefer.
water. You can use tap or filtered water for this simple syrup.
this recipe’s must-haves
The syrup cooks in a saucepan and I like to use a wooden spoon to stir it all up as it cooks.
I use a muddler to smash up the cherries before straining through a fine mesh sieve into the container I plan to store it in. A mason jar is perfect for storage if you don’t have syrup jars at the ready!
Want to make pitting the cherries easier? Grab a cherry pitter!
we’re making cherry simple syrup!
simmer
Bring the sugar, water, and sweet cherries to a simmer over medium-high heat in a small saucepan. Reduce heat to medium heat. Let the mixture cook, stirring occasionally, for 10 minutes then remove from heat. Do not let it boil aggressively.
rest and strain
Smash up the cherries in the pan with a muddler (or the back of a fork) and let the mixture sit for about 15 minutes. This allows the mixture to steep a bit to get extra flavor from the cherries.
Strain the liquid through a fine mesh strainer into an airtight storage container (I recommend using glass!).
store
Cool the syrup down to room temperature before placing in the fridge. This syrup can be stored for up to 3 months in the refrigerator in an airtight container.
Need some more inspiration for cocktail hour? Check out my booze recipe page!
can I use frozen cherries?
If you want to make this recipe and don’t have fresh cherries available, you can use frozen! Be sure to thaw them completely before draining and slicing them in half.
how do I make a non-alcoholic cherry soda?
Use 1 1/2 to 2 ounces cherry simple syrup with 6 ounces club soda to make your very own cherry soda. If you want, add a bit of vodka for the adults!
how do I use this cherry simple syrup?
There are so many ways to use this cherry simple syrup! Here are some ideas to get you started:
- Use it in your favorite cocktails or mocktails! Just swap out regular simple syrup with this for a cherry twist!
- Make a custom cocktail like this cherry vodka sour or cherry bourbon sour.
- Add it to lemonade for a cherry lemonade!
- Use it in sparkling water for a bubbly cherry soda (details mentioned above).
- Drizzle on top of ice cream or other desserts.
- Stir into your favorite iced tea.
- Make an Italian soda.
- Use it with your favorite breakfasts like a stack of pancakes or waffles.
Finally, if you make this homemade cherry syrup recipe, please be sure to give this recipe a star recipe rating on the recipe card and/or leave a comment! I love to hear when you all make recipes, and I do take the time to respond to every single comment.
Feel free to drop questions below too, if you have them!
Oh and be sure to tag me on Instagram, Facebook, or Pinterest if you make the recipe! I love being able to see these recipes come to life in your homes – it’s my favorite thing to look through those photos. It really means the world to me!
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Cherry Simple Syrup
ingredients
- 1 cup pitted cherries fresh or frozen and thawed, sliced in half
- 1 cup water
- 1 cup granulated sugar
instructions
- Heat sugar water and cherries in medium saucepan over medium-high heat.
- Simmer 10 minutes then remove from heat.
- Smash up the cherries with a muddler or the back of a fork. Cover and let the syrup sit for 15 minutes.
- Strain and store in a sealed, glass container in the refrgierator.
Do you think there’s a difference in using sour Montmercy cherries (pie Cherries)? What kind of cherries are you using? I have a boatload of pie cherries in my fridge right now. Looking for ways to make use of them!
I used dark cherries, but any cherry will work! The flavor of the syrup will take on the flavor of the cherries, so it might have added tartness when you use the pie cherries. I think it will taste delish!