Boozy Bourbon Cherries: A Midwest Treat You’ll Want All Summer Long

If you’re anything like me, you know the Midwest summer is all about slowing down, savoring the season, and adding a little extra something special to our favorite recipes. And I want to share a Midwest favorite that is a great complement to any summer cocktail: Boozy Bourbon Cherries.

(Yes, it’s still spring but trust me when I say that you want to work a few weeks ahead on these! The longer they go, the better the cherries get! But if you can’t wait that long, that’s okay too.)

These little gems actually made their first appearance in my kitchen during the winter months. The cherries paired nicely with holiday cocktails and festive appetizers.

The best part? The cherries are incredibly easy to make — just three ingredients, a mason jar, and a little patience. The end result is a sweet, rich, slightly boozy cherry that’s perfect for topping your favorite desserts, stirring into cocktails, or sneaking straight from the jar with a spoon. (No judgment.)

Why Boozy Cherries?

Growing up in the Midwest, cherries and summer seemed to go hand-in-hand. Whether it was a fresh cherry pie cooling on the counter or a big bowl of cherries at a family picnic, they just belonged to the summer. This recipe puts a grown-up twist on that tradition — blending the juicy sweetness of cherries with the warm, comforting notes of bourbon.

And the best part? If you don’t have quick access to fresh cherries, that’s okay. This recipe works very well with (AND CALL FOR!) frozen cherries, making this a treat you can whip up any time of year (hence the holiday parties).

How to Make Boozy Bourbon Cherries

Ingredients:

• 2 cups frozen sweet cherries
• 1/2 cup granulated sugar
• 1 – 1 3/4 cups good-quality bourbon (enough to fully cover the cherries)

Instructions:

1. Place the frozen cherries into a clean mason jar. I’m using the 32 ounce wide-mouth jars.
2. Sprinkle the sugar over the frozen cherries.
3. Pour the bourbon over the top until the cherries are completely covered.
4. Seal the jar tightly with a lid and give it a gentle shake to help with dissolving the sugar.
5. Store the jar in the refrigerator for at least 1-2 weeks, giving it a little shake every few days. If you can let it go longer (3-4 weeks), even better.

That’s it! Over time, the cherries start to soften as they soak up the bourbon and turn into a rich, flavorful complement that’s pure Midwest magic.

How to Use Boozy Bourbon Cherries

There are endless ways to enjoy these beauties:

• Drop them into an Old Fashioned or Manhattan for a serious upgrade.
• Spoon them over vanilla ice cream for a little boozy, decadent dessert.
• Stir them into a brownie batter or pie filling for an adults-only twist.

A Few Tips:

• Use a bourbon that you would enjoy sipping. It doesn’t have to be expensive, but since the bourbon flavor shines through, quality counts. (Same rules apply here as when you’re cooking with wine).
• If you like a slightly less sweet cherry, cut back the sugar to 1/3 cup.
• These cherries can keep in the fridge for several months (if they last that long).