Cherry Cordial: A Taste of Summer Preserved

There’s a particular scent that instantly transports me back to my grandmother’s sun-drenched kitchen: the heady aroma of ripe cherries mingling with the warm spice of allspice and a subtle boozy tang. It always meant that she was making her famous cherry cordial, a treasured family recipe passed down through generations. As a child, I wasn’t allowed a sip, of course, but I was entrusted with the crucial task of stirring the enormous bowl filled with glistening, ruby-red fruit and sugar. The anticipation, the forbidden allure, and the promise of cherry-soaked fruit over ice cream made it a highlight of my summer. Now, I carry on the tradition, bottling up the essence of summer for enjoyment all year round.

Recipe Overview

• Prep Time: 20 minutes
• Cook Time: 0 minutes (plus 1-2 months steeping)
• Total Time: 20 minutes (plus 1-2 months steeping)
• Yield: Approximately 4-5 cups of cordial, plus cherry fruit compote
• Dietary Type: Can be Gluten-Free, Dairy-Free

Ingredients

• 2 lbs cherries (Bing preferred, but any fresh cherries will do)
• 2 cups sugar
• 3 whole allspice
• 1 cup brandy
• 1 cup rum

Equipment Needed

• Large mixing bowl
• Sterilized glass jar or crock (at least 2-quart capacity)
• Fine-mesh strainer or cheesecloth
• Bottles for storage (sterilized)

Instructions

1. Thoroughly wash and pit the cherries. This is crucial; nobody wants to bite into a pit while enjoying their cordial.
2. In a large mixing bowl, combine the pitted cherries, sugar, and allspice. Gently mix the ingredients until the sugar is evenly distributed.
3. Pour the brandy and rum over the cherry mixture. Stir well to ensure all the cherries are coated with the alcohol and sugar.
4. Transfer the entire mixture into a sterilized glass jar or crock. It’s important to use a sterilized container to prevent unwanted bacteria growth during the long steeping process.
5. Tightly seal the jar or crock.
6. Allow the mixture to stand in a cool, dark room or in the refrigerator for one to two months. The longer it sits, the more intense the cherry flavor will become. I find that two months is ideal for a truly robust cordial.
7. Once the cordial has steeped for the desired time, strain the fruit out using a fine-mesh strainer or cheesecloth. Be sure to press down on the cherries to extract as much liquid as possible. This liquid is your precious cherry cordial!
8. Bottle the strained cordial for storage. Again, make sure the bottles are sterilized.
9. Don’t discard the alcohol-soaked cherries! Sweeten and thicken them for serving over ice cream or cake. They become a delectable cherry compote for the “big kids” in the family.

Expert Tips & Tricks

• Cherry Variety: While Bing cherries are preferred for their sweetness and deep color, don’t hesitate to experiment with other varieties. Rainier cherries will create a lighter-colored cordial with a slightly different flavor profile.
• Sterilization: Proper sterilization of jars and bottles is essential to prevent spoilage. Boil them in water for at least 10 minutes, or use a dishwasher with a sterilization cycle.
• Adjusting Sweetness: Taste the cordial after straining and adjust the sweetness if needed. If it’s not sweet enough, add a simple syrup (equal parts sugar and water, heated until the sugar dissolves) to taste.
• Booze Boost: For a stronger cordial, you can increase the ratio of brandy and rum, but be mindful not to overpower the cherry flavor.
• Patience is Key: Resist the urge to rush the steeping process. The longer the cherries sit, the more flavorful and complex the cordial will become.
• Jar Choice: Use a jar with a wide mouth for easy filling and removal of the cherries.

Serving & Storage Suggestions

Cherry cordial is best served chilled in small cordial glasses or liqueur glasses. It’s a delightful digestif after a meal or a festive addition to cocktails. The bottled cordial can be stored in a cool, dark place (like a pantry or cellar) for up to a year. Once opened, store in the refrigerator for up to 3 months. The cherry compote made from the strained fruit should be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator and consumed within a week. Reheating is not typically necessary, as it’s best enjoyed chilled.

Nutritional Information

(Estimated per 1-ounce serving. Values will vary based on specific ingredients.)

Nutrient	Amount per Serving	% Daily Value
Calories	80 kcal	4%
Total Fat	0g	0%
Saturated Fat	0g	0%
Cholesterol	0mg	0%
Sodium	1mg	0%
Total Carbohydrate	10g	4%
Dietary Fiber	0g	0%
Sugars	9g
Protein	0g	0%

Variations & Substitutions

• Spice It Up: Experiment with other spices like cinnamon sticks, cloves, or a vanilla bean for added warmth and complexity. Add these spices to the jar along with the cherries and allspice.
• Different Fruit: While cherry cordial is classic, you can adapt this recipe to other fruits like plums, peaches, or blackberries. Adjust the steeping time based on the fruit’s texture and sweetness.
• Alcohol Alternatives: If you prefer a less alcoholic version, you can use a combination of cherry juice and vodka instead of brandy and rum.
• Sweetener Swap: Try using honey or agave nectar instead of sugar for a different flavor profile.
• Non-Alcoholic Version: Use a high-quality cherry juice concentrate instead of alcohol for a kid-friendly cordial. Add a splash of balsamic vinegar to mimic the depth of flavor from the alcohol.

FAQs (Frequently Asked Questions)

Q: How do I sterilize the jars and bottles?
A: The easiest way is to boil them in water for 10 minutes. Alternatively, run them through a dishwasher cycle with a sanitizing setting.

Q: Can I use frozen cherries?
A: Fresh cherries are best for the most intense flavor, but frozen cherries can be used in a pinch. Be sure to thaw them completely and drain off any excess liquid before using.

Q: How long does the cordial last?
A: Unopened, the cherry cordial can last up to a year when stored in a cool, dark place. Once opened, refrigerate and consume within 3 months.

Q: The sugar isn’t dissolving completely. Is that okay?
A: It’s normal for some sugar to remain undissolved initially. The sugar will dissolve over time as the cherries release their juices and the mixture macerates.

Q: Can I reduce the amount of sugar?
A: You can reduce the amount of sugar slightly, but remember that sugar acts as a preservative. Reducing it too much might affect the shelf life of the cordial. Taste and adjust to your preference, but be mindful of potential spoilage.

Final Thoughts

Making cherry cordial is more than just following a recipe; it’s a labor of love, a connection to family history, and a way to savor the fleeting flavors of summer throughout the year. Don’t be intimidated by the long steeping time – the anticipation is part of the fun! Once you’ve tasted the richly flavored, ruby-red elixir, you’ll understand why this recipe has been treasured for generations. I encourage you to give it a try, experiment with your own variations, and share the delicious results with friends and family. Perhaps a splash of the cherry cordial in a sparkling wine or a drizzle over vanilla bean ice cream? The possibilities are endless. Happy cordial making!