Description
Craft your own intensely flavorful maraschino cherries at home with this easy recipe. Perfect for elevating cocktails and desserts, these cherries boast a superior taste and texture to store-bought versions.
Ingredients
- 1 lb fresh sweet cherries, pitted (stems optional)
- 1 cup granulated sugar
- 1 cup water
- 1/4 cup fresh lemon juice
- 1/2 tsp almond extract
- Pinch of salt
- Optional: A few drops red food coloring (gel or liquid)
Instructions
- Prepare Cherries: Wash and pit cherries. Place in a heatproof jar or bowl.
- Simmer Brine: In a saucepan, combine sugar, water, lemon juice, and salt. Simmer until sugar dissolves. Remove from heat, stir in almond extract and optional food coloring.
- Infuse: Pour hot brine over cherries. Let cool completely, allowing flavors to infuse for at least 1 hour at room temperature.
- Jar & Store: Transfer cherries and brine to a sterilized jar, ensuring cherries are covered. Seal and refrigerate for 24-48 hours before serving for best flavor.
- Prep Time: 15 mins
- Cook Time: 5 mins