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  • ร—
    Home ยป Infusions & Liqueurs ยป Cherry Bounce Recipe – An Easy Homemade Cordial Recipe

    PUBLISHED: July 30, 2019 โ€ข By Toni Dash 65 Comments

    Cherry Bounce Recipe – An Easy Homemade Cordial Recipe

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    This post may include affiliate links. As an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases.

    Cherry bounce title image

    Cherry Bounce is an easy homemade cherry liqueur (or maybe ‘moonshine’) with a long history and delicious flavor! Perfect for gifts too.

    Cherry bounce title image
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    Cherry bounce title image

    I originally discovered Cherry Bounce when considering how to use a batch of tart pie cherries I picked at the first of the summer many years ago.

    There never seem to be as many as you think after several hours of picking.

    Their short season made me want to stretch them out through the year.

    I discovered this easy, delicious liquor infusion recipe. After reading about its long historical roots I had to make it.

    Since originally making Cherry Bounce I’ve now made it many times for gifts too!

    Cherry Bounce in a jar

    What is Cherry Bounce?

    Cherry Bounce is a homemade cordial or liqueur. It’s made with a choice of vodka, bourbon, rum, brandy or whiskey as the main liquor.

    Combined with sugar and pie cherries, it’s mixed together and shaken or stirred daily. Left to sit Cherry Bounce develops a wonderful flavor.

    History of Cherry Bounce

    This recipe was originally shared on BoulderLocavore.com to honor George Washington’s birthday. Cherry Bounce, a preserved liquor, dates back to his days.

    Notes in the diary of Martha Washington referenced a recipe for making a large batch of Cherry Bounce using 20 pounds of cherries, cognac, sugar, cinnamon, and nutmeg and crushed cherry stones (no wonder George wore wooden teeth).

    Cherry Bounce was often made when cherries were ripe and timed to be ready at Christmas time.

    This version is more simple but just as delicious as I’m sure there’s was!

    fresh cherries in a bowl

    Ingredients in this Cherry Bounce Recipe

    This recipe uses:

    • Bourbon
    • Pie Cherries
    • Sugar

    NOTE: to use the cherries after they have infused, pitting the cherries before making Cherry Bounce is advised.

    Difference between Pie Cherries and Other Cherries

    Pie cherries are tart instead of sweet like cherries you’d eat directly.

    Their sour flavor requires more sugar but it preferred for baking and this infusion recipe.

    Frozen Pie Cherries Can be Substituted

    Finding fresh pie cherries can be difficult in stores. You-pick farms or Farmer’s Markets are the best bet in season.

    Try a store like Whole Foods as well.

    If they are not available frozen, thawed pie cherries can be substituted.

    Cherry Bounce in a jar process 2

    Making Cherry Bounce with Bourbon

    I chose bourbon, feeling cherries and bourbon are like twins separated at birth; they belong together.

    The smell of Cherry Bounce is like a Manhattan cocktail; heavenly.

    Over time, the flavors blend together to make a not-overly-sweet-not-overly-boozy tasting liqueur.

    The flavor reminds us of the deep Bourbon roots of our country’s South.

    How to Make Cherry Bounce – Step by Step

    For a detailed printable recipe refer to the recipe card at the end of the blog post.

    • Place the fresh cherries and sugar in a glass jar with lid; mix.

    sugar and cherries in Mason jar

    • Add Bourbon; stir together.

    Cherry Bounce in a jar process 1

     

    • Seal the jar. Place in a cool dark place.
    • Stir daily to dissolve the sugar.
    • Allow to sit for 3 months. Strain into a clean jar when done.

    Use the Infused Cherries!

    Once the Cherry Bounce is done, be sure to use the liquor-soaked cherries!

    They are great over ice cream, on other desserts or added to cocktails.

    A Special Christmas Gift Idea

    Cherry Bounce was often made and timed to be ready at Christmas time.

    It’s delicious within a few weeks but better after a long aging.

    Timing it for the Holidays

    Make a master batch or smaller batches and plan for them to have at least 3 months to infuse.

    A large batch can be divided between smaller, decorate bottles or in Mason jars.

    It’s simple and affordable to make, but a more unique infusion.

    Bourbon lovers and historians alike will appreciate a batch!

    The boozy cherries are great on ice cream too.

    Cherry Bounce in a jar process 3

    More Drink Recipes You’ll Love

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    • Homemade Spiced Pear Vodka
    • Homemade Coffee Liqueur: You’ll Never Buy It Again!
    Did you make it? Please RATE THE RECIPE below!

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    Recipe

    cherry bounce

    Cherry Bounce

    Three simple ingredients combine to sit making an irresistible cordial that dates back to George Washington's time. It's delicious after a few weeks and more so after a few months which was the original method.
    5 from 67 votes
    Print Save Recipe Recipe Saved! Pin Rate
    Course: Cocktail
    Cuisine: American
    Prep Time: 5 minutes minutes
    Total Time: 91 days days 6 hours hours 5 minutes minutes
    Servings: 48 1-ounce servings (1 1/2 quarts total)
    Calories: 59kcal
    Author: Toni Dash
    Prevent your screen from going dark

    Ingredients

    • ½ quart Bourbon
    • 1 quart Tart/Pie Cherries (pitted if wanting to use the cherries too)
    • 1 ½ cups Sugar
    • Jar with lid

    Instructions

    • Place cherries and sugar in the jar and mix.
    • Add bourbon and stir together.
    • Seal the jar. Place in a dark warm place. Stir daily until sugar is dissolved. Allow to sit for 3 months.

    Nutrition

    Calories: 59kcal | Carbohydrates: 9g | Protein: 0g | Fat: 0g | Saturated Fat: 0g | Cholesterol: 0mg | Sodium: 0mg | Potassium: 43mg | Fiber: 0g | Sugar: 8g | Vitamin A: 15IU | Vitamin C: 1.4mg | Calcium: 3mg | Iron: 0.1mg
    Cherry bounce title image
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    Did you make this recipe?Mention @boulderlocavore or tag #boulderlocavore!

    Originally published: February 21, 2011

    « Roasted Potatoes with Lavender
    Fresh Strawberry Pie: An Easy Dessert Recipe that Tastes Like Summer! »

    Reader Interactions

    Comments

    1. Sue Waldmann says

      July 01, 2024 at 9:25 pm

      5 stars
      I am definitely going to make this. Next week our townโ€™s cherry orchard opens up. Great Christmas gift ideas!
      Is there a cocktail recipe that goes with this infusion?

      Reply
      • Toni Dash says

        July 03, 2024 at 3:24 pm

        This is a cordial recipe which is consumed neat on its own. Iโ€™m sure it would be delicious in cocktails too. Sounds like a fun opportunity for some mixology experimentation! Enjoy!

        Reply
    2. Rose says

      November 17, 2023 at 6:30 am

      Do you think it would be OK to use honey instead of sugar?

      Reply
      • Toni Dash says

        November 17, 2023 at 11:49 am

        I don’t. Sugar has a different flavor and a preservative effect that is key to this liqueur. You certainly can experiment with honey but we always suggest making recipes as written; they’ve been researched and tested to the ingredients and methods provided.

        Reply
    3. Kerry says

      September 22, 2023 at 6:13 am

      I made this recipe today and did not pot my cherries. Is my recipe sage as long as I donโ€™t use the cherries?

      Reply
      • Toni Dash says

        September 28, 2023 at 3:13 pm

        Hi Kerry. I’m sorry but I’m not following your question. I’m unsure what you mean that you did not ‘pot my cherries’. If you can explain further I’d be happy to help!

        Reply
    4. T. Griffin says

      July 17, 2023 at 6:47 pm

      Crushed Cherry stones/ pits in Mrs. Washington’s recipe? Cherry pits contain cyanide. :0(

      Reply
      • Toni Dash says

        July 17, 2023 at 7:00 pm

        One of several reasons our recipe doesn’t use them!

        Reply
    5. A says

      July 01, 2021 at 8:28 am

      George Washingtons teeth were actually from slaves, not wooden.

      Reply
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    Welcome! Iโ€™m Toni Dash. Iโ€™m a Certified Nutrition Coach and the professional writer/blogger, photographer, recipe developer and creator of Boulder Locavoreยฎ. Iโ€™m so glad you are here!

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