Sweet cherries came into season in May and I have been buying them weekly ever since. Cherries are a great beginning at breakfast (Cherry Almond Smoothie, Cherry Breakfast Rice Bowls), perfect for a light lunch (Honeyed Quinoa Salad with Cherries, Apricots & Cashews), they contribute to a delicious dinner (Pork Tenderloin with Roasted Cherries), and of course, make delectable desserts (Cherry Hand Pies, Cherry Cheesecake Bars, Cherry-Ginger Upside Down Cake). They also fashion a fantastic Father’s Day gift for bourbon lovers!

Eric, Andrew, and Gilbert all enjoy a good bourbon, as do Kelly & I. Kelly bought Gilbert some bourbon cherries as a gift a few years back, then shared them with the rest of us during a celebration dinner at their house. The bourbon cherries added just the right amount of sweetness to the straight bourbon and Manhattans the guys were drinking and the Irresistible Manhattans the girls were drinking. After quickly using up all of Gilbert’s gift, I was inspired to go the DIY route and make them for our use & to give as gifts.

Bourbon Cherries

Bourbon Cherries (adapted from tastingtable.com) Yields: 18-ounces, about 20 cherries, Total Time Required: 20 minutes, Prep Time: 15 minutes, Cook Time: 5 minutes

Ingredients:

• 1 cup bourbon
• 2/3 cup sugar
• 1/4 cup fresh orange juice
• 1-inch strip orange peel
• 1-1/2 teaspoons pure vanilla extract
• 1/2 pound (about 20) cherries, washed and pitted

Directions:

Combine the bourbon, sugar, orange juice, and orange peel in a small saucepan. Place the pan over medium-high heat and bring the mixture to a simmer, whisking constantly, until the sugar dissolves, about 5 minutes.

Simmer the bourbon, sugar, and orange juice for about 5 minutes

Remove the pan from the heat and whisk in the vanilla extract.

Add the vanilla to the bourbon mixture.

Combine the bourbon mixture and the cherries in a 3-cup or quart-sized, sterilized container and place a lid on it.

Add the cherries to a sterilized jar.

Add the bourbon mixture to the cherries.

Allow the contents to cool to room temperature before transferring the container to the refrigerator. Chill the cherries for at least three days before using them. The cherries will keep in the refrigerator for up to 1 month. (The liquid makes a wonderful cordial after the cherries are gone, too!)

These cherries are incredible!

This is not only for Dads, but all bourbon lovers!  ~Linda

Bourbon Cherries (adapted from tastingtable.com) Yields: 18-ounces, about 20 cherries, Total Time Required: 20 minutes, Prep Time: 15 minutes, Cook Time: 5 minutes

Ingredients:

• 1 cup bourbon
• 2/3 cup sugar
• 1/4 cup fresh orange juice
• 1-inch strip orange peel
• 1-1/2 teaspoons pure vanilla extract
• 1/2 pound (about 20) cherries, washed and pitted

Directions:

Combine the bourbon, sugar, orange juice, and orange peel in a small saucepan. Place the pan over medium-high heat and bring the mixture to a simmer, whisking constantly, until the sugar dissolves, about 5 minutes. Remove the pan from the heat and whisk in the vanilla extract.

Combine the bourbon mixture and the cherries in a 3-cup or quart-sized, sterilized container and place a lid on it. Allow the contents to cool to room temperature before transferring the container to the refrigerator. Chill the cherries for at least three days before using them. The cherries will keep in the refrigerator for up to 1 month. (The liquid makes a wonderful cordial after the cherries are gone, too!)