Cherry syrup is a concentrated cherry extract used as a base for making drinks or soda.
Different types of fruit syrup:
The original version of these cherry syrup for drinks, also called black forest syrup o black cherry syrup, is made with sour cherries, and it’s best to prepare it with these. However, if you make it with regular cherries, it will still be delicious. Note that sour cherries are the ones used for pickling, the small, black, and VERY bitter ones that should not be eaten raw, as they are technically inedible due to their extreme bitterness.
Like grenadine, this cherry syrup is perfect for preserving the fruit for a longer time if you want to use it for making juice, drinks or slushies, as an alternative to traditional jams, which are not suitable for juice preparation.
How to store and how long does cherry syrup last:
This mixture can be sealed in vacuum-sealed bottles and stored in the pantry. However, the vacuum-sealing process can be quite complicated, so if you don’t vacuum-seal them, you can simply keep the syrup in a glass bottle (to preserve its flavor) and store it in the refrigerator, sealed, for at least 2 months.
If you want to preserve it longer, the easiest option is to pour the cooled liquid into ice cube trays and place it in the freezer for a couple of days. Once the cubes are formed (so they are portioned), take them out and put them in sealable bags like ziplock bags, and continue until you have all your cherry syrup in cubes. When you want to make cherry juice, simply put the cubes in a pitcher and fill it with water.
Uses for Cherry Syrup:
This delicious syrup has various uses:
- With crushed ice, you can make slushies or granitas.
- Mixed with water, soda, or sparkling water, you can make cherry-flavored drinks or juice.
- It serves as a base for cocktails.
In general, this syrup is an excellent way to add the delightful taste of cherries to a variety of dishes and beverages. The possibilities are endless!
Cherry syrup
Cherry syrup is a concentrated cherry extract used as a base for making drinks and juices.
Ingredients
- 2 lbs cherries
- 1/4 cup lemon juice seedless and without pulp (if using sour cherries, you can omit the lemon)
- White granulated sugar an amount equal to the weight of the cherries witout pits
Instructions
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Remove the stems and pits from the cherries (watch the video to see how to do it easily). Weigh them and place them in a pot.
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Add to the pot the same weight of sugar as the cherries and the lemon juice. Crush the cherries slightly using the back of a glass or a potato masher so that they break apart a little. Mix well, cover with a cloth, and let it sit overnight.
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Heat the mixture over low heat, stirring occasionally. Let it boil for 5 minutes and then turn off the heat.
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Place a bowl with a clean cloth-lined strainer on top. Pour the mixture and let it strain, stirring occasionally (do not press it, as the mixture will become cloudy), until all the liquid is drained. Bottle the liquid and refrigerate until ready to use and enjoy!
Recipe Notes
Don’t throw away the leftover cherries. Store them in the refrigerator and mix them with ice cream (especially vanilla). They are delicious!