Can we talk about X-rated fruit today?! You know the type...the boozy fruit recipes that start to show up around the internet during the summer months.
Tequila soaked watermelon wedges, oranges wearing little miniature vodka bottle fascinators, and mojito melon fruit skewers...seriously, all good choices if X-rated fruit is your thing. This year I decided to jump on the X-rated fruit band wagon and show you how to make "adult" maraschino cherries!
Please don't confuse these with store bought, neon red maraschino cherries! These bad boys are a whole different thing. I have been topping my cocktails with these lately and the best description I have for them is that they are like a little shot with a fresh cherry chaser. There really isn't anything wrong with that, right?
I am working on a special cherry basil cocktail with these little beauties that will make its way to the site soon, so get your cherries started! Oh, and just in case you were going to ask I am also working on a non-alcoholic homemade maraschino cherry recipe for the kiddos. Stay tuned for that one.
But for now...let's indulge in x-rated fruit shall we?!
Step 1: Prepare the liquids.
Bring 3 cups Maraschino Luxardo to a simmer over medium heat. Once you see the first signs of a simmer turn off the heat and add 1 pound of fresh cherries, stems and pits intact, along with ¼ teaspoon almond extract. We lean more towards savory flavors in our home so I stop at the extract, but if you would like to sweeten this a bit you can add 2-3 tablespoons of agave now as well.
Allow the fruit and liquid to cool completely before transferring it to a large canning jar and storing in the refrigerator.
Step 2: Be patient!
OK, so this is the hardest part...You must allow the cherries to macerate in their boozy liquid for at least 2 weeks. Every 2-3 days remove the jar from the refrigerator, give it a shake and a swirl then place it back to marinate some more.
[mc4wp_form id="7635"]
PrintHow To Make "Adult" Maraschino Cherries (Gluten Free & Vegan)
- Prep Time: 15 mins
- Total Time: 15 mins
- Yield: 1 lb 1x
Ingredients
- 3 cups Maraschino Luxardo
- 1 pound fresh cherries, pits and stems intact
- ¼ teaspoon pure almond extract
- 2-3 tablespoons agave, optional
Instructions
- Bring the Maraschino Luxardo to a simmer over medium heat. Once you see the first signs of a simmer turn off the heat and add the fresh cherries, almond extract, and the optional 2-3 tablespoons of agave.
- Allow the fruit and liquid to cool completely before transferring it to a large canning jar and storing in the refrigerator.
- Let the cherries macerate in their boozy liquid for at least 2 weeks. Every 2-3 days remove the jar from the refrigerator, give it a shake and a swirl then place it back to marinate more.
Kellen says
Can these be hot bathed to extend shelf life or does the booze preserve them? I'm thinking Christmas gifts but would like to get a head start.
Eliza Clendenin says
Hi Kellen! What a great idea for Christmas gifts! The alcohol in the maraschino cherries does help with preservation, but if you want to extend their shelf life even further, hot water bathing (or canning) is a good option.
To hot water bath them, make sure your jars and lids are properly sterilized. After packing the cherries and syrup into the jars, process them in a boiling water bath for the recommended time based on your jar size and altitude. This will help create a vacuum seal and extend the shelf life.
Just ensure the cherries are fully submerged during the bath and follow proper canning procedures to maintain quality and safety.
Happy gifting, and if you have any more questions or need further details, feel free to ask!
Jessica @ Jessiker Bakes says
Wow, I love this idea! I need to try these out! I'm always open for boozy treats :).
Meg says
I hope you enjoy them in your summer cocktails as much as we do Jessica!
Mondo | I bake he shoots says
wow! I didn't know they were so easy to make. I might need some for one of my boozy desserts. thanks for sharing.
Meg says
Oh yes! Boozy cherries on dessert!
Abby @ The Frosted Vegan says
After I saw your post of these on Instagram I have been waiting for you to post the recipe! I have Luxardo hanging out at my house and I need to use it for this!
Meg says
Abby, this makes me SO happy!!! Seriously, these boozy cherries are cocktail perfection:)