Bourbon Soaked Cherries

These bourbon-soaked cherries have hints of orange, honey, cinnamon, nutmeg, and vanilla. They're chewy, sweet and boozy; basically a mason jar full of magic. The sweet, oaky cherries are divine in traditional whiskey and bourbon drinks, like the Old Fashioned and Manhattan, but imagine them spooned over ice cream... or angel food cake...

I can tell you this: when you serve these cherries to your friends and family, you're making the bold statement, "I care about you". It's clear to everyone that you spent the extra time to make something special. You turned plain cherries into a complex treat, with nuances of vanilla, oak and caramel. But what nobody needs to know is that you whipped these up in ONE saucepan, with pantry staples! Your secret is safe with me. 

Bourbon Soaked Cherries 

1/2 cup water
1/3 cup honey
1 teaspoon vanilla extract
Pinch of nutmeg
10-12 ounces frozen sweet cherries, keep frozen until ready to use
1 cinnamon stick
1 strip of orange peel
1/2 cup bourbon or whiskey of choice

In a medium saucepan over medium-high heat, whisk together the water, honey, vanilla, and nutmeg. Add the cherries, cinnamon stick, and orange peel and bring to a simmer. Reduce the heat to low and simmer for 15 minutes.
Remove the pan from the heat and remove the cinnamon stick and orange peel. Stir in the bourbon.
Cool completely to room temperature. Spoon the cherries and liquid into mason jars, secure the lids and refrigerate until ready to use (the cherries are better if you let them soak for 2-3 days before using). Store leftovers in the refrigerator for up to 3 months.

Servings: 8-10