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    Where Is My Spoon > Preserves and Canning Recipes

    Published: Jul 20, 2020 · Modified: Mar 4, 2022 by Adina · 3 Comments

    Cherry Syrup

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    syrup in a bottle and mixed with water in a glass.

    Cherry syrup – an easy way of preserving cherries. No pitting required! Great with sparkling water, in cocktails or over desserts.

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    If you are looking for another way of preserving cherries this summer, try this simple cherry syrup. It is so easy to make, so flavorful and brightly colored. It keeps well, there are many ways to use it and it makes a wonderful gift.

    homemade syrup with cherries

    Or try some Cherries in Kirsch or in Syrup. Or can cherries jars, the old-fashioned way, I think I must have canned about 12 jars this year and I still had tons of fruit left for other preserves like red wine cherries, vinegar or cakes like the almond cherry cake, or the cherry Bakewell cake.

    And one of the best things about this recipe? You don't have to pit the cherries!!! Which is always a great relief. I mean, I love my pitter, but I love it even more not to pit... (Amazon affiliate link).

    glass of red mixed drink with cherry flavor

    What do you need?

    Sweet cherries:

    • I always use heart cherries from our tree in the garden.
    • Bing or Picotta are pretty similar.
    • And actually, any other sweet ones you happen to have would be fine.
    • I can imagine making sour cherry syrup as well, but getting my hands on some of those is quite impossible...
    • Frozen should also be fine as well, but I've never actually used them, as I have so many fresh ones every summer.

    Other ingredients:

    • Sugar, lemon, and vanilla extract.
    • Vanilla extract is optional, but it adds a nice flavor.

    Other spices:

    • I've also used tonka beans (½ a small bean) to flavor this syrup. Absolutely amazing, do use it if you can get any.
    • I usually order a small package online and freeze the beans, they are very powerful, you will only need a little for a lot of flavor. Either halve them (it works even when they are frozen) or grate a small amount and place the remaining bean (quickly) back into the freezer.
    • Instead of vanilla or tonka, you could also flavor the syrup with 1 small cinnamon stick or star anise. A thick slice of fresh ginger, 2-3 whole cardamom pods, 1-2 cloves, or all-spices berries are also great ideas.
    cherry syrup mixed with sparkling water and ice in a small glass

    How to make?

    • Place the cherries without pitting them into a large, thick-bottomed pot.
    • Add the sugar, lemon juice and water and stir on medium heat until the sugar is completely dissolved.
    • Mash the cherries with a potato masher.
    • Add vanilla extract/tonka bean/other spices.
    • Bring to a simmer and cook for about 15 minutes until the cherries are very soft.
    • Strain through a fine-mesh sieve, pressing the solids slightly with the back of a spoon, to make sure that you get all the juices into the other pan.
    • Pour the syrup into sterilized bottles.
    straining cooked cherries through a sieve to remove pits

    How to store or can?

    • The cherry syrup will keep for at least 3-4 weeks refrigerated.
    • If you want to can the syrup, you might want to fill it in smaller bottles or jars that will fit in the canner or canning pot.
    • After canning you can store it in a dark cool place, like a cellar or a pantry, it will keep for about 1 year.
    • Canning is not necessary if you only make a small batch because the syrup will definitely not last longer than a few days before is all gone... it is that good!

    How to use?

    • The most obvious way of using it: mix it with cold sparkling water and enjoy it. The ratio of water-syrup is really to taste, but you will not need much syrup, as it is very flavorful and sweet.
    • Add a splash to lemonade.
    • Mix it with spirits like vodka or gin.
    • Make margaritas by mixing it with tequila, water, and lime juice.
    • Pour over waffles, pancakes, or ice cream.
    • Use to moisten cake bases or to add flavor and color to cake fillings.
    homemade simple syrup with cherries

    More syrup recipes?

    How to Make Mint Syrup

    Elderflower Cordial

    How to Make a Simple Strawberry Syrup

    Rhubarb Syrup

    homemade syrup with cherries in a small bottle with cherries behind it.

    Cherry Syrup

    Cherry syrup – an easy way of preserving cherries. No pitting required! Great with sparkling water, in cocktails or over desserts.
    4.50 from 2 votes
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    Course: Preserves and Canning Recipes
    Cuisine: American, German
    Prep Time: 15 minutes
    Cook Time: 25 minutes
    Total Time: 40 minutes
    Servings: 3 cups
    Calories: 56kcal
    Author: Adina
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    Ingredients 

    • 1 lb sweet cherries 500 g
    • 1 cup granulated sugar 200 g/ 7 oz
    • 1 medium lemon
    • 2 cups water 500 ml/ 17 fl.oz
    • 1 teaspoon vanilla extract optional, Notes

    Instructions

    • Cook cherries: Place them without pitting them in a large, heavy-bottomed pot. Add the sugar, lemon juice, and water, stir and cook gently on medium heat until the sugar dissolves completely, about 5 to 10 minutes.
    • Mash the cherries with a potato masher, and add vanilla if using (or other spices). Continue simmering, stirring from time to time, until they are really soft, about 15 minutes.
    • Strain through a fine-mesh sieve and press the cherries with the back of a spoon to help them release all the juices.
    • Pour the syrup into sterilized bottles. Keep refrigerated; it will keep for about 4 weeks.
    • Can syrup (optional): If you want to keep it for longer, can the syrup in a water bath or a canner for 10 minutes, adjusting for altitude. In this case, fill the syrup into smaller bottles or jars that will fit in the canner or canning pot. Leave to cool on a folded kitchen towel and store in a dark, cool place. The canned syrup will last for about 1 year.

    Notes

    1. Vanilla adds a nice flavor but is optional; the syrup will still be great without it.
    2. If available, use ½ a small tonka bean instead of vanilla; the flavor is just incredible.
    3. You could also flavor the syrup with a small stick of cinnamon, star anise, 1-2 cloves or all-spice berries, 1 thick slice of fresh ginger, or 2-3 pods of cardamom.

    Nutrition

    Serving: 1splash | Calories: 56kcal | Carbohydrates: 14g | Sodium: 1mg | Fiber: 1g | Sugar: 13g
    Tried this Recipe? Pin it for Later!Mention @adinabeck or tag #WhereIsMySpoon!

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    Comments

    1. Diane Sivewright says

      February 06, 2021 at 7:35 pm

      Is this a thick syrup or a thin syrup?

      Reply
      • Adina says

        February 07, 2021 at 1:15 pm

        Hi Diane. It's not very thick. Slightly thicker than regular juice.

        Reply
      • Michelle says

        December 04, 2022 at 2:26 am

        @Diane Sivewright,

        The syrup will thicken the longer it simmers.

        Reply

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